There has been talk on and off in our forums about the 10 Essentials, which got me to searching for that magic list. Of course, there isn’t a single list, but rather a collection of lists that has evolved over time. But putting all of them together, I got the following rankings, which were interesting but may not apply to every situation:
1. Pocketknife
2. Matches
3. Compass
4. Fire starter
5. First aid kit
6. Map
7. Flashlight
8. Extra clothing
9. Sun protection – sun glasses, sun screen, hat, etc.
10. Extra food
11. Water
12. Whistle
13. Rain gear – no matter what the forecast
14. Emergency shelter
15. Signal mirror
16. Insect repellant
17. Water purification / water filter
18. Rope or cord
As noted, there is no one magic list for every situation, but it was interesting that the same things kept cropping up as essential no matter what situation you find yourself in.

The latest issue of Backpacker Magazine had an updated list of the 10 essentials. It was noted that the main difference with previous lists, is that the new list looks at systems (fire making, water, first aid, etc.) rather than single items, so if one were to actually count the number of items, it would exceed 10. Pete

Maggot - (There must be a heck of a story behind that name)

In going through past messages, I came upon this one and noticed the reference is to "a flashlight."
I have always tried to carry an "extra" bulb, as a single flashlight with a burned out bulb is useless and frustrating.
In some cases with the newer flashlights, the extra bulb is expensive, bulky and difficult to pack; it is more of an assembly with reflector as opposed to just a bulb.
In all of my nightime excursions, I have never had a "newer" model flashlight lose a bulb.
Anyone else paranoid about this, or is the quaility of the new lights such that it is not necessary?
I do carry a backup as well, so I would not be without some sort of light source.

Get an LED flashlight and this will not be of any concern. Pete

Skater,

I agree with Pete. However, if you are carrying an incandescent, you still should carry at least one spare bulb, as you stated you do. Even an under-driven lamp like in a Solitaire will break the filament if it is dropped very far when lit up. Normally driven or over-driven lamps will readily break from even a small impact. Ask Spelunkers...

Tom

If you carry the incandescant light for whatever reason you should carry a spare bulb AND a backup LED light. Something simple like a Photon II would be sufficient as a backup light but an Innova X5 would be way cooler and brighter and better and more expensive etc.

I have many, thanks.
Just can't seem to stay away from the candle burners.
I do carry two Eveready disposables with me in my car that I use for roadside assistance.
If I stop to help and the situation looks a bit strange or the individual just does not have a light, I leave them one of the disposables and split. I am out $2, but may avoid a problem.
And, I keep my more expensive lights.

I wonder if there is a 10 Essentials list for suburban/urban situations? For instance, a roll of quarters for payphones, a phonecard, or a mobile phone. How about all three?

Hello, Skater !

I don't want to express any statement about new products quality, but ......
My Surefire 6P (total on-time up to this incident = less than 20 minutes) experienced a drop of about 4cm (less than 2 inches) while on
>>> dead bulb !!!!!!!!
<img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

So, having a spare bulb (in that case a spare lamp assy) seems a necessity.
(when hiking, I keep a surefire spare carrier, with batteries and lamp assy, in my backpack)

That and/or a LED backup at least, as suggested by another forum member...



Alain

Agreed!
I tend to go with Pelican lights and as such, I do carry an extra light assembly as well.
Thanks for your feedback.

I had a similar experience years ago when I tried to put together the items for a PSK. What I finally came up with and Doug expounds on his web site is the 7 groups.

SIGNALING
EMERGENCY DEVICES
SHELTERAND PERSONAL PROTECTION
MEDICAL
WATERAND FOOD
PERSONAL SUPPLIES
MISCELLANEOUS / MULTI-PURPOSE

Or in my words and order of importance...
Fire
Water
Shelter
Knife-Tools
First Aid - Medical
Signalling
Food

Compared to your list then whistle and signal mirror would be lumped into signal group. Depending on your particular slant you may wish to include either, both, or something else in your kit.

Similar statement regarding water and water purification. Ideally we would like to carry at least some water but that may not be practical in an Altoid's tin. Instead a compact container and a method to collect and purify water would be an alternate choice.

Shelter can include clothing, debris hut, tents, tarps or a wide range of possibilities. A PSK probably would not contain any shelter but a larger kit may include something as simple as a trash bag or space blanket up through a tent.

Food is bulky, heavy and has a shelf life. Most kits instead include methods to gather food. Snares, fish hooks, directions for deadfalls and snares, etc. Larger kits will include some long term shelf life products that are low volume, high energy. Food is generally considered not as important since a body can exist without food for about 3 weeks. Assuming a short term survival situation, food is not the most important need for the first couple of days. Granted you ability to function diminshes the longer you go without food. It is also a big phsyicological boost to have adequate food sources.

Fire. Matches, flint and steel, MFS, lighters and various fire starters all have their place. What you choose to include will vary. The general thought is that disposable lighters or other one-handed firestarters seem to be the first choice followed by the alternatives.

I guess map, compass, rope would all fall under tools. Useful items but are not required to survive. They open options to make self rescue easier.

Insect repellent is a nicety in my opinion. You can smear mud over skin and it will keep insects from biting.

Sunscreen, raingear, extra clothing would be covered by Shelter.