What essential equipment is important to you?

[mtgoat]

What do you consider to be the single most important piece of gear that goes with you all the time? Don't say something just because it is simply your favorite or just the item that cost you the most money. But list the one the one item that you could not do without. What you wear all the time kind of clothing does not count for this but an extra article of clothing like spare long underwear in your pack or hats and gloves will count.

[DLHiker]

I always bring my water filter, and thus carry very little water at a any given time (unless I'm traversing the Dix range, Great Range, or some other dry range)

I also always bring my first aid kit which includes a leatherman multi-tool, matches, etc.

I guess there are some other things that I alwys throw in (map/compass, wool sweater, etc.), but these two things are mandatory for me.

[Kevin]

#1 has to be my filter (I can survive without food for several days (though it would suck), but not without water!

a close #2 is the map, because I eventually need to find my way out

[Jeff]

The #1 piece of gear I would have to say would be hiking boots. If necessary you can boil water, and although yucky, you can add tablets to make the water safe for drinking. BUT, if you don't have comfortable feet you have the makings for a real long, unpleasant trip.

[morrell12]

Water Filter is a must. Those iodine tablets suck and most of the fresh water springs in the high peaks are getting really slow!

Then I would have to say my stove. Without it I would have no boiling water to cook.

Then I would have to say my boots. Nothing beats a good pair of boots to keep those blisters away.

[altec]

I would tend to say my filter, and my boots. I could do without a filter (boiling, or iodine tabs), but I love the great taste that you can get with some freshly filtered water (iodine = yuck). I also love my boots, perfect ammount of stability, and comfort. Without a good set of boots, the whole trip will not be worthwile due to the blistered feet, and general discomfort that goes along with crappy boots.

[mtgoat]

Not to nag, but my intent excluded what you wear when you start out. Sorry I didn't word it a little better!

What you wear all the time kind of clothing does not count for this but an extra article of clothing like spare long underwear in your pack or hats and gloves will count.

I am planning separate topicrs for boots and different clothing.


I have a fanny pack that attaches to the bottom of my backpack that includes stick matches in a waterproof container, first-aid kit, (3x) 1ft sq pieces of aluminum foil, (4x) emergency candles, emergency space blanket, cable saw, medicine (Tylenol, cold/sinus med and some night time theraflu), some energy bars, jerky, a 3" Gerber LST pocket knife and a 8ft x 10ft piece of visqueen. With just this I can head out and be sef sufficient for several days if need be. This and a water bottle go with me everywhere!

[Dannyboy]

In the summer I tend to carry my filter and stove with food. In the winter I always bring my stove so I guess my answer would be the stove. Even on day hikes I carry all the essentials in case I get stranded for some reason.

[AlphaDog]

...

My EMS brand Hiking Sneakers...comfortable feet are necessary on the trail! Those sneakers are the most comfortable things in the world!

Having a map also helps......

[Jeff]

Although a map is mostly necessary, for some of us we hope we NEVER find our way out of the woods!

[adk-46r]

The older you get an"IBUPROFEN" cocktail at the summit for that long trip out.