Most useful item(s) in your pack

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Posted by Alicia on July 29, 2006 at 4:20:01 pm EDT

So we all know to bring along the ten essentials, but I’m wondering what is the most useful, and possibly overlooked, item in your pack? What has proven itself versatile to you in unexpected ways? I’m curious if there’s anything you bring along that has more uses, everyday or emergency, than we normally think of.

The other day we were nearby when a woman broke her ankle badly on the rocks in Acadia National Park. We got our first aid kit out of the car—a half mile or so down the trail—and helped splint and then carry her out most of the way with her husband and other passersby until a ranger took over.

Even though this was not a backcountry experience it got me thinking about what we carry (or should carry) in our packs that might come in handy unexpectedly—but won’t weigh us down any further. We were able to help her with items I had in my daypack and our car (first aid kit with ace bandage, tape, Advil, trekking poles for a crutch or splint, inflatable pillow as part of a splint, water and snacks, backpack to elevate her leg, etc…).

So, what do you carry in your pack that has proven useful—maybe in ways you didn’t imagine?

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