10 Essentials (for BOB), revised - feedback?

[Y.T.]

Edited the title and a few clarifying bits below (italicized) because I apparently hadn't explained the purpose of this post well and it's causing some confusion in the responses.

My bf is putting together his BOB so I wanted to make a checklist for him, possibly something I could later share with friends (see list at bottom of this post).

I thought the first and easiest place to start was the 10 Essentials. Something simple that covered the basics of BOB preparedness, that's not overwhelming and would allow the recipient to develop a bag in stages instead of feeling everything had to be thorough and perfect at once. In my search to get the official list I ended up revising it and creating one of my own for the purpose of creating a BOB, not to replace the hiker's 10 essentials.

I'm not really looking for feedback on the concept or origins of the original 10 Essentials list, or how the original list should be used. I'm just using the idea of the 10 Essentials, specifically as presented in the third link below, as a simple launch point. So I'm looking for feedback on the list contents themselves, not the theory of a 10-list. The intention here is to create an easy starting point for someone new to preparedness or making a BOB, providing a foundation layer that will cover the essential areas and divides up options (such as putting together a basic boo-boo FAK now, then evolving to a proper trauma-ready FAK later).

Research

This seems to be the nearly universal original 10 Essentials list:

1. Map
2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra food and water
5. Extra clothes
6. Headlamp/flashlight
7. First aid kit
8. Fire starter
9. Matches
10. Knife

In searching to verify those items I found this list, which is a 10 + 4 list and seemed to cover some of the things I felt were missing from the original list such as bug repellent: Ten Essentials Plus Four

Then I came across this list, which updates the original list by grouping the "tens" into categories instead of single items, but still based on the implied categories of the original list: The 10 essentials: A revised list for emergency wilderness survival (scroll down for the list). That made more sense to me, particularly since it gets people thinking in terms of fulfilling basic needs (food, water, shelter, fire, tools, navigation, weather protection) instead of just singular items.

So in an effort to condense the information and present it in an easy-to-use format I combined those 2 lists and expanded on them in a little more detail, such as changing Sun Protection to Weather protection; adding Hygiene with Insulation; breaking up Illumination to include a section for Signaling; and dividing some of the categories into subsections to be more clear.

Revisions

Feedback is welcome. Let me know if you feel I've forgotten something or misrepresented something (such as missing an important item or misstated quantities). (ETA: to be clear, a full BOB packing list would accompany this, I just wanted something simple that isn't overwhelming to get someone started.) My second post below lists some initial thoughts on what the next layers of the BOB might be. Feedback on what should go there is welcome as well.

The 10(ish) Essentials (for a BOB)

1. Navigation

map, compass

2. Weather Protection

SUN: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
RAIN: poncho, waterproof bag cover
COLD: hat, gloves
DUST/DEBRIS: googles, dust mask

3a. Clothing/Insulation -

GENERAL: bandana, socks, underwear, bra (women), pants, shirt, boots, jacket
CHILDREN: extra undies and/or "pullups" may be helpful for children newly potty-trained

3b. Hygiene

GENERAL: hand sanitzer, wet wipes and/or liquid soap, toilet paper and/or tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste
WOMEN: menstrual products (tampons/cloth or disposable pads/menstrual cup), pee funnel
BABIES/TODDLERS: diaper bag with all necessary pee, poo, rash and cleaning items

4a. Illumination

flashlight and/or headlamp, extra batteries, candles (also helpful for #6. Fire)

4b. Signaling

whistle, light stick (disposable glow stick or battery powered light stick) and/or flare, signaling mirror

5. First Aid

ENVIRONMENT: bug repellent, lip balm, eye drops, saline spray (dry climates)
BASIC: bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, pain killers, allergy meds, digestive remedies, moleskin
ADVANCED: trauma supplies, training
SPECIAL: current prescriptions, items necessary for medical conditions

6. Fire (redundancy preferred)

IGNITERS: waterproof matches/container, lighters (and/or block and striker)
TINDER/FUEL: alcohol wipes, Vaseline-soaked cotton balls, paraffin-soaked dryer lint, or fuel sticks

7. Tool Kit

TOOLS: pocket knife, small pliers/multitool
REPAIRS: zip ties, cordage, duct tape, safety pins
SEWING KIT: regular and heavy duty thread (or at least dental floss), regular and heavy duty needle(s)

8. Nutrition (3 days worth)

BASIC: (no-cook/no-water food)

– ex: granola, nuts, jerky/dried meat, dried fruit, protein bars, peanut butter, crackers, foil pouch tuna

ADVANCED: (cook/add water food)

– ex: MREs, dehyrated/freeze-dried meals, food saves/seal-a-meal pouches, dehydrated soup, oatmeal
– small stove (alcohol, wood, or gas fueled), metal cup or pots (heat water), mess kit (plate/bowl, utensils)
INFANTS: (not yet on solid food)

- formula/breast pump, baby food (jars, dry and/or instant), foods and formula that don't require refrigeration, extra bottles, extra bottle nipples, necessary brushes and items for cleaning bottles
CHILDREN:

- children are often more particular and fussy about foods than adults. What you may find acceptable may be completely "inedible" to your child. Bring foods they're familiar with as well as simple snack foods/finger foods. If your child is still at the age where they require assistance for meals (such as needing food cut) consider packing items that won't need much effort from you.

9. Hydration

WATER & TREATMENT: water (min. 2-4 quarts/2-3.75 liters per day), filter, purification
STORAGE/TRANSPORT: bottle/canteen and/or bladder (min. capacity 16-32oz/.5-1 liters)

10. Emergency Shelter

space blanket (additional bedroll, blanket, or sleeping sack also helpful), lightweight tent or tarp for tent (with necessary stakes or rope)

edits: clarity, added items to list based on feedback, added items for families

[NORTHERN RAIDER]

My EDC is doubled up on most items

EDC (Every Day Carry) Essentials
Knife and Sharpener
Multi-tool and Lighter
Flashlight and Spare Batteries
Watch and Compass
Wallet and Keys
Shades + Case+ Cleaning Cloth
Paracord and Bandana
Cash and Cellphone
Notebook + Pen
Medkit + Puri Tabs
Dust Mask + Latex Gloves ( disposable)
Monocular and Carabiner
Hat + Gloves+ Spare Laces
Area OS Map ( if operating away from home )
Telescopic Baton and Light Sticks ( if traveling to High Risk areas)

[Y.T.]

I might create the BOB packing list in sets of 10 to make the process easy and provide the info in digestible chunks...
The 10(ish) Essentials,
followed by The Next 10 Important items (#11-20),
followed by 10 Helpful Items (#21-30)
followed by 10 Items To Consider (#31-40)

in that Next 10 Important Items I'd include the following:

- AM/FM radio (news)
- 2-way radio (walkie-talkie/comm)
- extra cash and emergency credit card
- cordage
- batteries
- sleeping bag/bivy
- additional tools (shovel, axe, saw, crowbar? suggestions? there's a new thread on this)
- additional knives? (machette, larger straight knive?)
- fishing items (or should this be in Helpful instead?)

in The 10 Helpful Items I'd include the following:

- documentation: copies of personal ID, contact numbers, copies of insurance policy, etc.
- charger for phone and other devices
- knife sharpener
- ear plugs, eye mask (for sleeping in loud, bright places)
- potty bag
- net bag for drying clothes, cloths, wet food for disposal
- ziplock bags, garbage bags
- toys or games for kids
- some morale/comfort item (food, clothing, music, toy, etc.)

in 10 Items To Consider I'd include:

- razors and shaving cream
- tobacco for those who smoke (pouches and rolling paper, or packs) or nicotine gum
- coffee for those who can't function without it
- alcohol for those who crave it during stress

I'm not sure where to include weapons since people starting out may find that intimidating or off-putting. Perhaps listing those under categories for Self Defense and for Food Gathering (hunting, fishing, trapping) would make sense.

edits: added some items to the lists and additional thoughts

[Y.T.]

NORTHERN RAIDER, it looks like all those things are covered in my revised list except for the baton, so I'm assuming that means you think the list is correct?

[ninja-elbow]

I like your list Y.T. I'm a lsit maker too and see the importance in having one. I need it to know what I need, it's why I do the same thing as you.

The only difference from mine and yours is I put my "10 essentials" in order using the "rule of 3s" thing.

You will only survive for:
-3 seconds w/o a good frame of mind and knowledge (practical skills training and staying calm)
-3 minutes without air (dust masks, CPR training, physical training, basic first aid/hygeine, keeping your ABCs functioning)
-3 hours without shelter (clothing, fire, shelter, environmetal protection, getting to a safe place and/or "unlost")
-3 days without water (carrying it, making it, finding it)
-3 weeks without food (carrying it, making it, finding it, prepping it for consumption)

[NORTHERN RAIDER]

NORTHERN RAIDER, it looks like all those things are covered in my revised list except for the baton, so I'm assuming that means you think the list is correct?

Mon ami, the list is correct if it is what the owner decides he or she needs, I would think that there are various differences in our needs because of gender and geograpghy
Your list is as good as you want it to be

I believe you and your Beau are in a desert area, do you need something like snake/ sting / bite kit or bottled water as part of an EDC ?, or something as simple as a hat to stop your head from cooking?

I think all EDCs should start Knife/ Compass/ Multi tool/ Watch / Flashlight, then customise from there ?

[NORTHERN RAIDER]

NORTHERN RAIDER, it looks like all those things are covered in my revised list except for the baton, so I'm assuming that means you think the list is correct?

Dear Lady, one mild comment if you will forgive my arogance, But you are clearly well educated, well switched on and totally focused on survivalism. But there are three things survivalists survivalists never do
1 Become a refugee under government control
2 Take anything for granted
3 Assume anything. assuming gets people dead.

With Respect
NR

[Y.T.]

Mon ami, the list is correct if it is what the owner decides he or she needs, I would think that there are various differences in our needs because of gender and geograpghy
Your list is as good as you want it to be

Thanks. but what I'm trying to create is an updated UNIVERSAL list. The same way the 10 Essentials is a universal list (such as in the links above). Of course everyone's EDC/BOB is tailored to their specifics, but the foundation is based on the same universal needs: fire, water, food, shelter, weather protection, navigation, illumination. In other words you should be able to hand a 10 Essentials list to anyone and they'll all need those items. The specifics of how they choose those items (what shirt, what food, what knife) is individual, but the type of items is the same. Hope that makes more sense.

I believe you and your Beau are in a desert area, do you need something like snake/ sting / bite kit or bottled water as part of an EDC ?, or something as simple as a hat to stop your head from cooking?

To my point above a snake/sting kit would be part of our individual First Aid Kit item, but everyone would still have a FAK. Hats are pretty universal, tailored to the climate, which is why I just left it as "sun hat" and "cold hat". I might have a cowboy hat, others might have a boonie.

I think all EDCs should start Knife/ Compass/ Multi tool/ Watch / Flashlight, then customise from there ?

This is more for a BOB than EDC, but yeah it looks like those items are covered in most "top 10" lists. They're good things to have

[NORTHERN RAIDER]

?[/quote] This is more for a BOB than EDC, but yeah it looks like those items are covered in most "top 10" lists. They're good things to have [/quote]

Generally the BOB and CACHE are extentions of the EDC, even to a point of duplication on certain items, knives being the commonest, but usually bigger knives in the cache than in the bob or edc.

All are part of the layered approach much approved by many people in our community,

EDC, to HOUSE KIT, to BOB, to CACHES, TO RETREATS etc spring to mind

[WILLIE]

Man in Florida-
1) water bottles and purification pills or pump
2) food
3) shotgun and ammo
4) tent
5) leatherman wave or multi-tool
6) flint, lighter, matches or the like
7) machete
fishing hooks and line
9) 5-50 cord
10) poncho with liner

[Y.T.]

I like your list Y.T. I'm a lsit maker too and see the importance in having one. I need it to know what I need, it's why I do the same thing as you.

The only difference from mine and yours is I put my "10 essentials" in order using the "rule of 3s" thing.

You will only survive for:
-3 seconds w/o a good frame of mind and knowledge (practical skills training and staying calm)
-3 minutes without air (dust masks, CPR training, physical training, basic first aid/hygeine, keeping your ABCs functioning)
-3 hours without shelter (clothing, fire, shelter, environmetal protection, getting to a safe place and/or "unlost")
-3 days without water (carrying it, making it, finding it)
-3 weeks without food (carrying it, making it, finding it, prepping it for consumption)

thanks for the feedback. That's a good approach too, I'll have to ponder that idea as an option. People tend to be familiar with the "top 10" format, but your approach could help people understand the importance or urgency of an item, giving them some information in the structure of the list itself.

But there are three things survivalists survivalists never do
1 Become a refugee under government control
2 Take anything for granted
3 Assume anything. assuming gets people dead.

I was just trying to get the meaning of your prior post. presume? guess? hypothesize? interpret? infer? postulate? suppose? just pick your preferred word there.

Generally the BOB and CACHE are extentions of the EDC, even to a point of duplication on certain items...

All are part of the layered approach much approved by many people in our community,
EDC, to HOUSE KIT, to BOB, to CACHES, TO RETREATS etc spring to mind

true. I'm just trying to draft this as a resource for total beginners, who are new to preparedness and have no idea what any of these things are. Basically an introduction for someone to start to put together just a BOB, hopefully using that as a launch point to learn more and develop the layered approach (EDC, GHB, INCH) you mention. Keeping things simplistic seems to work best, as providing too much info overwhelms them and turns them off. Sorry if I hadn't made that purpose clear.

[NORTHERN RAIDER]

Generally the BOB and CACHE are extentions of the EDC, even to a point of duplication on certain items...

All are part of the layered approach much approved by many people in our community,
EDC, to HOUSE KIT, to BOB, to CACHES, TO RETREATS etc spring to mind

true. I'm just trying to draft this as a resource for total beginners, who are new to preparedness and have no idea what any of these things are. Basically an introduction for someone to start to put together just a BOB, hopefully using that as a launch point to learn more and develop the layered approach (EDC, GHB, INCH) you mention. Keeping things simplistic seems to work best, as providing too much info overwhelms them and turns them off. Sorry if I hadn't made that purpose clear.[/quote]

No problemo, I am delighted you are taking the time to try and help folks who want to help themselves, I am all for what you are doing, I actually wrote a booklet on the subject, its called Retreat Survivalism, Its aimed at the British audience, but much of the text has been revised to make it more palatable to the American community, its in E mail format and free to anyone who wants sometyhing to read and tear apart I'll forward to anyone who asks and provides an E mail addy to send it to.
respects as always.
NR

[ninja-elbow]

I stuck with the rule of 3s since I learned it in the Cub Scouts, the wilderness survival course in 6th grade PE and the basic survival thing we had in the Blue Jacket's Manual and ESWS training in the Navy. My Dad also abides by it too. By no means is "3" the magic number. 2 weeks without food may very well kill some while some could go 4, for instance.

[JibbaJabba]

True story that might be relevant to the topic:

At Fort Hood about a year and a half ago, a bunch of soldiers were out in the middle of gorram nowhere (it's a huge base) doing a land navigation course during WLC (Warrior Leaders Course, a requirement for becoming/staying a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Army).

Apparently, one guy got lost, and despite calling in on his cellphone to report that he was lost, and helicopters being sent to find him, he died overnight of exposure (I'm guessing that means "cold"). He still had a full canteen of water.

This troop apparently had crossed from the wilderness across a hardball/paved road and then continued on beyond it into more wilderness, determined to prove that he could get back on his own.

Basically, this guy did everything wrong.

You don't:
1) Go anywhere without a buddy, WLC be damned
2) Go anywhere without proper food/protective clothing for that climate
3) When lost, find and then LEAVE a landmark or defining terrain feature, such as a road - ESPECIALLY if you have the means to contact help!

Hope this story helps as a mental exercise - yes, even soldiers can fail to prepare properly

[Yortus Mugwortus]

I think all EDCs should start Knife/ Compass/ Multi tool/ Watch / Flashlight, then customise from there ?

Nice. Mine goes: knife, cordage (paracord ~25'+), lighter (or other one-handed sure fire), compass, map, flashlight, then from there. The only reason I didn't include the multi-tool and watch is because in the wilderness where I am they would not prove very useful. Although if given a choice of multi-tool or watch, I would take the multi-tool anytime, even if only as a back-up knife.

[ironraven]

I have a top 15. Some people might question the value of some of it, like the metal cup, but when you think about it, along with metal knives and axes, metal cook pots were among the most popular trade items with primative cultures. And while you can make cordage, it is a big fat pain in the ass. The last item is useful- you never know when you have to prove you are you.


-Firelighting.
This is at least two different forms of STORABLE flame or spark based firestarter, and tinder. By "storable", I mean things you can put in your pack and leave there for a month. So Zippos and the like are out. And by different, that means two ferro rods don't cut it- if you pack a spark based system, pack a flame based one. Your tinder should be ignitable with either.

-Knife
If I have to explain it....

-Water carrier and purification
Bladders are ok, bottles are better if you can only pick one. Filters and chemical purification systems both have their role, but carry something that will cover at least most of your bases.

-Some kind of cook pot.
It can be a canteen cup, it can be a coffee can, it can be a decent mess kit. But you need something you can boil water in.

-Signals
Audible, passive visual (signal panels) and active visuals (signal mirrors, strobes). Pyrotechnics (flares, smoke canisters) are a personal choice, but are mostly special purpose.

-Shelter
This is a big one- rain gear, thermal layer, sleeping bags or blankets, and sun/spare/safety glasses.

-Cordage
Even if it is just a spool of dental floss, carry some. It includes wire, webbing and duct tape.

-Navigation
Map, compass, and GPS (with spare batteries)

-Flashlight, w/ spare batteries

-FAK

-Carry-all
Shoulder bag, butt pack, backpack, whatever it is, it keeps your hands free and your gear with you

-Food
Carry what you think you need

-Tools
A good multi or a SAK and a pair of pliers. Pliers, wire cutters, screw drivers, maybe a small wood saw and/or metal file. Oh, and a spare knife blade for emergencies. I personally like to have a small pair of channel locks, as well, in larger kit.

-Spare socks

-ID
Papers, please, citizen.

[bethanyb]

Y.T. yet another thread of genius. Oh and I think I love you.

I am also a person who loves lists and I think you have a great list for anyone looking to build a solid beginners BOB. If you don't mind (and I am sure you don't) I'm sending this link to a few friends.

[JollyRoger762]

Another top notch thread Y.T.

I like to use categories rather than items as well.
Here's what I consider a minimal kit:

1.) Water:
~~ Katadyne Micropur tablets (none of the iodine problems, kills everything), coffee filters (swamp water has mucho "big stuff" that I don't want to injest, purified or not), two GI canteens w/ 1 cup (can substitute nalgenes and nesting cups). Two because while one is letting the micropur tablet work, I can drink from the other.

2.) Food
~~ Mainstay bars. 2 1200 calorie bars. 1 day and 1 breakfast of food. No cooking, survives heat well.

3.) Shelter
~~ 8x10 Sil tarp. Doubles as rain gear. Why not a poncho? Because I (me, personally) can't rig a poncho and not have the hood area leak. To wear the tarp, fold it in half, so it's 5' by 8'. put the long side over your head, sticking out a few inches. bend at the waist and fold the tarp around you, tying in place with 550 cord or your belt. Pull the rest over your shoulders and use a safety pin (should be in your FAK) to hold it closed where you would close a collar around your neck. Your whole body is covered, but you can move your arms and hands well enough. Works better when using a shoulder/butt pack than with a backpack. I am assuming we're smart enough to have seasonally appropriate clothing, including gloves/mittens and hat for cold climates. Other than the coldest climates, this shoudl be enough (with the fire) to last a day or two.

4.) Fire
~~ Bic lighter and tinder sticks, Waterproof matchcase with wind/stormproof matches. This is a short term survival thing, not a live in the woods kit.

5.) Tools
~~ Knife, fixed blade, preferrably 4-5" blade. SAK for the woods or multitool for the city.

6.) First aid.
~~ I like the GI personal kit containers. I pack it with 4 2" gauze rolls, 2 2"x2" and 2 4"x4" gauze pads, roll of tape, tube of triple antibiotic, small bottle of betadyne, tweezers, bandage scissorsand a triangular bandaged fits behind the plastic container in the pouch. 2 of the 1 dose serving packets of Ibuprofen, Immodium, and Benadryl fit along the sides. Not a portable hospital, but it covers the basics. Any other meds you require on a daily basis should already be in your pockets. Good to carry bug dope and sunscreen if your locale calls for it.

7.) Navgation
~~ Big surprise, map & compass. Don't Have a GPS, but have nothing against them if you want to carry one.

8.) Light
~~ MagLite Mini with LED conversion. 2 extra batteries. Don't need a 3 million candlepower tactical light.

9.) Signalling
~~ Signal mirror, "Howler" whistle, even (dare I say it?) a cell phone.

10.) Carrier
~~ All the above fits in/on a CountyComm EOD bag or a GI buttpack, or any other comparable sized bag.

I don't include guns and such as I consider them part of my EDC and not a separate kit.

[Gatorfarmer]

The ten essentials were developed as an aid to the backpacker/hiker/person going out into the wilderness. They're items one should carry in case of a day trip gone bad, being caught in a storm, getting lost, etc. There's a certain overlap between these items and what one ought include in a survival kit, but one still needs to account for differences between urban/city environments and also account for the potential hostile interactions with other humans in a crisis situation (depending on the crisis). What's essential in a disaster is going to vary widely, for example if there is a chemical leak, plastic sheeting and duct tape might just come in far handier than a compass and a way to start a fire. Where the ten essentials and variants are at their best is if one is preparing a kit based upon the idea that they'll go through the wildnerness getting from point A to point B. Note also that the ten essentials lists assume that rescue is going to happen and will happen within one to three days.

[Squirrley]

In the 'original' 10 essentials list, can someone explain to me how matches are different from a fire starter? Does fire starter really mean tinder?

And while I like your new list, its pretty detailed/specific. The whole point of the 10 essentials is that you should take them with you every single time you go out, even if its just a short hike out of your back yard. You don't need 3 days of food and water, or a trauma kit, or goggles or a dust mask, or many of those things for a short hike. You just need something that covers each category. The idea is you have an extremely simple list that you get to know well, to serve as a reminder when you're packing for whatever excursion you're going on, not to build a 3 day BOB.

[Y.T.]

The whole point of the 10 essentials is that you should take them with you every single time you go out, even if its just a short hike out of your back yard.

I have to disagree with that. From what I've read it's not meant to be your EDC list, it's intended for excursions. And if you look at the links I've provided you'll see that food, water and clothes are all part of the 10 list, kept purposefully vague in quantities to allow for the length of trips. The second link goes into some detail, beyond the original items, which is what I used as a launch point.

The idea is you have an extremely simple list that you get to know well, to serve as a reminder when you're packing for whatever excursion you're going on, not to build a 3 day BOB.

MANY people here have used the 10 Essentials as a base for a BOB or an EDC. I've seen countless posts to this effect. The 10 essentials were initially for hiking, but have been co-opted over the years for survivalism and other uses as well.

Regardless, it seemed much more realistic to give someone who has never addressed preparedness a pared-down list of 10-ish categories than dump a huge packing list on them. As I said, I didn't recreate a list to be used as a universal replacement for the original list for hiking or whatever, just as a basis for a BOB.

[Y.T.]

I like to use categories rather than items as well.
Here's what I consider a minimal kit:

thanks for the list. good info.

Oh and I think I love you.

I am also a person who loves lists and I think you have a great list for anyone looking to build a solid beginners BOB. If you don't mind (and I am sure you don't) I'm sending this link to a few friends.

hee. hugs and rainbows! sure you're welcome to send this thread to others. There are many helpful lists here to share.

[turan8]

I seriously think a mod needs to sticky this, very concise and helpful topic, thanks Y.T.

[ironraven]

The ten essentials were developed as an aid to the backpacker/hiker/person going out into the wilderness.

Perhaps. And the Mauser rifle action was designed with hopes of military service, doesn't stop it from being a great design for anything you through at it. The 10 (or my 15) scale up and down. At the small end, you've got a PSK that goes anywhere, anytime, and gives you a chance. At the other end, it gives you the Western world. *shrugs* If you have those bases covered, you've got a good starting place for ANYTHING. Add what you need for duration or special environmental concerns.