belay device and sling is [u]light weight</u> and used for those hard "scrambles" where i don't want to down climb under people rapping so i ask if i can rap off there rope.

A dulfersitz is even lighter []

I didn't actually mean to attack as you seem to have taken it. I'm just saying that this is where I'd dispense of any mention of a 'ten essentials', or any essentials. This would be a comparison of standard gear, not essentials - and that's great. I'm not disputing any of the things you bring, they were just evidence that this is a gear list rather than an 'essentials' list.

I suspect Peter was also just trying to add another useful thing, not suggest that you personally are unprepared or that he knows everything.

=========================================

1/ I'd never thought of that,like a mirror, a flashy gun- in the - sun to attract attention.

2/ and flash your girl in the sun to attract attention.


Wow, I like your thinking.

LOL

If you're carrying a belay device and sling, you should add some rope or some static cord and some sort of harness if it's only for rapping. I do agree about using a munter if it's an emerg only use. You can live with twisting the rope if it's only for escaping an oh-shit situation.

Maybe the "essential" referred to "it's ESSENTIAL that I not leave home without these items".
I have a small pouch that I carry in my pack. This pouch contains:

1 - Large orange garbage bag.
1 - Fox40 whistle
1 - 35mm film canister full of tinder (some sort of firestarter material)
1 - "Space blanket"
1 - Scalpel blade
4 - Safety pins
4 - Bandaids and alcohol wipes
1 - Water filtration straw
1 - Tootbrush
1 - small tube of toothpaste
1 - magnifying glass
2 - Mini-Bic lighters
1 - Lockblade knife
2 - Figure-9 "biners"
1 - Chapstick
1 - Tea light
1 - package of Leaf soap
1 - Mini flashlight w/extra batteries
2 - Hand warmers
4 or 5 big rubber bands (the kind they lasso the broccoli with!)
5 - 10m Paracord


I don't leave home without this.
I also have a "mini" First Aid kit that contains:

4 - Bandaids
4 - Safety pins
1 - Tea light
1 - Scalpel blade
1 - pack of GLIDE floss
1 - mini tube of Krazy Glue
1 - pair folding scissors
6 - Advil
6 - Benadryl
6 - Gas-X

This one sometimes gets forgotten...[:I]

Point being that we all have different requirements and definition of "essentials".

How useful do you find these? I was looking at them the other day, not sure if I could justify the weight? but they seem to have potential.

dan

Haven't had to use them in any sort of "emergency" situation (yet)...but they are handy for stringing up a sil-tarp, securing bundles, etc.
Ideally,I should have 4 of them, but I just haven't bought any more.

Actually, the ones I own are the small ones; (edited link above) perfect for paracord. They're made of aluminum and weigh almost nothing.

LOL love your profile picture insert..

Here are my 10 essentials:

1-my legs
2-arms
3-feet
4-boots
5-eyes
6-nose
7-mouth
8-backpack
9-water
10- everything in my pack that i think i will need for the length of hike i am going on.

Nice list, not to sound rude but you forgot your brain!
The most important, and should be number one on the list!
(no later editing :P)

i don't have a brain

I also had some tee shirts made up but Brad got pissed because Angelina bought one. He forced me to take them off the market. I guess the pretty boy couldnt take to competition.[]


Anywho back to the topic.

Essential Equipment :
Compass
Small first aid kit
Whistle
Survival blanket
Map of where you are going
Poncho or Rain Jacket
Small flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
Waterproof matches , disposable lighter, or fire starter (flint & steel)
Insect repellent
Candle or magnesium fire starter
Water bottle ... Better yet is the bladder packs (with tubes) sold at most
Bike shops or outdoor stores.
Knife ... folder or Fixed blade Fixed blade is a better choice as you dont have to worry about it closing on your fingers at the wrong time.
Length of rope (25 or 3/8)
Emergency food ; powerbars, hard candy, trail mix.


Depending on the time of year I might also pack a siltrap , bear spray and or bear bangers.
I like to take my cell phone and enough stuff that if I have to spend a night in the bush Ill be reasonably comfortable.
I have had friends, both expert woodsmen or SAR members that had good day hikes go badly so common sense & preparedness are essential.

BWAHAHAHHHAHAHAHA...nice.