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