Ive had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides, altitude sickness, and twenty-mile days - all in a summer weekend. Wilderness trips might be dangerous, but you might generate then less so, by having the following ten essentials in your backpack.

1. Knowledge. What nice is a compass if you dont understand how to make use of it? Play with matches if your fire-generating skills are shaky. Learn what to do when you see a bear. Read a little, practice a little - data is more likely to save you than gadgets.

2. Map and compass. These are together, because thats the way you positive need to use them.

3. Matches and lighter. Bring both, or waterproof matches and a fire starter of some sort. Having two ways to beginning a fire is much safer.

4. First aid kit. Buy a pre-packaged one or make your own. Make sure it has pain relievers, bandages, disinfectant, and notes on basic first aid procedures.

5. Foot care. Your first aid kit needs moleskin, and maybe a pin, to treat blisters. Your feet have to be well cared for when youre hiking miles from the nearest pathway.

6. Water purification. A filter works, but they clog and break so almost always that you should have a small bottle of iodine tablets or other water purification as back up.

7. Rainwear. One of the biggest killers in the woods is hypothermia, and it commonly starts when you get wet. Try to stay dry.

8. Shelter. This may be a tent, tarp or bivy sack. Just be sure you understand how to use it.

9. Sleeping bag. Down bags are the warmest for their weight, but be sure you know how to keep it dry, or bring a synthetic bag.

10. Specific trip items. For backpacking trips in Michigan in May, bring insect repellant. In June in Arizona, bring sunblock. Think about the distinctive conditions for the time and place of your trip.

Make your own list if you take regular backpacking trips. Its no fun when a friend tells us ten miles down the trail that hes allergic to bees and forgot his medicine. A little planning means less worries, and a better trip.