I wish I could say that it was easy to determine my essentials– but it really depends on the trip I’m going! But generally it includes– first aid kit, fire starter, multi-tool, headlamp, sunblock(colorado’s sun can be killer!), emergency snacks, and for backpacking trips– water filter! Everything else is transient in my pack, it all depends on the type of trip! Sometimes it’s mountaineering, sometimes climbing, sometimes canyoneering, simple backpacking or a crazy summit attempt! 🙂 Fantastic article~!