The 10-Plus Essentials

By Rich Macha

The list of “10 Essentials” has been a fixture in hiking circles for close to 100 years and its time-tested formula can also be applied to paddling. My own observations in the field and the weekly NYSDEC Ranger Reports make me believe that many folks do not adhere to these suggestions or are just unaware of them.

I have 50 years of regular experience in outdoor recreation, much of it in the Adirondacks, and in all four seasons. I enjoy both hiking and paddling and sometimes combine both activities in the same day.

Guided by the list of essentials as seen on the DEC website and keeping in mind that autumn brings us shorter days and lower temperatures, I will discuss each item on this list as it applies to day trips and add some of my thoughts and opinions: dec.ny.gov.

Navigation – Nothing beats the good old map and compass, and no batteries needed! The 7.5-minute series of USGS maps have the most detail and are available for the whole United States. The five-map series of National Geographic Trails Illustrated: Adirondack Park is good enough for all of the Adirondacks as long as you are sticking to marked trails: natgeomaps.com. You should know what the topographic lines mean and that a compass needle will point to magnetic north and not true north. In New York State, true north is about 13.5 degrees to the right or east of magnetic north.

A GPS can be helpful at times, especially when bushwhacking off-trail. I think of a cellphone as a backup navigation device and not as a substitute for map and compass. Heavy use of a phone can drain the battery and make it useless, although I suppose you could bring along an extra battery or a power bank. I want to be able to call or text for help in the case of an emergency. Note that there are locations in the Adirondacks where you will not get a signal. A couple of friends have dropped their phones in the water while paddling – what then? There are waterproof cases on the market but you should make sure they float or are tethered to your PFD. For photography, I use a waterproof and shockproof compact digital camera that easily tucks into a PFD pocket and is readily available for that not-to-be-missed photographic opportunity.

Insulation – Carry extra layers of non-cotton clothing in your pack or dry bag. Cotton, such as denim, loses its insulating properties when wet and takes a long time to dry out – a quick route to getting hypothermia. A rain jacket will guard you against wind and a rain shower. Paddlers may want to add rain pants to the list unless you are paddling a kayak with a sprayskirt attached. A warm hat and/or a pair of gloves can be just the ticket on a chilly day.

Light – Bring a headlamp and extra batteries. A flashlight will do but hikers might want to have both of their hands on trekking poles and paddlers on their paddles. You never know when an unexpected delay or emergency will bring you back late. With diminishing daylight in the fall this is even more important.

First Aid – You should have at least a minimal kit with you containing adhesive bandages, painkiller tablets, antacid pills, some moleskin for blisters, and perhaps an elastic bandage.

Emergency Kit – This can include a whistle, signal mirror, and a knife – I prefer a multi-tool or Swiss army knife. Some duct tape often comes in handy to save the day – it can temporarily seal a crack in a kayak or canoe hull or a sole that becoming unattached from the rest of a hiking boot.

Fire – Matches (waterproof preferred), a lighter, and some fire starters. You could also pick up some birch bark off the ground along the way and use that as a fire starter. Do not strip birch bark directly off live trees though – it is not good for the tree.

Food – Along with lunch, bring some extra high-energy snacks. On cooler days, a vacuum flask of hot drink or soup can really hit the spot.

Water – Bring a quart or two, or a water filter, and drink it even when not feeling thirsty. It is best to avoid dehydration.

Sun Protection and Insect Repellent – I usually apply sunscreen before starting the trip so that I don’t have to carry the tube on the hike or paddle. Some lip balm would prevent chapped lips. Biting insects are less prevalent in the colder months but ticks could be a problem in some areas. I have noted more ticks in the lowlands near the Mohawk River and the tidal Hudson River than at high elevations in the mountains.

Shelter – This could be a bivy sack, a lightweight and compact space blanket, or just a large heavy duty trash bag.

More – Toilet paper and hand sanitizer – a big omission and I am surprised that this is not one of DEC’s 10 essentials. To do your “business” in the wild, grab a stick and dig a hole a few inches deep, do what is necessary, and then cover the hole with topsoil and leaves. You can leave the toilet paper buried in the hole or carry it out in a zip-close bag.

Another item that I might bring as temperatures turn cooler are a couple of chemical handwarmers. I often carry a small notebook and pen or pencil in case I need to leave a note for someone.

I keep most of the smaller items in a zippered “ditty” bag that goes with me whether I am going hiking or paddling, that way I do not have to regather all the essentials every time I have to go out. When paddling, much of the gear, especially clothing, goes into one or more roll-top dry bags. These dry bags will keep your stuff dry in case of a shower or a quick dunking but may leak through the roll-top if held under water for a long period.

I often see folks heading out on a moderate hike up a mountain with minimal gear, sometimes with just a bottle of water in one hand and a cellphone in the other. Don’t be that person!

In New York State, if you get lost or injured, keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Dispatch at 833-NYS-Rangers (833-697-7264).

A lover of wild places, Rich Macha has led many trips for the Adirondack Mountain Club and has spent 20 years in the paddle/snowsport business. For more of Rich’s adventures, visit: northeastwild.blogspot.com.