How do you rate the BSA's 10 essentials?

Depends, as said, but around here I can't imagine leaving out a spool of dental floss given all its uses, including some unusual ones such as lassoing out ticks.
 
jaymeister99 said:
For example, I have a friend that considers himself an avid outdoorsmen. Yet he doesn't have a clue how to use a map and compass, only how to use a GPS. That GPS dies and (possibly literally) so does he!
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That's funny. I was just talking to someone about that very thing today. How map and compass navigation is becoming a lost skill to most people. Those are close to my own words. Mine were, "that GPS dies, and they're SOL." Followed by laughter from both of us. It cracks me up to see someone turning a map in circles with every turn they make.

About the dental floss being used to lasso a tick... I learn something new everyday. What other ideas you got for that stuff?
 
CM_Rick said:
That's funny. I was just talking to someone about that very thing today. How map and compass navigation is becoming a lost skill to most people. Those are close to my own words. Mine were, "that GPS dies, and they're SOL." Followed by laughter from both of us. It cracks me up to see someone turning a map in circles with every turn they make.

About the dental floss being used to lasso a tick... I learn something new everyday. What other ideas you got for that stuff?
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It will do to lash light poles and sticks for a shelter framework. You can sew tents, packs, clothing, and yourself if you brought a needle it fits. It will snare squirrel-sized critters. (And it will cut your hands open if you try to pull it apart.)

As for learning from each other, this is a great place. ^___^
 
I will always go back to prioritization which will depend on your activities, terrain, weather and season.

Here's an old post I made...needs to be updated a little, but it's more of my "essentials philosophy" than just a list.

My “Top 10 Essentials” For Outdoors

First, I must admit, I don’t think of my “essentials” as single items, but more of an area of importance and categories. For me (and my family), I make sure we cover the basics, and the concept of the basics is understood. The order really depends on your location and time of season. For some water will be one of their top priorities, whereas in a winter clime with unpredictable weather, shelter will be near the top as would the means to get a fire going. So, there’s been a ton of “essentials” lists posted, in magazines, on websites, etc, but in the end, only the individual heading out can identify his/her essential items needed to mitigate becoming a bad-ending survival story; these are my basics regardless of a day hike, weekend or exteneded backpacking trip. Again, these are “my” essentials, and some items will differ from a lot of other people out there. I just thought I would spell out my reasoning and categories for my “top 10” essentials.

1. Appropriate Clothing

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Many essential lists have “layered” clothing, some list rain gear, etc. I know there are some regions where you can hike from snow to 90+ degree temperatures in one day (Wenatchee, WA comes to mind). So, given that most people are not so spontaneous as to run out of the shower in their birthday suit directly out into the desert, swamps or mountains; most understand that you need to don appropriate clothing. In colder climates or times of the year, layers work best. Plus you’ll want to avoid cotton. In rainy seasons or parts of the country, a rain jacket is a wise addition. Likewise, if heading out in the blistering sun of Arizona or SW Texas, a good hat and long sleeves are prudent measures. So, other than “dressing for the occasion”, I still like to add some constant companions.

- Wind or rain jacket (I’ve become quite fond of the Soft Shells plus they’re light)
- Hat; handy for several reasons from retaining heat to protection from sunburn
- Gloves; prudent protection from the environment and keeping your digits protected
- Sunglasses; my eyes are important to my survival, I plan to keep them well protected
- Decent footwear; anything that provides adequate support and you can walk comfortably in
- Watch; it’s a just a part of my daily dress, so it’s something that I’ve included

2. Knife/Tool

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For me, a knife is essential; however, I know there are many that would argue it’s not as important as shelter, water or fire; different strokes for different folks. I list knife AND tool and most of us would argue the advantages of a fixed bladed knife over a folder but not all scenarios or personalities lend themselves to this preferred carry. Having a knife or tool is the number one rule…whether it is a Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman or locking folder, having a knife (and of course the skill and knowledge to use it), is half the battle. Since this is more of a discussion on essentials, I don’t want to get bogged down in knife choices and selection, however for me, I typically carry a decent sized (4-5”) fixed blade, locking folder and a SAK or multi-tool of some type. I do believe in redundancy. Furthermore, a small razorblade or mini folder (such as Spyderco’s little Dragonfly or Gerber’s LST) in your Pocket Survival Kit is an additional level of security.

3. Water

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Water is critical as our bodies just won’t function well after a few days without it. Water is an essential, but there are a couple of parts that I’ll identify for my concept of “water” in my essentials list.

- Water carrying. This may be anything from a water bottle to a Camelback.
- Acquiring water. If you have a water source and a small cup, water bottle or Ziploc bag, it’s relatively easy to acquire water. Of course, there are other methods such as using a couple of clear garbage bags (which I keep a few in my daypack) for transpiration-collection. After attempting a solar still once, I don’t think it’s worth the effort…as my Battalion Commander says, “the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze”.
- Water filtration/purification. This is an integral part of hydration. I’m a big believer in redundancy, but your activities will dictate what you can physically carry. You may not be able to carry a full sized filter, but a few Potable Aqua tablets or a few of the Katadyn chlorine tablets. If you’re in an area where there’s a lot of sediment and detritus in the water some type of pre-filter is advisable, such as an ***-rag or coffee filters. Personally, even on day hikes, I will carry a filter; Polar Pure is my primary backup and I have about a dozen of Potable Aqua tablets in a small vial in my PSK. Purifying by boiling is another method; of course a container is quite helpful. I know you can improvise with a cotton duct hat or folded bark/woven leaves and hot rocks, but a simple steel or tin can goes a long ways to efficient collection and boiling. More to follow on the steel cup.

4. Fire

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Fire can be both an essential life saver and major morale booster. Not only does it provide necessary heat in colder weather, it can act as a signal for rescue-searchers. I think most of us understand the importance, but I want to address the redundancy for fire making. Of course there is the ignition source, whether it’s a Bic lighter, fire-steel, match or even a magnifying lens and you need to make sure you carry a couple of different sources for backup. Next is the ignition fuel source. I know cotton balls and Vaseline are popular and one of my primary choices, but I also like the Sparklite tinder bundles, trioxane fuel bars, waxed paper and a piece of fatwood that I can make shavings from. Throw in a couple of tea light candles, and you have a decent fire-starting package. I mentioned redundancy, and if you go back to how you carry gear in “lines”, where Line One is your EDC and what you always have with you, I like to carry a lighter and a small ferro rod. In my PSK, I have a Sparklite and a few bundles of tinder along with a Fresnel lens. In my daypack, I’ll carry another lighter, matches and my Vaseline cotton balls along with a few bars of trioxane and a small candle or a few tea-light candles.

5. Shelter + Cordage

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Part of my EDC is a few hanks of braided 550 paracord in my cargo pocket, so that’s always with me. Shelter can be made from a man made cover such as a tarp, garbage bag or could be constructed with vegetation (and some 550 paracord comes in handy for some shelter types). I usually keep my “shelter” and about 40-50 feet of 550 paracord together and it doesn’t take up much room. A simple large garbage bag is easy to add to a coat pocket or even a couple in a day pack. Inside my Camelback Talon, I have a couple of large garbage bags and a small Silicone impregnated nylon tarp with about 30 feet of 550 paracord.

6. Illumination/Signaling

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I know most top ten essentials list a flashlight as a separate item. With the new LED flashlights with the various modes of operation, that illumination tool can easily double as a signaling tool. Given that your essentials are there for a significant purpose, I see the ability to signal in a survival situation as extremely important. There are visual and sound-based methods and devices, some geared for darkness (i.e. strobe) and some during sunlight hours (such as a signal mirror). Again, I like a little redundancy, but you can also have dual use items, such as a programmable LED light that has a strobe function. So, for my package of illumination and signaling, I have a couple of LED lights (Fenix, Novatac) that also incorporate a strobe function. A whistle and a signal mirror are excellent companions for the signaling group. More common additions are Walk-about FRS/GMRS radios and cell phones…both are great additions if traveling in groups or alone, but don’t ever forget the basics.

7. First Aid Kit / Skin Protection

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I don’t want to go into the whole First Aid kit composition, but most standard, small backpacking kits are more than adequate and as long as they leave a little room for additional times, such as prescription drugs, you are more prepared than most. I usually like the larger 2X3” Band-Aids, Burn-Gel, and extra mole skin. Although most kits are geared towards scrapes and minor burns, if you have room (and appropriate training), you can expand to cover more severe wounds. This is an essentials kit, so don’t make it so large that you leave it behind; it’s all about balance. A couple of additions to this category are items you sometimes see separately, and those are sunscreen, insect repellent and Chapstick (I prefer Burt’s Bees). These are all essential in most areas if you’re planning on spending a lot of time out in the elements or in areas with a lot of blood sucking insects, and a little tube of each is compact enough to throw in the kit.

8. Navigation

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Depending on your activities, navigational tools may be much higher on your priority listing, although a map of your area and compass should always be an essential part if you’re planning anything outdoors. I personally keep a Suunto M9 wrist compass on me at all times, and if I’m doing any hiking, I’ll have a regular base-compass in a pocket. Maps are more useful with a compass, but even a compass alone can keep one from going in circles, staying on track or help to dog-leg a non-passable area. I also like the GPS, but I don’t think you should dump the compass entirely…again, a little redundancy, but always think simplicity…the compass doesn’t use batteries.

9. Metal Cup

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I like listing the metal cup as a separate item. I know it’s hard to think about throwing a cup in your pocket, but if you have a small waist pack or Camelback, it’s a simple process to use a snap link and attach one to your belt loop. I prefer stainless, but aluminum or titanium will work; avoid the double wall mugs as you can’t use them directly in the fire for boiling. I have several and there are several to choose from. A metal cup can be used to signal (preferably stainless steel), dig, boil/purify water, serves as container to collect nuts, berries, it can be used to cook in…there are a ton of uses for a good metal cup, hence, it’s in my “top-10” essentials.

10. Self-Defense/Protection

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I’m a little torn for my number 10. I always bring trail snacks, even for day hikes, and I usually have a Clif-bar or two stashed in the bottom of my Camelback, fanny-pack or shoulder bag. For a 72-48 hour scenario, food isn’t really that critical, UNLESS, you’re in a severe climate where calories mean life or death. For most situations, shelter, water, a fire and appropriate clothing will get you through the first few days without too much harm. Hence, I’ve opted for something that is a little more important to me.

Survival can mean many things to many people and I’ve always felt comfortable with a self-defense item, whether it is a hiking stick, Mace or a CCW-firearm. This category isn’t a survival hunting weapon; this is something you have to provide yourself protection from both two-legged and four-legged critters. I’ve had my close calls and scares to where I’ve just accepted this category as one of my “top 10” essentials…I know some won’t agree, but then that’s why I called it “my” top-ten essentials. For me, a knife is more tool than weapon; sure it can be used effectively, but I like to keep threats at a distance and a hiking staff is an excellent choice and more preferred over a knife. There are commercial versions or handmade versions. Not only does a hiking stick provide stability on rough trails or off-trail, it can be an effective weapon to keep snakes, dogs or other aggressive critters at bay. For a backup, I like a CCW, and it fills that niche well and can even be used to signal or hunt game if in a real dire situation. If you’re in an area where CCW is unauthorized and you’re trying to obey the idiotic laws, pepper spray is a good distance-weapon alternative. For any of the above, a little training goes a long way, even with a walking stick.

I thought of another area, but it’s not really part of my “essentials” I do have it as part of my EDC and in kit-form for my day pack. A repair kit; sure my PSK has some thread, dental floss, needles, small role of duct tape (and I carry a flat role in my back pocket as well), but it does need mentioning. So, a little Shoe-goo (or other silicone adhesive/sealant), sewing kit (needles, heavy thread, safety pins), duct/100mph tape and few zip-ties can be in a compact package in your waist pack, Camelback or day pack and can handle most of your field repair needs.

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Make your essentials “yours”; make them as much a part of your EDC as you can…habits can be good things if you make carrying them routine regardless if you’re going on a day hike or going to the convenient store. Use your items and know what they are capable of and if they can pull double-duty!!!! I’ve carried stuff before that was never used…they were eventually dropped or replaced with another item that could do double duty. Find out what works for you and develop your own system to ensure you have these essentials on your or within reach at all times. Being prepared takes some preparation, but it’s more of mindset and attitude than a pocket full of items.

ROCK6
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I've made a few upgrades/changes, but my philosophy has stayed the same,

ROCK6
 
Rock your training is really coming through with that post, we share pretty much the same ideas on kit, better to have and not want than want and not have.

CM Rick I recently went out with a group of scouts as I was asked to teach them about how to put together a pocket survival kit, and use its contents effectivly in preparation for a survival situation. I also covered map to ground and basics of map orientation and reading. they want me to go back and do a lesson on basic field craft at a later date

All I can say is wow you guys that take time out of your day to teach this stuff on a regular basis are champions, I was just about pulling my hair out after 3 hours, from the kids running around, shouting etc. I think your list is pretty good as is, for young scouts they just dont have the concentration to really learn the advanced skills and as soon as the lesson isnt fun they dont want to play ball anymore. I would talk for say 20 mins then let them run around and play for 10 mins then carry on with the lesson, they did quite well at the practical stuff and they all got the basic skills in the end some quicker than others. they were all aged 8-10 years old so I just had to remember they are just kids. I think once they get to say 12 years old then you can start teaching the more complex skills but for the young ones just making sure they have foot wear the right clothes and a water bottle and the stuff you have on your list was hard enough.

Good luck with your scouts mate
 
stewey,

Try this: get yourself some earthworms from a bate shop. Tell the scouts you will test them at the end of training, and whoever fails has to eat a worm, lol. Tell them if they don't learn the skills they will have to eat bugs to survive. It works, I've not had to feed any little birds yet. LOL! Just make sure you get their hands dirty, they will learn more and have a better time the more you involve them. Last fall I lead family camp. I taught 120 scouts the basics of survival, shelter, water, fire, and food. It was an undertaking, but worth it. It was called the best camp in years.

Thanks, and good luck to you, man.

Yours in scouting,
CM Rick
 
spraay said:
I think this list is a darn good start. I think the list is deliberately vague, which is good. We can determine what the right first aid kit contents are, for our application, and the knowledge and training we possess.

I think the most important thing about this list is that it reminds us to be prepared, in a society that tries so hard foster helplessness.

SP
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I very much concur:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
CM_Rick said:
stewey,

Try this: get yourself some earthworms from a bate shop. Tell the scouts you will test them at the end of training, and whoever fails has to eat a worm, lol. Tell them if they don't learn the skills they will have to eat bugs to survive. It works, I've not had to feed any little birds yet. LOL! Just make sure you get their hands dirty, they will learn more and have a better time the more you involve them. Last fall I lead family camp. I taught 120 scouts the basics of survival, shelter, water, fire, and food. It was an undertaking, but worth it. It was called the best camp in years.

Thanks, and good luck to you, man.

Yours in scouting,
CM Rick
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Thats good advice mate, I will give it a try, I noticed they all love getting stuck into the ptactical stuff and they have a great time, just a group of beaming faces, but for safety trying to make them sit down and listen to the do's and donts was quite painful, I noticed to if you dont tell them exactly what not to do gauranteed a few of them will do it. The other funny thing was as soon as it rained and they got a bit wet, a group of beaming faces turned into the most miserable looking bunch ive seen, morale was low untill you get them busy.

For me I just need to keep lessons as practical and fun as possible to keep there gold fish attention spans focused. Its a great feeling tho when you see even one of them just nail a skill and carry out the task well, its rewarding and I see why people get involved with this stuff.

would it be OK if I PM'ed you for advice and ideas once I start getting a plan together for my feild craft lesson?
 
the 5 c's of survival. by dave canterbury.
cutting=dependable knife
combustion=reliable fire in all conditions
cover/clothing=to get out of the elements
container=to carry,store, and boil water
cordage=to make shelter,securing food i.e. snares and fishing line, make repairs on your pack ,clothing, tent, tarp, leather knife sheath, and yourself.
but the most important is the good knife and the knowledge to use it, as it can produce the other 4 c's. i would change it to the 5 c's and an f, for a first aid kit. note... these items are the hardest to produce in the wild. i hope this was as usefull to you as it was for me. be safe rob.
 
my grandpa always told me that you will never be a good fisherman untill you eat an earthworm. i asked why and he said you need to see the bait from the fishes perspective. i said you eat one and i will eat one, he said he didn't hafto he ate his over 55 years ago when he was 10. i was about 6 or 7 at the time and never did eat the worm, now i am 29 and he always catches more fish than me. just food for thought, rob.
 
Rob Thomas said:
my grandpa always told me that you will never be a good fisherman untill you eat an earthworm. i asked why and he said you need to see the bait from the fishes perspective. i said you eat one and i will eat one, he said he didn't hafto he ate his over 55 years ago when he was 10. i was about 6 or 7 at the time and never did eat the worm, now i am 29 and he always catches more fish than me. just food for thought, rob.
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It's good you weren't trying to catch dung beetles.
 
stewey,
pm me anytime, bro. I'm really glad you've gotten so much out of scouting. That is exactly why we do it.

rob,
I like both your posts. Canterberry has a lot of good info. I nead to get one of his books. I don't even know if he has any out there. I know his buddy Lundine does. I like the 5 Cs approach and totally agree with it. Matter of fact, it's now memorized. The only thing is the cordage. That one I would only suggest to very few scouts. The imature ones can do some really stupid things with it.

Maybe you should eat that worm, but do it when your Gpa can watch you do it. lol

To all of you guys, if you love the outdoors and really want to pass your skills on, turn to scouting. Any council would love to have a new volunteer. Go to the web site and find your local council, call them and they will point you the way. scouting.org
 
I've seen tons of lists also. Some just make no sense or put too much emphasis on the minors and forget the majors.

And environment changes the game completely. I'd probably trade the other 9 items for extra water in the desert. Mors Kochanski, who undoubtedly has spent more time in the northern bush than most, says one can be pretty comfortable with an axe and a metal pot (and perhaps a nylon or plastic sheet in very cold weather).

The thing that's hardest to improvise is a poncho or tarp. If it's 33 degrees and raining, not having one may cost you your life. Having one, with some cordage, means you can build some shelter from the wind and rain in just a few minutes. Canteen and canteen cup are always used when I spend a night in the woods.

I look at all the lists, but it's easy to end up with a pack that is too large. I know guys (EMTs usually) who fill a large buttstroke with just medical gear. And I see guys carrying too many knives, fishhooks, and comfort food but lack basic shelter items (poncho) or a way to boil water quickly.
 
I've been involved with scouting for over 15 years now...started out in cub scouts and went all the way to Eagle. While I always recomend the use of sunscreen in prolonged wilderness adventures, I've always wondered why it's refered to as a wilderness "essential", instead of something like a hat and long sleeve shirt....I think both are about 10 times more useful and can fulfill many more tasks than a bottle of sunscreen. The word "essential" says to me something you can't live without, and in most cases I think sunscreen doesn't qualify as "essential". In scouts you always need to be prepared, and you can really up preparation and save weight and space if you look for alternatives to the sunscreen. Other than that I'd say it seems pretty good.



The other addition I would say is training. YOu can have all the fun gizmos in the world and it wont do you any good unless you can work 'em.
 
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Those are ten items those scouts will be carrying than 90% of people in the woods aren't.
 
For our troop a lot of things are pretty standard. It makes for a good basic items list for our boys, and generally works for them. However, for our spring camporee they asked what we might like to teach that the kids might be interested in, and I said a wilderness survival course might be pretty interesting, especially since all the boys watch the various survival shows that are on.

I think where it falls short is in the description of the individual items. Rain gear for some might just mean an umbrella, but a good poncho is much more useful. Things like that I think are where it comes up lacking.

Still, it is a good starting point. I am planning on showing the boys once it gets a little warmer just what these different items mean, and which would work better for them in a particular situation.

MY gear is pretty close, although a lot more elaborate in some areas. Firestarting in particular is something that I relegate to more than just matches. Firesteel, fresnel lens, matches, lighter, etc... and backups for each.
 
DerekH said:
For our troop a lot of things are pretty standard. It makes for a good basic items list for our boys, and generally works for them. However, for our spring camporee they asked what we might like to teach that the kids might be interested in, and I said a wilderness survival course might be pretty interesting, especially since all the boys watch the various survival shows that are on.

I think where it falls short is in the description of the individual items. Rain gear for some might just mean an umbrella, but a good poncho is much more useful. Things like that I think are where it comes up lacking.

Still, it is a good starting point. I am planning on showing the boys once it gets a little warmer just what these different items mean, and which would work better for them in a particular situation.

MY gear is pretty close, although a lot more elaborate in some areas. Firestarting in particular is something that I relegate to more than just matches. Firesteel, fresnel lens, matches, lighter, etc... and backups for each.
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Trust me, from personal experience, they will love that at a camporee. And, you will love running it. And, ya it's all in the leader's advice on what makes that list. Rain gear to me is a poncho and/or a tarp. Both cheap, light, and versatile. Also, fire starting to me means matches, fire steel, and dry tinder. The lucky scouts get leaders like us, who know what works and what's best. Plus the added benefit of us knowing how to use the stuff.

Don't let the weather stop you. If you teach how to get warm when it's cold, they will appreciate it more and remember it easier. I am planning on doing seasonal survival camps.
 
Really it's a pretty good list. And the parts we disagree on, we have to remember this was focused towards boys 18 and under. I do with BSA would go back to including the usefullness of a small fixed blade knife, but the problem is that a lot of kids show up with a $15 sawback "survival knife" and it truly is dangerous because it is a weak, poor design and dull as a butter knife.

Scouting is a great organization and that they even teach any of this is great.

Eagle Scout, 2001 here.
 
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