There are three types of people when it comes to the outdoors. First, people who feel they need an excessive amount of gear or experience to even go for a walk in the woods. Second, people who treat nature flippantly—those who enter situations they’re completely unprepared for. Third, well, that’s the type you want to be—those who’ve found the right balance between preparation, experience, and adventure. And what’s a key component to being prepared? Answer: always bringing your outdoor EDC (every day carry), otherwise known as the Ten Essentials.
The Ten Essentials
The Ten Essentials are the items that many outdoor organizations recommend always carrying for safe travel in the backcountry. They were first published in the 3rd edition of Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills in 1974. Since then, many organizations, books, and clubs have recommended that people carry some form of all these any time they go into the backcountry. While many outdoor enthusiasts will add or subtract from the list depending on different conditions and situations, the list has been remarkably stable over the years. But while the original Ten Essentials were ten specific items, the modern list takes a “systems” approach, with each category in the system having many options.
Here’s a list of our favorite outdoor EDC items, grouped by the Ten Essentials category. There’s no excuse for not carrying at least one thing from each category, even for simple day hikes!
1. Navigation
The foundation of being prepared in the backcountry is knowing where you are, where you’re going, and how you’re going to get there. So the beginning of your outdoor EDC is learning how to read a map and getting some basic compass skills. Knowledge of map and compass can help you get unlost, but nothing beats not getting lost in the first place. So plan ahead and prepare by knowing your intended route well.
Top Pick and Budget Option
Suunto A-10 Compass + Trail Maps from National Geographic ($21 + $12)
In the age of Google Maps, a compass might seem silly. But once you leave civilization, cell service is sparse and electrical outlets even more so. Even without any training, being able to follow a compass comes in handy. And with just a bit of training, a compass becomes a powerful tool. The Suunto A-10 has everything you need in a compass in a lightweight and inexpensive package.
A physical map, like a compass, might seem dated. But then it comes to backcountry navigating, nothing beats having and knowing how to use these tools. National Geographic makes color topographical maps for popular backcountry areas all over the world. They’re easy to read, durable, and waterproof.
Premium Navigation Option
Garmin Oregon 600t ($250)
If you have the money or just want to have the newest technology, a handheld GPS unit like the Garmin Oregon 600t is the way to go. It’s your map and compass combined into one. The Oregon’s smartphone-like color touchscreen makes it easy to use. The simple and intuitive menu layout gives you access to everything you need without requiring a computer science degree. It’s lightweight, has a long battery life, and is rechargeable. If you choose to bring a GPS unit, we still recommend bringing a compass as a backup option.
Check out: The 12 Best Camping Games for Your Next Adventure
2. Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from the sun involves more than just sunscreen. Protective clothing, seeking out shade, and hydrating are other important ways to protect against the harmful effects of the sun. Sun protection gear should be a vital part of your outdoor EDC. If you’re a climber, check out our article on Climbing Sun Protection Gear.
Top Natural Sunscreen
Badger All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 ($13)
Made with natural zinc oxide instead of chemicals, Badger All Natural sunscreen is environmentally friendly, safe for children, and blocks UVA and UVB rays.
Top Sunscreen
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70 ($9)
Nothing works better for active use than Sport Face from Neutrogena. It doesn’t feel oily on the skin and can last up to 80 minutes during intense activity or in the water.
Favorite Lip Balm
Joshua Tree SPF 15 Lip Balm ($5)
It’s easy to forget about your lips, but when they get chapped it’s all you can think about! Joshua Tree brand lip balm has the SPF you need for sun protection and organic and natural ingredients you will love.
Favorite Sunglasses
Sunski Classics ($51)
Protect your eyes in style with the Sunski Classics. Lightweight, inexpensive, and polarized—you’ll look and feel good.
Favorite Protective Clothing
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II ($47)
The one layer that can do it all. Great for active days in the sun from long exposed climbs, extended trips on the water, or desert backpacking. SPF 50, super moisture wicking, and added warmth for the colder times of day.
Read More: How to Make Great Camp Coffee
3. Insulation
Maintaining your core body temperature is one of the most important, occasionally difficult things you need to do when in the backcountry. Hypothermia happens quickly and has devastating effects on your ability to think and act effectively. Bring a warm layer and possibly a rain layer, even on a warm day, since nighttime temperatures can drop severely and weather can change.
Top Pick for Insulating Layer
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody ($299)
Winner of Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year award for 2018, the Micro Puff is everything you want in an insulating layer. It’s lightweight, packs down super small, and is water-resistant. Because it uses synthetic insulation, it still insulates when wet. Also, the left pocket doubles as a storage sack.
Budget Option for Insulating Layer
Patagonia Worn Wear (variable prices)
If you want the best gear at discount prices, nothing beats Patagonia’s Worn Wear site. Get lightly used gear at excellent prices while being friendly to the environment. Worn Wear is all about reusing and recycling gear instead of buying new.
Top Pick for Rain Layer
Arc’Teryx Beta SL ($399)
Arc’Teryx consistently makes the very best in Gore-tex jackets. The Beta SL is lightweight, breathable and offers long-lasting water protection. The jacket has a great range of motion and fantastic hood construction that allows for use with a helmet. The pockets are set high in the jacket to enable access even when wearing a harness.
Budget Option for Rain Layer
Outdoor Research Foray ($215)
Outdoor Research makes excellent gear at a good price. And the best part is they stand behind their gear with a great return and repair policy. The OR Foray rain jacket is lightweight, durable, extremely breathable, and offers exceptional ventilation.
Looking for more outdoor adventure skills? 3 Climbing Hitches Every Climber Should Know
4. Illumination
If you get stuck or lost outside at night, having a source of light makes a huge difference. In terms of safety, ability to travel, and not being terrified of the dark, a headlamp goes a long way. There’s no reason not to have this in your outdoor EDC kit. Check out our comprehensive Guide to the Best Headlamps. Or see our all around favorites below.
Top Pick
Black Diamond Storm ($50)
350 lumens, waterproof, red, blue, and green light, and only 5oz? This headlamp is one of the best on the market.
Budget Option
Foxelli Headlamp ($13)
At only $13 this is a fantastic deal for a good headlamp, plus it weighs under 5oz, giving you no excuse to not buy one and bring it with you on all your trips.
Check out: The Very Best Backpacking Packs of 2021
5. First-Aid supplies
Carrying a first aid kit as part of your outdoor EDC is important, but knowing how to use it is critical. Most backcountry medicine is about prevention: preventing dehydration, hypothermia, and other injuries. If you want to learn more, check out courses by NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute. They’re a worthy investment for any outdoor enthusiast.
Top Pick and Budget Option
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight ($18)
Adventure Medical Kits makes a first aid kit for every use and situation—from single day to expeditions. Our favorite for 1 person for 1-2 days is the Ultralight .5. It has all the essentials and only weighs 3.6oz.
Want more? How to Properly Fit a Pack
6. Fire source
In the survival world it seems like a lot of time is spent trying to build fire out of the most random things. Have you seen the technique of creating fire out of water and a ziploc bag? Crazy stuff. But instead of using any number of sticks, rocks, or ziploc bags, why not just bring actual fire with you? Also, building a fire, in most cases, shouldn’t be your first instinct. If you have a headlamp and insulating layers they can provide light and warmth without the difficulty and danger of fire building. But in case you need fire, this is the best gear for your outdoor EDC.
Top Pick
UCO Stormproof Lighter ($15)
This will light anytime, anywhere. Waterproof, windproof, and idiot proof. If you need a flame and the conditions are bad, this lighter is for you.
Budget Option
Bic Lighter ($2)
Nine times out of ten, an inexpensive Bic lighter will do the trick just fine. If you’re worried about it getting wet, keep it in a ziploc bag. For an added benefit, wrap it in duct tape for use in an emergency.
Top Backup Option
Waterproof Matches ($2)
Whether your butane lighter is $60 or $2, it can still run out of butane. For a super cheap and lightweight backup option, waterproof matches work great.
Looking for an adventure? Check out our Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
7. Repair kit and tools
Buying quality gear can make a difference under the rough backcountry conditions. But even the best gear breaks sometimes. It’s important to be able to fix your gear in the field well enough to keep things usable. Multitools like those from Leatherman give you the tools you need in a small enough package that you won’t mind carrying it as part of your outdoor EDC. Putting together a repair kit will help you fix things in the field. We put together a list of common items you might use in a repair kit.
RELATED: The Best Gear Repair Shops in America
Top Multitool Pick
Leatherman Wave ($100)
There is a reason Leatherman has become synonymous with multitools. They make consistently excellent products. And the Wave is their best-selling multitool on the market. It has everything you could possibly need and weighs just under 13oz.
Budget Multitool Option
Gerber Dime Multitool ($15)
A pared-down multitool, but it still has the essentials you need like pliers, knife, scissors, screwdrivers, and tweezers. It’s so small and light (2.2oz) you won’t even remember you’re carrying it.
Top Repair Kit Items
A good repair kit will have you prepared to fix anything. It should have useful items like bailing wire, nylon webbing, zip ties, and duct tape. Some of our favorite repair items include Tenacious Tape, Patagonia Expedition Sewing Kit, Gear Aid Seam Sealer, Snap-Bar Repair Buckle, Therma-a-rest Sleeping Pad Repair Kit, and Coghlan’s Tent Repair Kit. Build your own kit, bring it with you, and save the day when you gear breaks.
Check out: Why You Should Repair Your Gear Instead of Buying New
8. Nutrition
Nobody thinks well on an empty stomach. And in a survival scenario you need to be on top of your game. Don’t worry about bringing too much food though, as it’s definitely not the most important part of backcountry survival. People can last weeks without eating, but it’s also not fun to even go an afternoon without a snack, so a few bars don’t hurt as part of your outdoor EDC.
Favorite Emergency Bar
Quest Bars ($2)
High in protein and fiber, low in carbs with no added sugar. Quest Bars taste good and have the nutrients you need.
Favorite Meat Option
Epic Bars ($2.50)
Gourmet beef jerky. Made from real meat with other ingredients like bacon, fruit, and sesame seeds. They’re pricey, but after a long, active day, nothing tastes better.
Looking for something funny? Check out our Humor Page
9. Hydration
In the backcountry, keeping hydrated is second only to maintaining body temperature. Since it’s not always possible to carry enough water, you’ve got to be prepared to find and treat water to make it drinkable. Boiling water is an option, but it’s time consuming and requires a stove or fire. For its weight, size, and ease of use, nothing beats chemical treatments like Aquamira or bleach as part of your outdoor EDC.
Top Purification Method
Aquamira ($15)
Aquamira (chlorine dioxide) is a two-part treatment system that purifies water and then enhances the taste. It’s small, easy to use, and has a long shelf life, making it perfect for emergency purposes.
Budget Option
Bleach ($4)
Drinking bleach makes some people nervous, it’s safe to drink in small, diluted amounts, and it’s a great water purifier. Plus it’s super cheap—just two drops can purify an entire liter of water in only 30 minutes.
Read More: LNT 101: Don’t Be an Outdoor Asshole
10. Emergency shelter
Just like an insulating layer, an emergency shelter is about maintaining body temperature. If you are backpacking you probably already have a tent and sleeping bag. But for day hikers or climbers who get lost or stuck, an emergency shelter (usually just a space blanket material in sleeping bag shape) can make a long cold night a little bit better. They’re so small there’s no reason not to throw one in as part of your outdoor EDC.
Top Pick
SOL Escape Bivy ($60)
At half a pound the escape bivy is easy to carry. And its proprietary breathable fabric keeps you warm without condensation buildup inside. The orange exterior makes it easier for rescuers to spot you. Some people even use this bivy as their warm weather sleeping bag option.
Budget Option
SOL Emergency Bivy ($17)
The Emergency bivy weighs 3.8oz and fits in the palm of your hand. There’s no reason not to bring it with you every time you’re in the backcountry—the one time you need it, it’ll be more than worth its weight in gold.
All of our recommended products are below:
| Category/Item | Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Navigation | ||
| Suunto A-10 Compass | $21 | 1oz |
| Nat Geo Trail Maps | $12 | 3oz |
| Garmen Oregon 600t | $250 | 7.4oz |
| 2. Sun Protection | ||
| Badger Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 | $13 | 3oz |
| Neutrogena Sport Sunscreen SPF 70 | $9 | 3oz |
| Joshua Tree Lip Balm SPF 15 | $5 | 0.5oz |
| Sunski Classics Polarized Sunglasses | $51 | 4oz |
| Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II | $47 | 4.6oz |
| 3. Insulation | ||
| Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody | $299 | 9.3oz |
| Patagonia Worn Wear Website | n/a | n/a |
| Arc'Teryx Beta SL | $299 | 11.1oz |
| Outdoor Research Foray | $150 | 16.3oz |
| 4. Illumination | ||
| Black Diamond Storm | $50 | 5oz |
| Foxelli Headlamp | $13 | 4.8oz |
| 5. First Aid Supplies | ||
| Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight | $17 | 3.6oz |
| 6. Fire Source | ||
| UCO Stormproof Lighter | $15 | 3.3oz |
| Bic Lighter | $2 | 0.5oz |
| Coghlans Waterproof Matches | $2 | 0.25oz |
| 7. Repair Kit and Tools | ||
| Leatherman Wave | $90 | 12.8oz |
| Gerber Dime Multitool | $15 | 2.2oz |
| 8. Nutrition | ||
| Quest Bars | $2 | 2.4oz |
| Epic Bars | $2.50 | 1.5oz |
| 9. Hydration | ||
| Aquamira | $15 | 2oz |
| Bleach | $4 | 2oz |
| 10. Emergency Shelter | ||
| SOL Escape Bivy | $60 | 8.1oz |
| SOL Emergency Bivy | $17 | 3.8oz |
Did we leave out any of your favorite tools or pieces of gear? Any good stories of an outdoor EDC coming to the rescue? Let us know in the comments below!
