Wilderness Safety

The Ten Essentials

The gear that turns an emergency into an inconvenience. Carry these ten systems on every trip into the backcountry.

To be prepared for an emergency — or an unexpected night out — experts recommend carrying these ten essential systems.

A map of the area you are traveling in and a compass are mandatory, along with the knowledge of how to use them. Maps should be topographical and waterproof. Off-trail travelers often carry an altimeter and a GPS unit as well.

See Navigation Basics.

2. Sun protection

Sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher are critical, especially in the mountains or on snow.

3. Insulation

Mountain conditions can turn cold and wet fast. Carry extra layers appropriate to the worst case, not the forecast.

4. Illumination

LED headlamps are lighter and more efficient than traditional flashlights, and they leave your hands free. Carry spare batteries.

5. First-aid supplies

Gauze pads, bandages, and any medicines you take. A compact guide to dealing with medical emergencies is worth its weight.

6. Fire

Storm/windproof matches and a lighter, stored in a waterproof container, are a must. Include a fire starter — candles or chemical heat tabs.

7. Repair kit and tools

A multi-tool is essential. Add safety pins, spare clips, cable ties, cordage, and duct tape.

8. Nutrition

Carry at least enough food for an extra day and night in the woods. Bring no-cook options: granola, jerky, nuts, candy, dried fruit.

9. Hydration

At least one water bottle per person, always. Carry iodine tablets or a filter so you can treat water you find along the way.

10. Emergency shelter

A tent, an emergency space blanket, rain gear, a plastic tube tent, an ultralight tarp, or even a large plastic trash bag.

The 11th essential — signaling and communication

San Diego Mountain Rescue strongly recommends that all wilderness travelers carry an emergency whistle and a signaling mirror. A whistle carries far further than your voice and costs you nothing to blow for hours. Cell phones and two-way radios add another layer of safety, but do not count on coverage.

Personal Locator Beacons

A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a portable transmitter capable of sending a personalized emergency distress signal to a network of orbiting satellites. It works where phones do not.

Activate a PLB only in grave and imminent danger, as a last resort. Once you trigger it, a rescue is launched.