Essential elements that we must always carry inside a backpack on our outdoor outings, because they can save our lives.What are they, how did they evolve, choose them and use them.See image galleryThe story goes that "The Mountaineers", a group of climbers from Seattle, in the northwestern United States, was organized as a club in 1906 to practice trekking and mountaineering in the region and the rest of the country.The climbers encouraged people to do outdoor activities, and for that they began to teach annual courses on techniques for life outdoors and mountaineering in the 30s of the 20th century.As a result of their experiences, they produced a manual that is now a classic: “Mountaineering: the Freedom of the Hills” in which The Mountaineers concluded that each activity participant in full nature should have a series of basic elements useful in unforeseen situations.In addition, in their courses they would develop the ability to use them correctly, an essential condition.They called this equipment: “The 10 Essentials”.That first list of items to bring was made up of: maps of the area, compass, flashlight with focus and spare batteries, extra food, additional clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, first aid kit, knife, matches and fire starter.Over time, the evolution of the outdoors culture led to a change in this list, it was no longer just 10 elements but more, although the “10 Essentials” were still being talked about as a generic.And the new list went on to talk about essential systems instead of elements.The updated systems concept was introduced by The Mountaineers themselves in 2003. The list now includes the following items: navigation, sun protection, insulation, lighting, first aid, fire, repair kit and tools, nutrition, hydration and shelter from emergency.1 Navigation: topographical map of the area and a compass, as well as the ability to use them (involves basic studies and practice of orienteering and land navigation).GPS navigators exist today, but you cannot rely solely on them.GPS watches (Garmin, Suunto, etc…) are ideal for their portability, and they also have very useful functions such as altimeter and barometer.2 Sun protection: Sunglasses with lenses made of impact-resistant materials (such as polycarbonate) are ideal.There are specific designs for use in the mountains and others aimed at aquatic environments, with polarized lenses.Everyone must have 100% protection against UVA / B radiation. Sunscreen creams will have an SPF factor of at least 35.Another element of this item is clothing with fabrics that have sun protection treatments, with an indication of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor / Factor de Protección Ultavioleta) graduated from 15 (good) to 50+ (excellent).3 Insulation (extra clothing): the weather can change in a short period of time, leaving us exposed to rain, wind or lower temperatures, which would lead to hypothermia.The basic prevention kit would be: thermal underwear set (shirt and long pants), warm hat or balaclava, waterproof-breathable windbreaker (ideal Gore-Tex Paclite-type fabrics), warm socks (wool or synthetic fibers);and a basic model of a warm jacket with duvet or Primaloft-type synthetic padding, light and compressible to take up little space.4 Lighting: a light LED headlamp or a small hand torch with a halogen or LED lamp can be very useful when it comes to illuminating different situations and also signaling for help if necessary.5 First aid kit: a very complete one only properly serves those who have the knowledge.It is very good then to take a first aid course in wild areas, such as the WFR, to know how to use them.If not, a basic first aid kit is worth it: elements for the treatment of wounds and bleeding, insect stings and bites (include a preventive repellent), burns and friction blisters.Adventure Medical Kits has all kinds of outdoor first aid kits, even for pets.6 Fire: to keep warm, dry, cook... From the classic waterproof matches, through a Zippo-type lighter or another for outdoor use, to magnesium or ferrocerium fire starters.7 Tools and material for repairs: a Swiss Army knife such as Victorinox or a multitool, a small roll of Duct tape, needle and sewing thread, contact cement, some lengths of cord.We can adapt the type of tool to the activity that we practice: mountaineering and climbing, bicycle outings, nautical activities, trekking and camping, etc.8 Nutrition (extra food): for example: ziploc bags with a mix of raisins and nuts, chocolate or granola bars and, possibly, sachets with portions of soup or dehydrated foods.9 Hydration (extra water): you have to bring a Camelbak or a caramañola and elements to make the water drinkable.Be totally safe to drink water from a natural source, which may be the case of a mountain spring.When in doubt, it is best to treat the water.An apparently pristine stream may be contaminated with Giardia Lambia, a parasite deposited in the water through animal feces and causing severe diarrhea.Another protozoan that causes similar problems is Cryptosporidium.But things can be worse, the bacteria that cause typhoid fever (Salmonella) or cholera (Vibrio Cholerae) can be found in the water, as well as the viruses that cause, for example, hepatitis A and E or meningitis.Purification can range from basic chemical treatments based on iodine (in liquid or purification tablets) or based on chlorine.It is much better to have a more advanced filtering and purification device such as the already classic MSR filters or the new technologies applied in the LifeStraw or Camelbak All Clear UV equipment.10 Emergency Shelter – Helps protect us from the elements and prevent hypothermia, still the leading cause of death in natural settings.It can be a Mylar survival blanket, a bivouac bag or an ultralight outdoor tarp.There are other optional systems that can be added, for example, for rescue: signaling, location and communication elements, such as a whistle, signal mirror, customized cell phone inside a protective box (the best ones have an additional battery and solar recharging panel) .A satellite phone will be even more functional, and Spot or ACR SarLink type satellite locators are also highly recommended in emergencies.All these elements have to fit in a small average 30-liter backpack or, depending on our usual activity, in a fanny pack, small cargo bag, waterproof bag, bike or horseback saddlebag.Three special elements to addweekend.profile.com - |© Perfil.com 2006-2022 - All rights reserved Intellectual Property Registry: Address Number: , , , |Phone: ||Email: [email protected]