Hiking/Backpacking Essentials

Visitors to the Wilderness always need to be risk and hazard aware. Plan ahead and prepare for every trip. Weather can change suddenly and without warning at high elevations.

  • Always treat water found along the trail if you decide to drink it.
  • Remember: you can't count on cell phone coverage in remote areas!  

What are the Ten Essentials?

Being prepared for anything is essential. This is as important for all trips. The Ten Essentials is a systems approach that guides you in preparing for any trip in any season. 

 The two basic questions are: 

  1. Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency?
  2. Can you safely spend a night or more out?

The Ten Essentials:

  1. Navigation (map & compass) 
  2. Sun Protection (sun glasses, sun screen, lip balm) 
  3. Insulation (extra clothing) 
  4. Illumination (flashlight or headlamp, spare bulb & batteries) 
  5. First-Aid Supplies (gauze, tape, etc.) 
  6. Fire (fire starter, matches, lighter) 
  7. Repair Kit (knife, duct tape, tools, spare parts) 
  8. Nutrition (extra food) 
  9. Hydration (extra water, water purification) 
  10. Emergency Shelter (tarp, garbage bag)

Maps

Detailed maps are highly recommended for all areas, particularly Wilderness areas or the backcountry. A variety of visitor maps and publications are available for the Deschutes National Forest including detailed district maps, USGS quadrangle maps, and Wilderness maps.

Current Conditions

Leave No Trace!

Please help ensure that yours, and others, future wilderness trips will remain enjoyable by practicing the 7 Leave No Trace principles:

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For details on the 7 LNT Principals visit  http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles.



Alerts & Warnings

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