MOTRAILS - The 10 Essentials

The 10 Essentials List

The MOTRAILS list of the 10 Essentials compiled from 'other' ten essential lists:

1 - Extra Clothing. Especially when winter hiking, include raingearor an emergency poncho.
2 - Extra Food and Water. High-energy munchies, enough to carry you into the next day if stranded for a night. Enough water for the day with possibly some left over. Leave some water in your vehicle too so that you will definitely have some when you return to your vehicle.
3 - Knife. All hikers should carry a knife, Uses include eating, opening a can, first aid, whittling kindling for fires. A small folding pocket knife is fine.
4 - Fire Starter/Matches. To be able to start a fire when one is urgently needed as in a rainstorm or when you are lost, could save your life. Keep the matches in a waterproof container. I prefer to carry a lighter.
5 - First Aid Kit. Items can vary greatly but you should have some pain reliever, moleskin, bandages, antibiotic ointment, water purifer (iodine tablets), sunscreen, insect repellent,etc. You will find many lists here of what to bring with you.
6 - Flashlight. It isn't any fun hiking after dark. A small one with fresh batteries that weighs very little is ideal. Might help keep you from getting lost if you end up hiking after dark.
7 - Map/Compass. Always be sure you have a map with you if you are unfamiliar with the area that you are hiking in. Of course, a map and compass won't do you much good if you don't know how to use them properly so take time to find out how.
8 - Whistle. This is used for emergency rescues - the sound carries much better than yelling and won't wear out your voice. Keep it small and inexpensive.
9 - TP. Better safe than sorry. It can also be used to clean your glasses and to start a fire. Store in a zip lock bag to keep dry.
10 - Sunglasses. Not always needed under a heavy canopy but should be used where you will be hiking in the bright sun all day such as during the winter and with snow conditions.
Other things that you should be wearing include:
1- a good pair of boots and socks. Cotton socks do not hold their cushion very long so they are not a good choice for hiking or backpacking. Find a sock that is built for hiking and has extra cushion at the heal and toes.
2- Dress for the weather and layer your clothing as necessary so that you can take layers on and off to cool off or to warm up. Your clothing should be able to dry quickly. Wearing 100% cotton is not a good idea as it retains moisture and will not dry out quickly. The threat of hypothermia in the winter can be lessened by wearing clothing that dries quickly.
3- You lose 90% of your heat through the top of your head so a hat, cap, stocking hat, etc. are good things to have along or be wearing on the trail.
4- A Bandana. This has multiple uses, (if you have a red one - wave for emergencies) use as a wash cloth, sweat band on the head, shade over the neck if you tuck it under your hat, wet it and wrap it around your neck to cool off, a handkerchief, a water filter, first aid bandage, etc., etc.
Of course carrying these items means that you should have at least a daypack or a fannypack with you. Going out with nothing can lead to trouble.
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