Backcountry discussion groups debate the ever shifting and variable contents list for The Ten Essentials, items one should always take with them when hiking, skiing, rafting, etc. Part of this discussion also involves when people tend to carry their kits, their full kits, or modified kits...day hikes... peak bagging...risk analysis..etc. I carry a full or slightly modified ten essentials kit at all times. Silly? Perhaps. But my experience is that assumed prediction of conditions to be encountered will eventually prove you wrong. And I've probably used the items in my kit to help others encountered on the trail, far more often than for my own use. I don't decide to stay at altitude in a brewing electrical storm because of the first aid materials in my rucksack, or because I have been trained in administering CPR. And I can't imagine a more foolhardy decision than to go for an exposed crossing in extreme conditions simply because I have three parachute flares tucked behind my backband, or an extra compass & whistle lanyard on my PFD. It's been my experience that those who are engaged enough in a given activity to plan, practice and pack for safety, are more likely to carry a useful kit as a matter of course...attached to their PFDs, stowed in a bailout pack, placed where they can be accessed under duress. Those who attach baubles and gear doo-dads for appearance's sake, or to provide a false sense of security, are more prone to making the series of faulty decisions that often, though not always or solely contribute to crisis. -Will *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Sep 11 2002 - 10:07:19 PDT
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