https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
This is a great read and good source of information.
Ten Essential Systems
Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger
Headlamp: plus extra batteries
Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen
First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)
Knife plus a gear repair kit
Fire matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove
Shelter carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy)
Extra food Beyond the minimum expectation
Extra water Beyond the minimum expectation
Extra clothes Beyond the minimum expectation
The exact items from each system that you take can be tailored to the trip you’re taking. For example, on a short day hike that’s easy to navigate you might choose to take a map, compass and PLB, but leave your GPS and altimeter behind. On a longer, more complex outing, you might decide you want all those tools to help you find your way. When deciding what to bring, consider factors like weather, difficulty, duration, and distance from help.
Continue reading below for more information about each of the Ten Essential systems. And for help figuring out what else to bring with you, check out these hiking checklists.
Hiking Checklist links
https://www.rei.com/learn/c/hiking/t/checklists
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/topo-maps-how-to-use.html
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/navigation-basics.html
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gps-receiver.html
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/first-aid-checklist.html
Never thought about The point number 1: Great idea with the P on both sides. I am going to do that and home and try it out. 😄
The point number 2: Yes defiantly update maps always and make sure you always point North North. I have met a person that insist North goes South on the GPS 😳
Good checklist ... though I'll confess that I've never taken a PLB. I have taken a PBJ before, but sometimes the J soaks through the bread and kind of makes a mess.
That said, I will clarify that you should make sure to take an updated map. A few years ago a group of intrepid travelers attempted a route in Colorado's Lizard Head Wilderness area. After 3 or 4 days in the backcountry ... they ran into a section of trail that was impassable due to snow (this was in July). One of the group members berated the others for not checking the map to see the route was clear of snow.
I'm still not sure why those hikers so foolishly relied on outdated maps without the automatic snowpack updates. So foolish.
Anyway, the group was able to reroute their trip and, although it was touch and go for a bit if all members of the group would survive, they all made it back to the highway for an interesting hitchhike back to their cars ... but that's a story for another day.
The point is:
Put PB on both pieces of bread and the J in the middle so your bread doesn't get soggy.
Get updated maps.
When hitchhiking outside of Telluride .... well ...