12 Common Sense Essentials

Yesterday I touched on the “10 Essentials”. Today I will explain 12 more items I always carry with me on the trail or when boating. I call them the “12 Common Sense Essentials”. Most items are not mandatory, but I've found that throughout my years of enjoying the outdoors I’ve used each item at least once. They are:


12 COMMON SENSE ESSENTIALS
1. Wire or cord
2. Daypack
3. Sunglasses
4. Rain coat
5. Needle and thread
6. Trash bag
7. Small pot
8. Sunscreen/bug repellent
9. Emergency blanket
10. Toilet paper
11. Watch
12. Iodine tablets

Wire or chord can be used if a shoelace breaks. The daypack offers comfort and accessibility to all your gear. As the years have passed, my pack has changed. When my child was smaller it was larger, as he’s grown, my pack size has decreased. It needs to fit comfortably and hold everything needed for a day on the trail. Sunglasses are great for sunny days and avoiding eye sunburn. Raincoats are indispensible in the spring and fall in my area. Pop-up showers are prevalent. Needle and thread can be used to mend clothing, etc. Trash bags can be used to carry water or pack out trash other people have left behind. I use a small tin pot to carry most of the essentials; water can be boiled and purified if needed. I carry a sunscreen/bug repellent combination. Emergency blankets are small; luckily, I have never used it, but it’s there just in case. T.P.- got too have it. A watch is great for timing your outing; it will keep you from being out to late after dark. Iodine tablets, I've never used these either because I always carry water; however, they are with me in case I need to purify some.

All total, the 10 & 12 essentials weigh less than 10 lbs. I started with heavier and bulkier items and through the years have replaced them with eco-friendly and lighter gear meant for the outdoors. You might not think an extra 5 lbs is much, but it is after 10 miles of hiking. Start out with what you have at your home, replace as needed with what you feel comfortable with, and can afford.