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10
Hiking Essentials |
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1. Water |
Water
is the most vital necessity in a survival situation. You
can' t live long without it, especially in the desert
where you lose water rapidly through perspiration. Your
body loses fluid as a result of heat, cold, stress and
exertion. Even in cold areas, you need a minimum of 2
liters of water each day to maintain efficiency. You can
live for up to a month without food, but only a few days
without water. |
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2. Map |
So you can
get where you're going or communicate your location to
rescuers. If you get lost you may be able to find
features on the map to help pinpoint your location. |
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3. Compass |
Critical
for navigation! |
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4. Flashlight or Headlamp |
Walking in
the dark can be dangerous. Not seeing a pot hole or
loose rock can make your situation even worse. Don't
forget spare bulbs and batteries. |
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5. Extra Food |
To
generate warmth and
increase strength. |
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6. Extra Clothing |
Temperatures
at night can drop dramatically. Wet clothes can deplete
your body of essential heat. Having spare clothes can
save your life. |
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7. Sunglasses |
Eyes
are especially vulnerable to bright sunlight and
damaging UV rays typical in the desert and mountains.
These can help avoid eye damage. |
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8. First Aid Supplies |
A ready-made,
store-bought kit may not have everything you need. It is
best to construct your own, based on expert advice. Some
standard elements include, but are not limited to:
- sterile gauze pads
- band-aids
- antiseptic
- roll of 2" gauze
- moleskin
- tweezers
- adhesive tape
- triangular bandage
- personal medication
(if applicable)
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9. Knife or Multi-tool |
Can
be incredibly versatile in time of need. |
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10.
Matches or Fire Starter |
Being able to
start a fire can be the difference between life and
death. Be sure to keep them in a waterproof container. A
fire starter, such as a candle, kindling or chemical
accelerant, increases your odds of successfully getting
a blaze going.
If you must start a fire, be
responsible! Wildfires are a real
threat to the Wilderness as well as to victims
and rescuers! |
