| A map and compass prevents one from getting | | | | broken fingers, limbs, cardiac conditions, |
| lost in the field. Losing one's bearing in | | | | hypothermia, frostbite, hyperthermia, |
| unfamiliar terrain raises the risk of anxiety | | | | hypoxia, decompression sickness, insect and |
| and panic, and hence, physical injury. Maps | | | | snake bites, allergic reactions, burns and |
| that cover the relevant area in sufficient | | | | other wounds. If applicable, include any |
| detail and dimension (topography, trails, | | | | personal medications. |
| roads, campsites, towns, etc.) and the skill | | | | |
| and knowledge to use them are indispensable | | | | A knife is useful for opening packages, |
| when traveling through the outdoors, | | | | building shelter, shaving wood for tinder, |
| especially when the place of travel lacks | | | | eating, field surgery (after sterilization), |
| signage, markings or guides. Even a basic | | | | cutting rope and clothing, etc. A larger |
| compass can help an individual find his way | | | | knife (machete) might be essential when one |
| to safety. | | | | needs or desires to go off trail into thicker |
| | | | growth. A heavier ax or knife is more |
| A flashlight protects against physical injury | | | | effective when one has larger needs for |
| when traveling in the dark. A flashlight is | | | | construction or for collecting firewood. |
| also useful for finding things in the pack, | | | | |
| observing wildlife in dark crevices and | | | | Matches (or a lighter) and fire starter |
| folds, and for distant signaling. Extra | | | | (tinder and kindling) to light a campfire is |
| batteries and bulbs are highly recommended. | | | | useful for preventing hypothermia and to |
| | | | signal for aid. In an emergency, a fire |
| Extra food and water can prevent or cure | | | | increases one's psychological will to |
| hypothermia and dehydration, common illness | | | | survive. |
| that can be serious risks in the backcountry | | | | |
| where immediate medical response is not | | | | A water treatment device (filter or chemical |
| possible. These items also minimize the | | | | treatment) make water potable. All water, |
| likelihood of panic. It is not recommended | | | | including that from streams, lakes, or pools, |
| that one eat food when there is no water, as | | | | needs to be treated for bacteria and viruses |
| the body requires water to metabolize food. | | | | in order to ensure safety. Most backcountry |
| | | | travelers carry a water filter: low end |
| Extra clothes protect against hypothermia. | | | | models are inexpensive and provide protection |
| Multiple layers of clothes are generally | | | | against many pathogens, but not viruses. Some |
| warmer than a single thick garment. By having | | | | more expensive filters and improved chemical |
| the ability to simply take off a layer of | | | | treatments get rid of most health risks, |
| clothes, one can avoid overheating, which can | | | | including giardia and other protozoa and |
| cause sweat and dampen clothing. Moreover, a | | | | viruses. Treating the water reduces the |
| change into dry clothes is the fastest way to | | | | likelihood of gastrointestinal diseases. |
| become warm. Extra clothing is also useful | | | | Since some chemical treatments such as iodine |
| for protection from the elements, including | | | | or chlorine may leave a bad taste, many |
| thorns, insects, sun, wind, and often cold. | | | | suggest mixing in a flavor to hide the taste. |
| If necessary, they can be cut into bandages, | | | | These include powdered lemonade or fruit |
| used as a tree climbing aid, made into | | | | drinks, or other Tang, Gatorade, or Crystal |
| hotpads, pillows, towels, or makeshift ropes. | | | | Light. |
| For overnight trekking, one should keep one | | | | |
| set of clothes dry for wear in the evening. | | | | A whistle is a compact, lightweight, and |
| One can wear the "day" clothes during the | | | | inexpensive way to signal for help. Although |
| next day's hike when they are drier. | | | | a person cannot shout for a long period, he |
| | | | can whistle for extended amounts of time. |
| Sunglasses help prevent snowblindness. | | | | Moreover, the sharp sound of a whistle |
| Sunlight, especially when reflected in snow, | | | | travels over longer distances than the human |
| can seriously limit visibility, and | | | | voice, and provides a much more distinct |
| jeopardize one's ability to travel safely. | | | | sound. Although environmental factors such as |
| | | | wind, snow, and heavy rain may drown out a |
| A first aid kit usually contains items to | | | | voice, the sound of a whistle is clearly |
| treat cuts, abrasions (blisters), punctures | | | | distinguishable in the field. |
| and burns. Additional items might address | | | | |