This list is published alongside Back From Beyond, a podcast exploring Grand County Search and Rescue stories. You can find information about how to listen here!
The 10 Essentials list was developed by The Mountaineers, a nonprofit organization that offers courses and activities based in the outdoors. The list is a collection of first aid and emergency items that can make or break an emergency situation: in Grand County, home to two national parks, the Colorado River, and thousands of acres of public lands to recreate on, your adventure can take an unexpected turn quickly. Carrying the 10 essentials helps you to prepare for a mishap: even if you don’t need these things, someone else in your party, or a stranger you come across, might.
A little bit of preparedness can make all the difference in the outdoors. Before you head out, load up your favorite daypack with these items:
1. Navigation
Always carry a map! That means a map you can reference, like a physical map or one on your phone (this comes with two extra steps: make sure the map is downloaded for offline use and your phone is charged). But it also means carrying a map in your head. Make sure you know the trail name, and have made sure you’re aware of the mileage and elevation gain.
If you’re going on a big adventure, consider carrying a satellite communications device, such as an InReach, as well.
Listen to the Overdue Hiker episode of Back From Beyond, where maps could’ve saved a Moab hiker from a nasty night out in the cold.
2. Sun Protection
Utterly necessary in the Moab desert! Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Sun-protection clothing, like sun hoodies or pants, can also help minimize your exposure to the sun.
Listen to the Whole Enchilada episode, where bikers were exposed to the hot sun.
3. Insulation
Moab is unpredictable. A lovely morning can turn into a scorching early afternoon followed by a hailstorm and monsoon followed by a cold evening. It’s always worth shoving a raincoat in your bag too, and during cooler months, an extra hat and puffy coat.
Listen to the La Sals episode, where a skier’s decision to pack an extra coat saved his friend from possible hypothermia.
4. Illumination
Even if you’re not planning on being out around dark, light is vital in the outdoors. Your headlamp or flashlight could make all the difference.
Listen to the Overdue Hiker and Gemini Bridges episodes, which involved overnight rescues.
5. First-aid supplies
Plan to carry and know how to use a basic first aid kit! You should start with a simple kit - bandaids, pain medication, gauze, tape, scissors, and wipes - and adjust it to fit your trip and medical needs.
6. Fire
Fire can be an emergency signal and source of warmth. Plan to carry a fire source - like matches or a lighter - and a fire starter, like a candle or chemical heat tab. Grand County Search and Rescue also recommends bringing a small stove on adventures where firewood may be nonexistent, such as exploring in high altitude, snowy areas.
Listen to the La Sal Mountains episode, where the cold was a major factor in the complications of the rescue.
7. Repair kit and tools
Carry duct tape, a knife, and scissors with you. Knives are useful for nearly everything on this list - they can be used for first aid, fire starting, and food preparation. If you’re going on an adventure that involves any type of gear, like a mountain bike ride or backpacking trip, make sure your gear repair kits are well stocked.
8. Food - and extra food
Some say the best part of being outside is the snacks (okay, it's me - I say that). Bring a variety of snacks with you to keep your body performing best: a combination of jerky, nuts, candy, granola, and dried fruit is the typical go-to. Make sure you’ve got a salty-crunchy (like pretzels), something with protein (like nuts or jerky), and a sugar hit (like fruit snacks).
9. Hydration - and extra hydration
You’ll be astounded at how much water your body wants when you’re recreating in the desert. Search and Rescue recommends bringing (and drinking!) at least two liters of water per person for a short hike; much, much more for anything longer (in hot weather, even six liters may not feel like enough). Bring electrolytes with you as well to help your body hydrate faster!
Remember, you should drink water often and before you feel thirsty.
10. Emergency shelter
In an emergency situation, shelter is crucial. Consider carrying a small emergency bivvy with you - you can pick up shelter the size of a hand for $20. If you’re planning on a larger adventure, bring your tent!