Ten Essentials Explained
Ken Murray
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 90
Location: Studio City (LA)
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 8:30 am
Post subject: Ten Essentials Explained
1. Navigation
Always carry a detailed topographic map of the area you are
visiting, and place it in a protective case or plastic
covering. Always carry a compass. Climbers may also choose to
carry other navigational tools such as an altimeter or global
positioning system (GPS) receiver; other aids include route
markers, route descriptions, and other types of maps or
photos.
2. Sun Protection
Carry and use sunglasses, sunscreen for the lips and skin, and
clothing for sun protection.
3. Insulation (Extra Clothing)
How much extra clothing is necessary for an emergency? The
garments used during the active portion of a climb and
considered to be the basic climbing outfit include inner and
outer socks, boots, underwear, pants, shirt, sweater or fleece
jacket, hat, mittens or gloves, and raingear. The term “extra
clothing” refers to additional layers that would be needed to
survive the long, inactive hours of an unplanned bivouac.
4. Illumination
Even if the climbing party plans to return to their cars
before dark, it is essential to carry a headlamp or
flashlight, just in case. Batteries and bulbs do not last
forever, so carry spares of both at all times.
5. First-Aid Supplies
Carry and know how to use a first-aid kit, but do not let a
first-aid kit give you a false sense of security. The best
course of action is to always take the steps necessary to
avoid injury or sickness in the first place. At a minimum, a
first-aid kit should include gauze pads in various sizes,
roller gauze, small adhesive bandages, butterfly bandages,
triangular bandages, battle dressing (or Carlisle bandage),
adhesive tape, scissors, cleansers or soap, latex gloves, and
paper and pencil.
6. Fire
Carry the means to start and sustain an emergency fire. Most
climbers carry a butane lighter or two instead of matches in a
waterproof container. Either must be absolutely reliable.
Firestarters are indispensable for igniting wet wood quickly
to make an emergency campfire. Common firestarters include
candles, chemical heat tabs, and canned heat. On a
high-altitude snow or glacier climb, where firewood is
nonexistent, it is advisable to carry a stove as an additional
emergency heat and water source.
7. Repair Kit and Tools
Knives are so useful in first aid, food preparation, repairs,
and climbing that every party member needs to carry one.
Leashes to prevent loss are common. Other tools (pliers,
screwdriver, awl, scissors) can be part of a knife or a pocket
tool, or carried separately—perhaps even as part of a group
kit. Other useful repair items are shoelaces, safety pins,
needle and thread, wire, duct tape, nylon fabric repair tape,
cable ties, plastic buckles, cordage, webbing, and parts for
equipment such as tent, stove, crampons, snowshoes, and skis.
8. Nutrition (Extra Food)
For shorter trips, a one-day supply of extra food is a
reasonable emergency stockpile in case foul weather, faulty
navigation, injury, or other reasons delay the planned return.
An expedition or long trek may require more. The food should
require no cooking, be easily digestible, and store well for
long periods. A combination of jerky, nuts, candy, granola,
and dried fruit works well. If a stove is carried, cocoa,
dried soup, and tea can be added. There are many
possibilities.
9. Hydration (Extra Water)
Carry extra water and have the skills and tools required for
obtaining and purifying additional water. Always carry at
least one water bottle or collapsible water sack. Daily water
consumption varies greatly. Two quarts (liters) daily is a
reasonable minimum; in hot weather or at high altitudes, 6
quarts may not be enough. In dry environments, carry
additional water. Plan for enough water to accommodate
additional requirements due to heat, cold, altitude, exertion,
or emergency.
10. Emergency Shelter
If the climbing party is not carrying a tent, carry some sort
of extra shelter from rain and wind, such as a plastic tube
tent or a jumbo plastic trash bag. Another possibility is a
reflective emergency blanket. It can be used in administering
first aid to an injured or hypothermic person, or can double
as a means of
shelter.