Taking Care of Business
Chaffee County Search and Rescue South
The Ten Essentials
Always carry the 10 essentials!
-
Navigation (map, compass, GPS, extra batteries)
-
Insulation (Weather protection; rain pants/jacket, extra clothes, hat, gloves, large plastic bag, no cotton )
-
Illumination (two) headlamp, flashlight, extra batteries)
-
Personal Protection - sunscreen, first aid, medications, clear/dark glasses, bug repellent
-
Fire (waterproof matches, fire starter, saw, knife,)
-
Signaling Devices - cell phone w backup battery charger, mirror, whistle
-
Repair kit and tools (specific to the adventure and season)
-
Nutrition (extra food for 24 hour, high calorie, won't freeze or spoil)
-
Hydration (extra water, means to filter or purification tablets)
-
Emergency shelter (reflective waterproof tarp, bivy sack, extra large leaf bag, cord)
Best practices:
- Check the weather before you leave and do your homework on the route you choose.
- Travel with another person.
- Leave written travel details - route/trail you are taking, expected timeline, who is in group, and when you expect to return.
- Stay together and stick to your plan... Stay the Trail.
- When in doubt, Dial 911 sooner than later. It's just a phone call, make it.
- Read our Backcountry Guidelines
Colorado Search and Rescue never charges for assistance.
​
​
More details on these items can be found here: