by Alicia MacLeay
While a comprehensive packing list depends on many factors, certain outdoor gear is considered essential whether you’re heading off on an extended backcountry bushwhack or exploring the trails in your local woods. As part of a weekly series, here's a look at outdoor essential number ten:
#10. Emergency Shelter
Shelter is a new addition to the classic 10 essentials list and what you carry will depend on the season and conditions. If you’re backpacking, you’ll probably already have a tent, bivy, or tarp, but even on day hikes you need to be able to fashion a shelter from rain, snow, and wind.
Consider carrying an ultralight tarp, emergency blanket, or lightweight emergency bivy sack. In winter conditions, emergency shelter becomes even more important and may mean carrying a four-season bivy or small tent, even on day outings.
Tips:
- Each person in a large group can carry a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.
- In winter, know how to safely build a snow cave.
Have tips or suggestions for this essential? Share them with us.
Read the full "10 Essentials for Backcountry Travel".
