Hiking • The Ten Essentials

1. Navigation (map and compass)
2. Sun Protection
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (flashlight / headlamp)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition(extra food)
9. Hydration(extra water)
10. Emergency shelter

Other Essentials
The Ten Essentials are required on all trips, plus a pack, lunch, water, adequate clothing and hiking boots. It is a Mountaineers policy that leaders leave unprepared hikers at the meet location.

Plan for the unexpected. Bring raingear - It will rain! Bring a pack big enough to carry all your gear comfortably. Wear water resistant boots - Trails are often wet. If an injury occurs essentials become extra important.

The case against jeans:
Denim is a dense cotton fabric. What's the last item of clothing out of the dryer? Should your jeans get wet on a hike they will take a very long time to dry and extract a lot of heat from your body. Therefore, jeans are considered unacceptable wear on Mountaineer hikes.