The following is a revised list of emergency gear for hiking. You can view the original thread here. This list is a series of three groups of ten items each, the first ten being the classic Ten Essentials developed by the Mountaineers of Seattle Washington. My idea, for people that hike with me, is to require the first 10, strongly urge the second 10, and recommend that everyone carry all 30. Of course 30 items will not cover every and all situations. These 30 are intended to be a manageable, practical 72 hour emergency kit that will greatly aid in some of the common emergency situations that might arise on a hike (injured, ill, lost, stranded).

**The 10 Essentials**
- Map (topo, preferably around 1:25,000 scale with approx. 40' contour intervals)
- Compass
- Light (headlamp or flashlight), LED strongly preferred -- with extra batteries
- Sun protection (hat, sun glasses, sunscreen)
- Extra food & water
- Extra clothing
- Matches (or lighter or fire steel or sparker) <==at least 2 methods
- Firestarter (tinder) -- e.g. Tinder Qwick, Wet Fire, Vaseline cotton balls, candle, etc.
- Knife -- Fixed blade preferred
- FAK

**Additional Essentials**
- Duct tape
- Important Meds (3 day supply) -- Perscriptions, Antihistimines, Immodium, Anti-Inflamatory, etc.
- Whistle
- Signal Mirror
- Shelter (e.g. space blanket, space blanket bivvy sack, tube tent, etc.)
- Raingear
- Watch
- Bandana
- Insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin)
- Chapstick (SPF 30)

**Strongly Recommended**
* Multitool or SAK
- 55 gal trash can liners (3) -- Can be used as a pack cover when in camp, ground sheet for shelter, pack liner, etc.
- Needle & thread
- Squeeze light (as a backup)
- PLB
- Strong Nylon Cord -- Parachute "550" cord (Mil Spec) is an excellent choice
- Water retrieval device (straw, tubing, sierra cup, etc.)
- Water purification means
- Backup compass
- Pen & paper

Your insights and experiences are welcome.

HJ