#38: The Ten Essentials

What’s in your backpack? To prevent emergencies from happening while you’re hiking, and to deal with any that might arise, it’s important to include items from the Ten Essentials list. The National Park Service encourages all hikers to know what the Ten Essentials are, and to carry some version of them in their backpack. In this episode, we’ll discuss each of the ten categories, and give suggestions about what we like to carry with us on day hikes.  Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include: What forms of navigation you could bring in addition to a paper map What first aid items we’ve used the most What a ferro rod is and why you should practice using it Why you should carry duct tape What the 3-in-1 tool is that Karen never leaves home without Why we always pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches What are some ways to sterilize water along a trail What items we pack that are not on the Ten Essentials list What is Karen’s 11th Essential Links to more information: The National Park Service Ten Essentials Where to learn more about our books and travels Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you! Check out our Instagram account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices