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