Preparation

Suggested Citation: Kerr, Andy. 2000. Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books. pp. 29-30.

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Always have the Ten Essentials with you. They are the ten things that most survival experts agree everyone should have with them and know how to use if the need arises:

1. Extra clothing

2. Sunglasses

3. First-aid kit

4. Extra food

5. Flashlight (and extra batteries and bulb)

6. Map and compass

7. Whistle

8. Matches (in a waterproof container)

9. Fire starters

10. Knife

If you are not sure why you may need these things, it is time to do some reading (see Recommended Reading).

Check the weather forecast before starting your exploration, but that's no substitute for reading the sky yourself. In any case, you should be prepared for any kind of weather, not just dry and hot, hut wet and cold.

It is a good idea to have first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. You can read up on mountain medicine, first aid, survival, campcraft, no-trace camping, and the like. Do it before you go.

You should also pack your eleventh essential(s), which is a matter of individual choice. It may be medicine, snakebite kit, gun, cell phone, camera, chocolate, and/or condoms.