10 Essential Pieces of Equipment
Safety and comfort depend on having the correct gear.
In addition to having a
positive attitude, everyone should carry the following gear:
| 1. |
Compass |
- In case you get lost, to avoid going in circles
- Make sure to have a map, to avoid walking off a cliff.
- Make sure to learn how to use a compass.
|
| 2. |
Extra Food |
- You can stuck out longer for many reasons: getting lost, needing to take a long detour, someone getting hurt, etc.
- Extra food such as an energy bar, handful of gorp, etc. can provide that extra boost necessary to get home safely.
|
| 3. |
First Aid Kit |
- A simple first aid kit can help you get home after minor injuries.
- Keep it simple. Most outfitters sell good prepackaged first aid kits.
- Make sure to learn how to use it and perform
Wilderness First Aid.
|
| 4. |
Flashlight |
- For finding your way if you you end up out after dark.
- Can also be used to signal for help.
- Make sure to bring extra batteries and bulb (and keep them dry).
|
| 5. |
Lighter/Matches |
- A hot drink and the warmth from a fire can keep you alive if you get stuck overnight.
- Fires can also be used to signal for help.
- Make sure the lighter or matches are waterproof and kept dry.
|
| 6. |
Map |
- A map can help you find where you are, how far you have to go, water, emergency routes home if you're lost or someone gets hurt.
- Leaders should always have maps. However, all group members should carry maps, in case they get separated from the rest of the group.
- Make sure to learn how to use a map.
|
| 7. |
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing |
- The weather report's always right? Wrong! Even on a warm, sunny day it can rain or get cold, especially if you end up out after dark.
- Most of your warmth is lost through your head, so always bring a hat.
- Avoid cotton as it won't keep you dry if it gets wet and won't dry out if it gets wet.
- Layering is important. Wear multiple lighter layers instead of one heavy layer.
|
| 8. |
Multi-Purpose Tool |
- Not a knife to skin a bear. A small multi-purpose tool can perform wonders in the wild: create bandages, remove splinters, fix gear, perform repairs, open cans, and on and on and on.
|
| 9. |
Water and Purification |
- At least 2 quarys of water. More in dry, hot climates.
- Water can be purified using tablets (e.g., iodine or chlorine) or a filter.
- Most problems in the outdoors are caused by not drinking enough. If you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated. Just drinking enough to get rid of your thirst is not enough; you're still dehydrated. Don't worry about peeing in the woods: better a little discomfort peeing than to have serious medical problems. Anyway, you're probably sweating all the water anyway, even on a cool day!
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| 10. |
Whistle |
- A shout gets lost in the woods. A whistle carries much farther.
- A whistle can be used to attact attention if you get lost or hurt.
- Make sure to learn how to signal with a whistle.
|
Additional Recommended Equipment
| 11. |
Shelter |
- A bivvy bag or a tent can allow you to spend an unexpected night outdoors.
- Very important in cool (<60°) conditions.
|
| 12. |
Sunscreen, Sunglasses |
- Ultraviolet light causes cataracts and skin cancer, even on cloudy days.
- Long sleeves and long pants also reduce exposure to the sun as well as provide protection from poison ivy, ticks, chiggers, etc
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We always welcome additional suggestions for training opportunities.
Please e-mail any suggested additions or comments to the
education chair.
AMC