I’ll admit, I didn’t know what the 10 essentials of hiking were until recently, and it makes sense that it has been around since the 1930s, and still applies today.
I typically head out on day hikes with as little as possible, sometimes just my phone and a bottle of water. I think it is time to rethink my approach and be more prepared for worst case scenarios when heading out this fall & winter. 🤔
What Are the 10 Essentials?
The 10 Essentials are the basic items every hiker should carry to be prepared for the unexpected. They are:
Navigation (map, compass, GPS)
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
First aid supplies
Knife or multi-tool (plus repair items)
Fire (matches, lighter, fire starter)
Shelter (emergency bivy, tarp, or space blanket)
Extra food
Extra water (plus a way to purify it)
Extra clothing (layers for warmth and protection)
Even if your plan is just a quick hike, these essentials are what can turn a mishap into a manageable situation instead of an emergency.
Where Did the List Come From?
The 10 Essentials trace their history back to the 1930s, when The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based climbing and hiking club, created a checklist for its members. The goal was simple: help people be ready for accidents, delays, or sudden changes in weather.
By the 1940s, the phrase “Ten Essentials” was in regular use among Northwest climbers.
In 1974, the list appeared in the first edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, a classic textbook on outdoor adventure that spread the concept far beyond Washington state.
By the early 2000s, the list was updated to reflect modern gear. Instead of focusing on specific items, the 7th edition of Freedom of the Hills (2003) reframed them as systems—for example, “illumination” instead of “flashlight.” This shift encouraged hikers to adapt the list with new technology while keeping the core idea intact.
Why It Matters Today
The 10 Essentials are just as relevant on an Arizona desert trail as they are on a snowy mountain. In our Sonoran Desert climate, hikers often emphasize water, sun protection, and electrolytes even more, since heat is the biggest danger.
Think of the 10 Essentials not as a burden, but as peace of mind. They are a way to respect the outdoors while making sure you can handle the unexpected and return home safely.
What are your must haves when you go hiking?
