Today's ten essentials item is water. Good old high quality H2O. You need water, without it you will die. Plain and simple. There's a reason it's one of the top three survival priorities. There is a thing called the rule of 3's, that you can survive without food for 3 weeks, without water for 3 days, and without air for 3 minutes. That's how important water is.
Before heading out it is important to fill up or top off your water bottles. I prefer carrying 2-1 liter bottles (I like having a metal nesting cup for a Nalgene or a canteen cup for a USGI water bottle, having a metal container will be important if you need to boil water to purify it) for regular camping and I'll add a 3 liter hydration bladder for backpacking and longer day hikes.
In most environments, you need to have the ability to treat water by filtering (like a Katadyn Hiker or Sawyer Mini), purifying using chemical tablets or drops (iodine or chlorine tablets), or boiling from rivers, streams, lakes, and other sources. Getting sick from drinking untreated water is a very real thing and it will take you out of the game quickly, don't do it. In cold/snowy environments you will need a stove, fuel, pot, and lighter to melt snow.
Daily water consumption will vary from person to person. For most people, 2 to 3 liters of water per day is usually sufficient, but in hot weather or at higher altitudes, 6 liters may not be enough. Plan for enough water to accommodate additional requirements due to heat, cold, altitude, exertion, or emergency.
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