Dayhiking.

One of the most popular participation sports around. Whether you are going out for a short stroll in the woods, or on a more strenuous trip traversing mountains and streams, a few minimum items are recommended to keep you safe.

Most outdoors experts have condensed a list of '10 essentials' to be carried with you at all times. There may be more, or less items that you prefer to carry, but the minimum gear to have along, if there is a chance that you may be caught out overnight, Should be considered carefully.

Routefinding:

• Map and compass. Don't take navigation for granted just because it's only a dayhike. Ten miles from the car is still 10 miles into the backcountry. If you carry them, know how to use them.
• Flashlight or Headlamp. Test it before heading out, and pack extra batteries if you expect to be hiking in the dark.

Food and Water

• Extra Food and water. Sounds obvious, but many dayhikers underestimate how much fuel they'll need for a 12- to 16-hour day. Pack a couple lunches and a few snacks or energy bars. Check water availability; if you can't refill along the way, carry a few quarts, more in hot weather.

First Aid

• Basic first-aid kit. Think about the stuff you'd need to patch injuries long enough to hike out--a few bandages, some antiseptic wipes, and butterfly bandages for cuts, a triangular bandage (also works as a sling, bandanna, and athletic wrap), and tape.

Shelter

• Extra Clothing. A rain parka and an extra sweater go a long way to keep you warm inf you must stay out longer than expected. Know the expected conditions and plan accordingly. Toss in a warm hat. It won't take much space in your pack, but provides the warmth of an extra sweater if the mercury dips or if you have to sleep out. Clothing can serve as emergency shelter, so consider the extras that you casually toss in your pack.
• Emergency Blanket. One of those mylar blankets don't take up any room, but can be useful as a windbreak, or just a little warmth wrapped around you if you are out longer than planned.
• Fire. Lighter or matches in a waterproof container. Consider carefully, as in the western US, if the little fire for warmth gets out of hand, you may be found, but wish you weren't.

Miscellaneous

• A small pocketknife is always useful.
• Daypack. All this stuff, you gotta carry somehow. The capacity you need depends on weather conditions and what you'd need to survive a night out. Count on extra space for photography equipment or other gear for hobbies like drawing or fishing.
• Cell Phone. Nice to have along, but you may find that it doesn't work when you need it most. Don't depend on one, as the Cell Towers are usually optimized for citys and roadways, you may be in a canyon or other location that has no reception.

Place these basic items in your day pack or backpack, and you've taken a responsible first step toward ensuring a safe journey into the wilderness. There are no guarantees, of course (that's adventure!), but these items, and the knowledge of how to utilize them, always tip the odds in your favor. Don't forget to always tell someone where you're going.

Allan Lauchlan
9/05/02