Most important things in the backcountry

1. Map: Always carry a detailed map of the area you will be visiting. If alpine scrambling or otherwise navigating cross-country consider the 7.5 minute USGS maps--they reveal considerable detail. For traveling on trails, the 15 minute series Green Trails is a good choice, among others.

Hottest tools and gear for your back country adventures

Map and compass are now viewed as 2 components of a navigation system. Add a wrist altimeter, toss in a GPS and, well, you can see how the systems approach to the Ten Essentials can easily total more than 10 individual items. Acompass, combined with map-reading knowledge, is a vital tool if you become disoriented in the backcountry.

Knowing the Ten Essentials is good. Carrying the Ten Essentials is better. Updated Ten Essential "Systems" Navigation (map and compass) Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen) Insulation (extra clothing) Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) First-aid supplies Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles) Repair kit and tools Nutrition (extra food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter Map Compass Sunglasses and sunscreen Extra clothing Headlamp/flashlight First-aid supplies Firestarter Matches Knife Extra food The original Ten Essentials list was assembled in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers.

If you aren't a seasoned outdoorsman, you may find it trickier than you thought to pack for a camping excursion. You start with the basics (tent and sleeping bag) and before you know it, you have loaded the car with way more than you will ever use.

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