The 10
Essentials of Winter Mountaineering
Courtesy of the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol
Photo by David Schott
The purpose
of this list has always been to answer two basic questions: First, can you
respond positively to an accident or emergency? Second, can you safely spend a
night—or more—out?”
The original
list of 10 “essentials” was revised in 2003 to include 10 essential “systems”
which include what you might need to effectively deal with an unexpected
injury, getting separated or lost and having to pass an unanticipated night
out, or simply running out of food and water in the back country. Packing these
items whenever you venture into the backcountry, even if just for the day, is a
good habit to acquire. You may only need a few of them on most of your trips;
however, you’ll probably never fully appreciate the value of the Ten Essentials
until you really need one of them.
1 Navigation
Map and
compass are now viewed as two components of a navigation system. A topographic
map (in a protective sheath or case) should accompany you on any trip that
involves anything more than a short, impossible-to-miss footpath or frequently
visited nature trail. Handout maps, the type offered at visitor centers or
entrance stations, usually provide only simplistic line drawings of trails and
do not show the topographic details necessary for route finding. If, for
example, you stray off the trail or need to locate a water source, you need a
topo map.
Knowing how
to use a compass in combination with map-reading knowledge, provide you with
vital tools if you become lost in the backcountry. High-tech GPS receivers have
not made compasses, whose history dates back to 12th-century Europe, obsolete.
A compass weighs next to nothing and does not rely on batteries, and does not
require a clear view of the sky, unobscured by trees or towering cumulonimbus
clouds. So even if you’re a techie who relies heavily on a GPS for navigation,
a traditional compass is an indispensable backup. Note: A compass equipped with
a sighting mirror can also be used to flash sunlight to a helicopter or rescuer
during an emergency.
If you plan
to travel off-trail in the wilderness, consider taking a class to learn
navigation techniques in depth.
2 Sun Protection
This item
includes sunglasses, sunscreen (for skin and lips) and, for optimized
protection in hot conditions, consider lightweight, skin-shielding clothing.
Sunglasses
are indispensable, and you’ll need extra-dark glacier glasses if you’re
planning prolonged travel on snow or ice. All sunglasses should block 100% of
ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB)—a key function of quality lenses. UVB rays, the
rays that can burn your skin, have been linked to the development of cataracts.
Wraparound
lenses keep light from entering the corners of your eyes and also help buffer
eyes from wind. Factors influencing your choice of sunglasses include lens
types, frames, fit and, of course, fashion.
When
choosing sunscreen, health experts advise choosing 1) a formula that offers a
sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, though SPF 30 is recommended for
extended outdoor activity and 2) one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
A
sunscreen’s SPF number refers only to its ability to absorb sunburn-causing UVB
rays; measuring how it performs against UVA rays, (which over time accelerate
the development of age related wrinkles and increase skin fragility) is a topic
under discussion at the Food and Drug Administration. Active ingredients
considered most effective against UVA light are avobenzone, ecamsule, zinc
oxide and titanium dioxide.
The biggest
mistake people make with sunscreen? Applying too little, dermatologists say. A
thin application diminishes your protection. So glop it on; 1 ounce is needed
to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average person. Depending on many
factors (time of day, sweat and more), you should reapply as often as every 2
hours. And don’t overlook SPF-rated lip balm.
Lightweight,
synthetic sun-protection clothing comes with an ultraviolet protection factor
(UPF). Skin-care experts say using clothing to shield your skin is a good
sun-protection strategy. Your activity level (and resulting perspiration) and
the temperature are the factors that will determine if you choose to wear pants
or shorts (or long sleeves vs. short sleeves) while outdoors. You’ll still need
sunscreen for your face, neck and hands. A thin pair of gloves protects your
skin from cuts as well as the sun.
We include
measures to discourage biting insects, which are encountered during the summer
months, as an important addition to your list for skin protection. No product
beats DEET for protection from mosquito bites, tick bites and black flies. Deet
can be purchased in concentrations ranging from 5% to 100% for application to
clothing or directly to the skin. Although Deet has proven to be remarkably safe
after more than 50 years of use, the Academy of Pediatrics recommends against
use of concentrations more than 10% in children. Deet can harm synthetic
fabrics like spandex, plastic watch crystals and eyeglass frames, and car
upholstery. Composite repellents utilizing MGK 326 or MGK 264 and Deet are said
to be more effective against biting flies. No more than 3 applications per day
are suggested for children under 12 and these are not proven safe in young
children. Botanical and herbal products, although quite safe, have been
criticized for unproven effectiveness and short-lived protection necessitating
frequent repeated applications. For more information on the safe use of these
products consult the EPA website: http://epa.gov/pesticides/insect/safe.htm
3 Insulation
This item
was previously termed “extra clothing” However, insulation may also be provided
by a space blanket or tarp. Conditions can abruptly turn wet, windy or chilly
in the backcountry, so it’s smart to carry an additional layer of clothing in
case something unexpected (you get hurt or lost, for example) prolongs your
exposure to the elements.
We suggest
the following strategy: since extra clothing should be selected according to
the season, ask this question: What is needed to survive the worst conditions
that could be realistically encountered on this trip?”
Common
options at any time of year might include a layer of underwear (tops and
bottoms), extra socks and a synthetic jacket or vest, and a light weight
wind-proof, water-repellent outer layer. And yes, humans lose significant heat
through their heads. Thus, according to Mountaineering, The Freedom of the
Hills, it’s smart to pack a hat or balaclava “because they provide more warmth
for their weight than any other clothing article.”
4 Illumination
Headlamps
are the light source of choice in the backcountry. Reasons include:
- Hands-free operation (their No. 1 advantage over flashlights)
- Low weight
- Compact size (so they occupy minimal space in your pack)
- Long battery life (in models using light-emitting diodes, or
LEDs).
High-output
LEDs (the 1- and 3-watt varieties) provide light output that is comparable to
the output of incandescent bulbs, even those that use pressurized gas (xenox,
halogen and other intensity-boosting gases). Because LEDs can handle rugged use
(no filaments to break), offer vastly superior battery life and are perpetually
evolving to higher levels of performance, the vast majority of headlamps these
days are LED models.
It’s easy to
overextend your stay on a picture-perfect mountain. If you’re trying to hustle
out of the backcountry in dwindling light or trying to set up camp as the last
bit of blue drains from the sky, a headlamp is an invaluable aid.
Many
headlamps also offer a strobe mode. It’s a great option to have for emergency
situations. Headlamps offer their longest battery life while in strobe mode.
Flashlights
and packable lanterns also have value. Some flashlights cast very powerful
beams and are useful for signaling during emergencies.
Always carry
spare batteries—and if your light is equipped with an incandescent bulb, also
carry spare bulbs. Every member of a backcountry party should carry his or her
own light.
5 First Aid Supplies
Pre-assembled
first-aid kits take the guesswork out of building your own kit, though many
people personalize these kits to suit individual needs. Any kit should include
treatments for blisters, multiple adhesive bandages of various sizes, several
gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain
medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, pen and paper. Vinyl gloves should be
worn whenever there is a risk of contact with blood or body fluids. The length
of your trip and the number of people involved will impact the contents of your
kit. It’s also a good idea to carry some sort of compact guide to dealing with
medical emergencies, and if you must immobilize an injured finger, wrist, or
extremity, duct tape is useful. Be careful when dressing wounds not to cut off
the circulation.
The red
cross wilderness first aid kit includes these items (discussed at length in a
prior article of the Geneseean, spring, 2012)
Primary Kit
- 1 premium roll-up dry bag
- 1 first aid booklet & form
- 3 triangular bandages
- 1 signal mirror
- 1 emergency whistle
- 6 vinyl gloves
- 1 scissors
- 1 tweezers
- 4 safety pins
- 4 cotton tipped applicators
- 2 mole skins
- 2 lip balms
- 3 first aid burn gel wipes
- 3 sting relief pads
- 1 glucose gel tube
- 2 instant cold compressed
- 4 triple antibiotic ointment wipes
- 6 antiseptic towelettes
- 2 thermometers (disposable)
- 6 alcohol prep pads
- 16 3/4” x 3” bandages (or equivalent)
- 1 elastic bandage 2”x5 yds
- 4 knuckle bandages
- 4 wound closure strips
- 1 5” x 9” combine dressing
- 8 4” x 4” sterile gauze pads
- 8 3” x 3” sterile gauze pads
- 2 2” conforming gauze (stretch)
- 1 1” adhesive tape roll
- 4 acetaminophen tablet twin packs
- 4 ibuprofen tablet twin packs
- 3 reusable zipper-lock bags
- 2 spf 30 sunscreen packets
- 4 chewable aspirin
- 4 insect repellent wipes (natrapel)
- 1 penlight
- 1 box waterproof matches
- 1 space (emergency) blanket
- 1 diarrhea medication foil pack
- desirable add-ons
- 1 breathing barrier
- 1 soap or gel
- 1 oil of cloves
- 1 sam splint
For Extended Stays (2 days or more)
- 1 vinegar
- 1 denture adhesive/filler
- 1 fire starter
- 1 emergency sleeping bag
6 Fire
Matches
headed into the backcountry should be the waterproof variety, or they should be
stored in a waterproof container. Take plenty and ensure they are kept dry.
Convenience-store matchbooks are often too flimsy and poorly constructed to be
trusted for wilderness use. Save yourself some frustration and tote reliable
matches on every trip. Mechanical lighters are handy, but inexpensive butane
lighters don’t work well in the cold, and outdoor stores have an increasingly
wide array of alternate fire-starting devices, but always carry some matches as
a backup.
Firestarter,
as the name implies, is an element that helps you jump-start (and possibly
sustain) a fire. Of all the classic Ten Essentials, it is probably the one
least commonly carried by wilderness travelers. But should you get stranded
overnight in clammy wet conditions and you start to shiver, you need the means
to build an emergency fire.
The ideal
firestarter ignites quickly and sustains heat for more than a few seconds.
Candidates include dry tinder tucked away in a plastic bag; candles; priming
paste; heat “nuggets” (chipped-wood clusters soaked in resin). Even lint
trappings from a household clothes dryer can work.
7 Repair Kit and Tools
Knives or
multitools are handy for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, making
kindling or other emergency needs. A basic knife should have at least one
foldout blade (more likely two), one
or two flathead screwdrivers, a can opener and (though some people will
call this a luxury) a pair of foldout scissors. The more complex your needs
(if, for example, you are leading an inexperienced group), the more options you
may want in your knife or tool.
If you carry
a self-inflating mattress, you probably do not carry a repair kit for it.
Typically, the only people who do are those who have endured a puncture deep in
the backcountry. Depending on your outlook on Murphy’s Law, it’s an item worth
considering.
Here’s a
classic tip for carrying the basics of a poor-man’s repair kit: Wrap strips of
duct tape (the universal fix-it product) around your water bottle or trekking
poles so you can perform a repair without digging through your pack for the
tape.
8 Nutrition (extra food)
Always pack
at least an extra day’s worth of food. It can be as simple as a freeze-dried
meal, but it’s even better to include no-cook items with nearly infinite
storage times: extra energy bars, nuts, dried fruits or jerky.
The process
of digesting food helps keep your body warm, so on a cold night it’s smart to
munch some food before bunking down, and if you wake up cold, it helps to eat
something, but remember not to leave animal-attracting leftovers inside your
shelter.
9 Hydration (extra water)
It is
suggested you always carrying at least 1 liter of water and a collapsible water
reservoir. Depending on where you travel, consider carrying some means for
treating water, whether it is a filter/purifier or chemical treatment.
When
beginning extended travel along a ridgeline or in alpine conditions, consult
your map and try to envision possible water sources. Try to resupply at the
last obvious water source before beginning a stretch of unpredictable water
availability. The time of year and the anticipated temperature may greatly
influence how much water you will need to carry.
10 Emergency Shelter
Shelter is a
new component in the updated Ten Essentials, one that seems targeted at day
trippers. (Most overnight wilderness travelers already carry a tent or tarp.)
The thinking is, if getting lost or injured leaves you stranded in the
backcountry, something is better than nothing if you have to deal with wind or
rain. Options include an ultralight tarp, a bivy sack, an emergency space
blanket (which packs small and weighs just ounces), or even a large plastic
trash bag. An ensolite pad greatly reduces the loss of heat from your body to
whatever you happen to be sitting or lying on. It’s also more comfortable. The
lumbar support of many backpacks can be removed and used as an insulating pad
on which to sit.
11 Know Your Limits
The 11th
Essential: Know your limits and the limits of other group members. Practice
good judgement: have the good sense to turn back when you realize you are
running out of daylight or beginning to feel lost. Most people gain a false
sense of security by carrying a cell phone as a means of communication in an
emergency, to ask directions, or to get information when you need answers.
There is no denying the usefulness of these devices, however, cell phones lose
battery power after 12-24 hours, and if you are lost in the woods, it’s likely
that there will be inadequate reception. Consider alternate means of emergency
communication like a whistle and a signal mirror. The most important tool for
survival is between your ears. Having items in your pack has no value unless
you understand how and when to use them.