With summer kicking into high gear, a lot of us are ready to hit the trails full force (but gently, as not to damage the wilderness).

Now REI does a pretty sweet breakdown of both the classics and 'modern' essentials and why each are important.

Here's the "modernized" list:
- 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

Do you follow "the list" when you go out adventuring? What item have you surprisingly (or not) found the most useful?

What's your essential item? What would you (or do you) add?

If i could I'd take the real-life equivalent of the Criminal Minds cast. You know, for just in case

I would add:

Communication - Whistle, signal mirror, walkie-talkie, cell phone (maybe, depends on how far you're going). If you get in trouble and can't get yourself out, having some way to signal for help is essential. Whistles are also great for signalling among groups, particularly useful if someone nearer the back of the group needs to stop for some reason.

Entertainment - Deck of cards, paper and pencil, book, iPod, ereader. Yes, I know, the whole idea is to get out into nature and away from everything. But after being stuck for over 2 hours in a little National Parks Service ranger station in the middle of an unexpected snow flurry while waiting for our group of mostly high school kids to be picked up after we tore the oil pan out of the van on the way to the trail head, I will never be without a deck of cards in my hiking pack. I had one that day and it did a lot to keep the natives from getting restless.

My "added" essential would be my camera! Although nothing beats a breathtaking view or a cool moment in person, it's nice to relive those things back at home.

inkycatz wrote:My "added" essential would be my camera! Although nothing beats a breathtaking view or a cool moment in person, it's nice to relive those things back at home.

I never thought of a camera, bear gillis is a such a looser I bet I can kill a deer with that camera.. Swash is tiny little head between the body and lens.. You sir are genius!

And FiRE.. It's made of magnesium ! We can start a fire the Gods will fear.

Oh I see what you did there.... Storing water in the lens.. I bow to your might..

I shall not pass