Do you want to know what can ruin a trip instantly? Realizing you forgot an important piece of gear once your out on the trail, miles from civilization. It's happened to me, and it's happened to the best of us. The only way to combat this is create a gear checklist and follow it everytime you pack up your gear before a trip. This is a generic list as it does not contain specific items I carry, or an item you would want to carry. This is just a pretty good guideline for packing, and a good starting point for creating your own personal list.

The Ten Essentials

For Safety, survival, and basic comfort:

1. Navigation

• Map (with case)
• Compass
• GPS (optional)
• Altimeter (optional)

2. Sun Protection

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses

3. Insulation

• Jacket, pants gloves etc. (see clothing, below)

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Extra batteries

5. First-aid

• Simple bandages, ointments, medications

6. Fire

• Matches or lighter
• Waterproof container
• Fire Steel (for emergency)

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife or multi-tool
• Repair kits for stove, mattress

8. Nutrition

• Extra day of food per person

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or reservoirs
• Water filter, or other treatment system

10. Shelter

• Tent, hammock, bivy or tarp

Beyond the Ten Essentials

• Backpack
• Dayback/summit pack
• Pack cover
• Shelter with all the pieces
• Sleeping bag/quilts
• Stuff sacks
• Sleeping pad
• Camp pillow
• Whistle and signal mirror
• Watch
• Trekking poles
• Ice axe
• Meals
• Energy snacks
• Beverage drink mixes
• Stove
• Fuel
• Cookset
• Bowl
• Utensils
• Cup
• Bear canister or bag
• Nylon cord 40'
• Backup water treatment

Clothing: Warm Weather

• Wicking T-Shirt (synthetic or wool)
• Wicking underwear
• Quck dry pants or shorts
• Long sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
• Hat
• Bandana or buff

Clothing: Cool Weather

• Wicking long sleeve shirt (synthetic or wool)
• Wicking long underwear
• Hat, cap, skullcap, balaclava or headband
• Gloves or mittens
• Rainwear (jacket, pants)
• Jacket

Footwear & Misc. personal items

• Hiking boots or trail-runners
• Socks (synthetic or wool) plus extra
• Gaiters
• Camera
• Permits
• Toilet Paper
• Sanitation trowel
• Hygiene kit
• Route description
• Field Journal
• Cell phone/ sattelite communicator
• Personal locator beacon
• Quick dry towel
• Biodegradable camp soap
• Hand Sanitizer
• Trip itenerary copy left with friend and in your car