I've put together a list of emergency gear to be carried while hiking. See the list down below my "signature". I'd love to get your thoughts on the contents. What should be added? What should be deleted? What are important considerations when selecting the items that are on the list? My target is hikers in general, not just those who are interested in preparedness.

A word about the list: I started with the original "10 Essentials" put out by The Mountaineers. I then added three more groups of 10, each group being less critical than the group before it. I live in Southern California, so my choices reflect my location. For example fishing gear is way down on my list because the chances of finding fish are generally quite low here. I didn't list some things like a digging implement which I consider something that a hiker should already be carrying.

That being said, I publish my list below and invite your (thoughtful and intelligent) feed back.

HJ

**The 10 Essentials**
Map (topo, preferably around 1:25,000 scale with approx. 40' contour intervals)
Compass
Light (headlamp or flashlight)
Sun protection (hat, 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

**Other essentials**
- Chapstick (SPF 30)
- Personal meds (3 day supply)
- Duct tape
- Whistle
- Signal Mirror
- Shelter (e.g. space blanket, space blanket bivvy sack, tube tent, etc.)
- Rain gear
- Watch
- Bandana
- Pen & paper

**Important but not essential**
- 55 gal trash can liners (3) -- Can be used as a pack cover when in camp, ground sheet for shelter, pack liner, etc.
- Insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin)
- Needle & thread
- Squeeze light (as a backup)
- PLB
- Parachute Cord ("550 cord") -- Mil Spec
- Water retrieval device (straw or sierra cup)
- Multitool or SAK
- Water purification means
- Backup compass

**Other Items**
- Fishing gear
- Two way radio
- P38 can opener
- Cell phone
- Head net
- Work gloves
- Thermarest patch kit (Particularly in Winter)
- Insulating foam pad (Winter)
- Goggles (Winter)
- Pot, stove, & fuel (Winter)