The 10 Essentials

 If you've spent any time in the outdoors there is a good chance you've heard about the 10 essentials. 

10 things you should have with you (and a plan for their use) when you are out in nature.  Below I share what I used this year on my camping trips and what my plan is for next year. (Plan for next summer is another 30ish day road trip a combination of camping and hotels along with a lot of hikes)

So without further ado- the 10 essentials. 

1. Food                2. Water                3. Fire                4. Fix it /Protection               5. First Aid

6. Insulation        7. Illumination      8. Navigation     9. Sun                10. Shelter

1. Food

    This Summer: I had the ability to pack for my whole trip at once. I had options for food at camp, but hadn't done much planning about where to eat outside of camp. I had cook and no-cook options and plenty of snacks.

    Next summer: I will not be able to pack for my whole trip at once. I will be able to order ahead at least my first grocery pick up at a safeway (love that), but will need to be flexible. I will probably carry some shelf stable items with me the whole time and try to go with the flow more. 

2. Water

    This summer I purchased 2.5 gallon and 3L waterbottles from the grocery story before each trip and filled up personal water bottles during my travel. 

    Next summer: I plan to have two 5 Gallon water storage cubes that I can refill and fill my water bladder from there. I love my water bottle, but it should just be used in the car and at camp.

3. Fire

    This summer I was camped in no burn areas so I only had to think about what I needed to cook on. I used a 2 burner Camp Chef Everest and while great it's way bigger than I need. It is my preferred fuel type. 

    Next summer: I need to increase my fire safety tools so the following will be added to my car and/or hiking pack: Water proof matches, fire starter/bic lighter and a fire extinguisher. I also am looking at smaller cooking stoves- Eureka has one I am interested in. 

4. Fix it /Protection

    This summer- I carried a pocket knife, a bear bell and mace. I also had a repair kit for my tent and a spare tire. 

    Next summer- In addition to all of that I will also have a repair kit for my sleeping pad and bear spray

5. First Aid

    This summer- I carry a first aid kit in my car at all times and a smaller version in my day pack. I just put a few bandaids, gauze etc in a ziplock bag. I also keep instant ice in the car. 

    Next Summer- Refill my kit probably carry a splint given some of the hikes I want to do and get stuff for blisters. 

6. Insulation

    This summer- I targeted the middle of the temperature ranges I would be in, and for the most part that was okay- at some point it's no longer appropriate to remove clothing, but at other points I wished for another layer or two. 

    Next Summer: I will plan better for the extremes and have extra layers. I have a car- so there is space. 

7. Illumination 

    This summer: I have a head lamp that is rechargeable- the perk of traveling in the summer is you don't need your head lamp as many hours. It is also SUPER bright so I can use it in my tent if needed. Additionally I have 2 sets of string lights that can be charged via USB as well as solar.   

    Next summer: I feel good about my set up and don't plan to change anything. 

8. Navigation

    This summer- I used paper maps and google off line maps and it mostly worked. 

    Next summer- Continue to have access to offline maps- especially for trails. Get some sort of Sat. Communicator for emergencies - I am looking at the Zoleo right now as a possible option. I also need to get a compass in case of emergencies. 

9. Sun

    This Summer: I had a wide brimmed hat, Eddie Bauer UPF button up shirt and sun screen. 

    Next Summer: I loved my sun protection set up this summer and plan to keep it the same though I'll likely add more UPF clothing as it was a game changer this year. 

10. Shelter  / Sleep System

    This summer: I used a 2 person tent. It was a bit of a pain to set up on my own, but it worked nicely. I used a tri-fold memory foam mattress- that did not go well. I used a 40-Degree sleeping bag and that was a good call

    Next summer: Since I will be gone a month I cannot leave my hubby without gear for his own trips, so I will pick up a 2 person shelter for myself, but will make sure it's easier to set up solo.  I will be getting a new camp pad, something much smaller but better for a side sleeper. As for bag I will use the same bag but bring my fuzzy blanket because I use it at home every day and miss it when I'm gone.