10 Essentials (and more)

[HoosierMud]

For anyone who might be going on a backcountry trip, here is a list of things that are helpful. The "TEN Essentials" should be a no-brainer, but . . . . The other items are suggestions. You should add or delete items that pertain to your particular situation.

This list could also be used to help start an emergency/disaster kit for your home.
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Backcountry Equipment

The TEN Essentials (and more)

__ 1. Magnetic Compass/GPS/Topographic Map(s)
*Notice Compass comes before a GPS unit.

__ 2. Flashlights and extra batteries

__ 3. Extra Clothing
Winter Coat, hats, gloves, rain gear (large trash bag, if needed, can be used.)

__ 4. Sunglasses

__ 5. Extra Food/Water

__ 6. Matches in waterproof container

__ 7. Candles/Fires starter

__ 8. Pocket knife (Swiss Army knife style?)

__ 9. First aid kit (Snake Bite Kit, if Applicable)

__ 10. Space blanket (again, large heavy duty trash bags will do in an emergency)

Other Things

__ Duct Tape!
__ Medications/prescriptions you are currently taking
__ Bug Repellent
__ Extra 2 quarts of engine oil
__ Tool Kit (rachets/wrenches/screwdrivers)
__ Extra water/coolant for radiator
__ Toilet Paper
__ Small Army Type Shovel (with serated edge)
__ Dry Socks (wool best in winter)
__ Hose clamps (various sizes)
__ Tow Strap
__ Hiking Boots
__ Leather Gloves
__ Hats (wide brim best)
__ Zip Ties
__ Radiator Stop Leak
__ Multi-Fit Hose/Hose Patch (to repair broken radiator hose)
__ Cell Phone and Charger (They don't have coverage everywhere!)
__ CB/Ham Radio
__ WD-40

Other Things Continued

__ Waterless Hand Cleaner
__ Off Road Tire Patch Kit
__ Extra Coat Hanger (you’ll find a use for it!)
__ Extra pair of glasses, if you wear them!
__ Binoculars
__ Bungee Cords
__ Can Opener--manual--not electric!
__ Spare Key (on person)
__ Tank Sealant Putty
__ Hand Held Mirror

 

[muncie1]

Decent list. Thanks.

 

[ride22]

Nice first post.

 

[LtScott14]

Tarp, paracord, small hand axe, canteen w/ cup and case, spork, (or stainless container to boil water) signal mirror, whistle, poncho(lawn leaf bags you mentioned), poncho liner, sleeping bag- light weight. Ziploc bag w/ asprin, tums, immodium, basic gauze bandages/bandaids, tube of neosporin, tweezers. I don't buy first aid kits, but if you buy a basic one and build up your own for your needs. Edible plants playing cards, dangerous snakes/bugs pictures(or laminated card) Couple backpacks to split up car stuff, every day stuff, bushcraft, etc. Army duffles work well and cheap. Alice packs are pretty cheap on the internet, imported ones sometimes are built really well. Buyer beware. Check Goodwill, they have stuff on occasion. I bought 2 coleman lanterns, propane 1lb for $8.00 ea. Saw a cook stove, had a price of $12.00, looked used one time. Went to my car, came back gone! Good post, just adding to to your list.

 

[OneShotFOGE]

I didnt see a gun on that list. I think thats a must for a fellow INGO

 

[ride22]

Tarp, paracord, small hand axe, canteen w/ cup and case, spork, (or stainless container to boil water) signal mirror, whistle, poncho(lawn leaf bags you mentioned), poncho liner, sleeping bag- light weight. Ziploc bag w/ asprin, tums, immodium, basic gauze bandages/bandaids, tube of neosporin, tweezers. I don't buy first aid kits, but if you buy a basic one and build up your own for your needs. Edible plants playing cards, dangerous snakes/bugs pictures(or laminated card) Couple backpacks to split up car stuff, every day stuff, bushcraft, etc. Army duffles work well and cheap. Alice packs are pretty cheap on the internet, imported ones sometimes are built really well. Buyer beware. Check Goodwill, they have stuff on occasion. I bought 2 coleman lanterns, propane 1lb for $8.00 ea. Saw a cook stove, had a price of $12.00, looked used one time. Went to my car, came back gone! Good post, just adding to to your list.

Just a little food for thought; Neosporin is virtually worthless anymore for protecting. You would be better off getting a liquid disinfectant.

Also, I would also add hand lotion of some sort.

 

[HoosierMud]

We keep a knife within reach in our three Jeeps in case of a seat belt malfunction. Yes, I'm paranoid, but I had it happen in my work truck and I cut myself out with my boxcutter I was carrying for work:-)

 

[pudly]

We keep a knife within reach in our three Jeeps in case of a seat belt malfunction. Yes, I'm paranoid, but I had it happen in my work truck and I cut myself out with my boxcutter I was carrying for work:-)

I keep a ResQMe tool in the car for this function- cheap at $10 and it has both a seatbelt cutter and window breaker.

 

[kpt]

I keep a ResQMe tool in the car for this function- cheap at $10 and it has both a seatbelt cutter and window breaker.

+1 on that... Bought it initially for my wife since the window break is spring loaded and takes almost no effort to operate. Now I have about 5 in various places including all of our vehicles.

 

[hooky]

This must be a drive in/base camp list not a backcountry backpacking or canoe trip. My back hurts just thinking about the weight of the pack.

I might suggest a water filter in lieu of extra water. Some sort of tent/tarp/shelter might be a good idea too.