Ten Essentials for Day Hiking Around Denver

Whether you’re going on a hike to one of Colorado’s infamous ghost towns or on a cross-country skiing trip through the forests, make sure to use these ten essential systems below to prepare yourself for whatever might come your way. 

The original Ten Essentials

If you are a nature enthusiast, then you’ve probably heard of the Ten Essentials at least once or twice before. It’s a popular method of categorizing one’s basic needs for surviving the outdoors should something unfortunate happen, and it’s a practice that dates back almost a hundred years!

Back in 1906, a Seattle-based hiking club emerged to cater to the many hikers and climbers exploring the Cascade Mountain Range. The Mountaineers, as they were called, grew in size and began offering guided hikes and educational talks about all things nature and outdoors. By the 1930s, the club had introduced many beginners to the wonders and joys of hiking, as well as establishing climbing courses to further hikers’ education and preparedness.

Part of what the Mountaineers had to offer was a list of basic essentials that they determined everyone should have when hiking. They recognized that hikers from brand-new beginners to long-time veterans were all at the mercy of Mother Nature, and that heading out into the wilderness with minimal equipment was a great way to tempt fate and land oneself in some serious trouble. And, with a distinct lack of GPS and cell phone availability, a little trouble back then could lead to some serious consequences.

Thus, the Mountaineers first Ten Essentials list was created. Here’s what hikers back in 1930 were encouraged to carry:

• Maps of the area 
• Declination-adjusted compass
• Flashlight with extra batteries and an extra bulb
• Extra food
• Extra clothing
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Pocket knife
• Waterproof matches
• Fire starter

If your great-granny or grandpa were fond of roaming the mountains back in the day, this is likely what they would have been carrying in their old-school canvas backpacks. It’s not a bad list, sure, but there was certainly some room for improvement.

Note, for example, that this list of ten items is not really ten at all. If we read the list as-is, each “item” is vaguely described and not at all specific. How many maps, and of what kind? How much extra food? What is included in this first aid kit? And how many extra clothes?

Hikers found this list helpful but incomplete, especially considering there was no mention of water and shelter. The fire-starting kit assumed that hikers could start a fire anywhere and in any condition, not taking into account windy environments and snowy conditions that make firecraft near-impossible.

The new and improved Ten Essential Systems

After nearly a century of tweaking and fine-tuning the original Ten Essentials list, hikers in The Mountaineers have created a new and improved list of Ten Essential Systems that each hiker should carry while exploring the outdoors. 

The system's approach, rather than an item-by-item approach, allows for hikers to prepare according to their circumstances and to the nature of the trip, rather than just checking off a to-do list. 

And yes, each person in a group should pack their own Ten Essential Systems. In the case someone gets lost, the group is stranded or someone is injured, each individual should have adequate supplies to deal with unexpected situations. Plus, each person in a group could contribute to a need differently, giving the group more access to safety and care then they would otherwise.

The Ten Essential Systems

Navigation

Map, GPS system, compass

Part of navigation is knowing where you’re going long before you go. That means knowing your route, knowing how long it will take, knowing how to use your compass and knowing how to read a map correctly.

It’s always a good idea to bring a physical map with you in case your CalTopo app drains your phone’s battery. You can also get small GPS systems that use satellite technology to pinpoint your location in case of emergency. In general, though, keep these three items handy and know how to use them in a pinch.

Sun protection

Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothing

Hiking in the summer is awesome, I’ll admit, but wandering through a desert in the heat of the day? We’ll pass, thanks.

The sun is a powerful force of nature, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing to shield your skin from over exposure. That could mean long pants, long sleeves, and neck gaiter on long exposed hikes, or glare-reduction glasses on the snow-covered peaks. 

Insulation

Gloves, thermals, hats, jackets, rain layers, boots etc.

There’s no way we can list everything you’d need for every circumstance, so just remember to prepare your clothing accordingly to the conditions you’ll be hiking in. Bring the right boots and an extra pair of socks if need be. Pack an extra long-sleeve in case your day hike goes into the night. Bring more than the minimum-required clothing so that you can layer up if needed, and ensure your layers are water-wicking before you head out. 

Essentially, you’ll want to be prepared for the worst-possible conditions you might come face-to-face with, whatever that looks like.

Illumination

Headlamps, lanterns, flashlights

Pack extra batteries for whatever light source you bring, especially if you’re out for a few days. The last thing you want is to get delayed on a hike and have to stumble back to the car in the dark, so pack a headlamp for hands-free access to life-saving light.

First aid supplies

Modified first-aid kits

There’s no way to prepare for every possible injury and ailment, but there are certainly ways to be more prepared than most. Use a pre-made first aid kit as your base, then add equipment and supplies that are pertinent to your trip. This could include a handy booklet of issues that you might face, as well as guides to unfamiliar emergencies. 

Fire

Fire-starters, lighters, matches 

Fire is an incredibly useful tool in survival situations, so make sure to bring the materials you need to get one going in case of emergency. Keep fire starters and matches dry and lighter fluids full, and be sure to practice safe fire procedures in areas prone to wildfires. You don’t want to be lost and have to escape a wall of fire. 

Repair kit & tools

Knife, duct tape, scissors, can openers etc.

Depending on what equipment you bring, you’ll also need the appropriate tools to repair and utilize them. 

A knife can help split things that are stuck together, and duct tape can help stick things together that are split. A small sewing kit can repair holes in your waterproof tent, and a multitool can put holes in whatever the heck you need to put holes in. Bring can openers for your tins of food, or bring a trash bag for hiding food from wildlife. Whatever your circumstance, think of the tools you need to maintain your equipment to its proper function.

Nutrition

Food

A good rule of thumb is to pack an extra day’s worth of food if you’re heading out on the trail. Pack light, dry food that’s full of protein and won’t go bad, such as trail mix, granola bars, nuts and jerky. 

Hydration 

Water, water, water (and water treatment)

Water is your top priority, so stay hydrated and bring enough water to last you the entire day. Mark any potential water sources on your map so that, in the event of an emergency, you can find adequate water. 

Even if you think the water in the area is safe to drink, don’t bank on consuming untreated water. Bring a filtration system or iodine tablets to treat your water, just in case. 

Emergency shelter

Space blanket, tarp, bivy, tent

When we talk about shelter, we’re talking about equipment that can protect you from the elements. A space blanket protects from the cold. A tent protects from the wind. A tarp protects from the snow. These things will save lives, so don’t leave them out!

Next time you’re on a hike away from your cozy luxury Denver apartment, make sure you have these Ten Essential Systems ready to go in case of any emergency!

Good luck!

Pin it!

Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/nepalidevu