1. Clothing


2. Food


3. Tent


4. Sleeping Bag


5. Water / Filter


6. Swiss Army Knife


7. Fire Starter / Lighter


8. First-Aid Kit


9. Flashlight


10. Map / Compass

You might also wish to bring:

• Cook Stove


• Whistle


• Insect Repellent


• Repair Kit: cloth tape, ripstop tape, safety pins, pliers


• Toilet Kit: toothbrush & paste, soap, small towel,
  toilet paper.


• Other: fishing tackle, notepad & pencil, etc.

The most important essential , however, is not on the list--"Common Sense". Having the right gear is one thing, knowing how and when to use it is quite another. Most often, it`s not a person`s equipment that saves their bacon. It`s their experience, know-how, and good judgment.

Conversely, it is generally inexperience and lack of good judgment that gets people into trouble. Not only must we have the proper equipment -- including the ten essentials plus four -- and know how to use them, but we must also cultivate knowledge and wisdom related to the backcountry activities that we engage in--thru self-study, courses, and leveraging off the experiences of others.