SEATTLE BRANCH
SEATTLE BRANCH
The Ten Essentials
1. Map.
Having a Map and knowing how to use it are different things, we don't expect new members to be proficient right away. Feel free to ask the activity leader questions about the map, route or symbols on the map. This will keep the leaders sharp too.
2. Compass.
This is an essential tool for map and field navigation. Read and keep the instructions that come with the compass. Get a compass that has declination adjustment or be prepared to subtract 22 (or was it add?) from every reading to account for the difference between true north and magnetic north.
3. Flashlight/Headlamp.
Since you only carry one, make it versatile and I think that would be a headlamp rather than a flashlight. Having your hands free and the light moving with your eyes is great advantage when traveling in the dark. If you ever needed to you could hold the headlamp in your hand anyway, whereas gluing the flashlight to your head doesn't work. Carry extra batteries and an extra light bulb.
4. Extra Food.
Have a lunch for day hikes, snacks for on the way AND enough extra food to make you feel good if you had to stay out overnight. That's not a dinner extra but maybe a couple candy bars or a pack of nuts/raisins/dried fruit. A little of your favorite comfort food would be in order.
5. Waterproof Matches.
A quantity of wooden or water proof matches stored watertight in addition to a daily user lighter is recommended.
6. Extra Clothes.
Besides the basic of inner and outer socks, boots, underwear, pants, shirt, sweater or pile coat, hat, mitts or gloves, and raingear consider carrying extra long underwear and to protect the extremities, heavy mittens, extra thick socks and extra warm hat. Winter conditions merit more warmth and dryness of spare gloves and socks. Consider warmth saving mini shelters.
7. Sunglasses.
Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the harmful effects of to much ultraviolet rays. This is particularly important on snow as the reflective light doubles the effect. The damage gets done before the symptoms arrive so put them on before you need to. Eyeglass side shields will also help protect your eyes from the UV's and from windborne dust and snow.
8. First-aid Kit.
Prevention is the key to not having to get your kit out but once you need it, you will be glad you have carried it so many times without use. The basic use will be to stabilize a situation, not do an operation so it should be compact, waterproof and sturdy. Carry enough bandages and gauze to manage severe bleeding which is a common injury in the backcountry. Consider the length of your trip and distance from additional help when packing your kit.
9. Pocket Knife.
A multi tool knife seems to be a good solution to carrying only one tool of this type. You need your knife to do many jobs perhaps, so consider versatility as very important in making your selection. The trip specifics should be considered when packing. Tiger Mt probably needs only a blade to cut your apple at the top whereas a week deep in the North Cascades might require an awl, screwdriver and can opener.
10. Fire Starter.
The easiest type of fire starter seems to be the solid or paste chemical fuels which burn hot and light easy. A candle will work perhaps but not if the rain keeps putting it out. If you need your emergency fire starter you will want the most aggressive technique available. Try it at home before the emergency.
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