The Ten Essentials and a trip plan: what to carry, who to tell, and what to do if you're lost
NPS describes the Ten Essentials as a collection of items that can help you or others in the event of minor injuries, sudden weather changes or unexpected emergencies. The system was developed by The Mountaineers.
The Ten Essentials (NPS)
| System | Examples |
|---|---|
| Navigation | Map, compass and GPS |
| Sun protection | Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat |
| Extra clothing | Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell and other layers |
| Illumination | Flashlight and headlamp (headlamps are recommended because they're hands-free) |
| First-aid supplies | First aid kit |
| Fire | Matches or lighter and fire starters |
| Repair kit and tools | Duct tape, knife, multi-tool and scissors |
| Nutrition | Extra food |
| Hydration | Water and water treatment supplies |
| Emergency shelter | Tent, space blanket, tarp or bivy |
NPS is blunt about phones: your cell phone is not a substitute for any of the Ten Essentials, because you may have no service and the battery may not last. It suggests considering a personal locator beacon, and a whistle for each person, especially children. Traveling in Japan? Carrying a knife there has legal limits; see Carrying a knife in Japan.
Leave a trip plan
Tell a trusted contact who isn't coming with you where you're going, what you're doing and when you'll be back, and ask them to call authorities and share your plan if you're late (NPS). If you change route without telling them, they won't know where you are and searchers may have trouble finding you. NPS also advises setting a turnaround time and sticking to it. Japan formalizes the same idea with a filed climbing plan; see Hiking in Japan.
If you get lost (NPS)
- Stop and breathe: calmly assess your situation.
- Retrace your steps, if it's safe, to get back on your planned route.
- Stay put if you can't. Moving makes it harder for authorities to find you; move only if there's an immediate threat to life.
- Call 911 and give your location, surroundings, clothing, equipment and medical conditions.
- Signal: blow your whistle often, which saves your energy compared with yelling, and flash your light in the SOS pattern (three quick, three slow, three quick).
NPS warns not to build a signal fire when fire risk is high. And if someone in your group goes missing, retrace your steps to where they were last seen and wait there; don't search off trail.
Our suggestions
- Keep a "core ten" bag packed so day hikes start ready.
- Carry a paper map even if you navigate by phone.
- Bright clothing and a small mirror make you easier to spot.
Everyday
Pack the Ten Essentials for every hike, even short ones, and text your trip plan to someone who is staying home.
When it counts
If a hike goes wrong, you have light, warmth, water and a way to signal, and someone knows when to call for help.
Sources and when we checked them
- National Park Service, Ten Essentials (May 28, 2026) (checked 2026-10-31)
- National Park Service, Trip Planning Guide (August 21, 2026) (checked 2026-10-31)
- National Park Service, Hike Smart (June 13, 2024) (checked 2026-10-31)
- National Park Service, Outdoor Emergency Plan (checked 2026-10-31)
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