Day Hiking Checklist
Note: This list is intentionally extensive. Not every person will carry every item on every day hike.
The Ten Essentials (for safety, survival and basic comfort)
We provide:
1) Sleep bag (Temperature rating? (C) -1 to 14oC )
2) Sleep pad
3) Ten if no base camp or home stay
You will consider what you will need for your trip in below:
Navigation
1. Map (with protective case
2. Compass
3. GPS (optional)
. Fire
1. Matches or lighter
2. Waterproof container
3. Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
. Sun protection
1. Sunscreen and lip balm
2. Sunglasses
. 7. Repair kit and tools
1. Knife or multi-tool
2. Duct tape strips;
3. repair items as needed
. Insulation
1. Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
. 8. Nutrition
1. Extra day’s supply of food
. Illumination
H Headlamp or flashlight
Extra batteries
. 9. Hydration
1. Water bottles or hydration system
2. Water filter or other treatment system
. First-aid supplies
1. First-aid kit
2. (see our First-aid checklist in below )
10. Emergency shelter
1. Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket
Beyond the Ten Essentials
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Daypack
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Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
-
Energy beverages or drink mixes
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Binocular
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Camera
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Utensil
-
Trekking pole
-
Cups
-
Insect repellent
-
Head net
-
Toilet paper
-
Route description or guidebook
-
Sanitation trowel
-
Interpretive field guide(s)
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Hand sanitizer
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Notepad or sketchpad with pen/pencil
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Quick-dry towel
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Two-way radios
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Bag for collecting trash
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Cell or satellite phone
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Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
-
Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
Warm weather clothing options
1. Wicking T-shirt
2. Wicking underwear
3. Quick-drying pants or shorts
4. Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun)
5. Sun-shielding hat
6. Insulating fleece jacket or vest
7. Bandana or buff
Cool weather clothing options
1. Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
2. Wicking long underwear
3. Hat, cap or headband (synthetic or wool)
4. Gloves or mittens
5. Insulating fleece jacket (or vest) and pants
6. Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat
7. Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
Footwear
1. Boots or shoes suited to terrain
2. Gaiters
3. Socks (synthetic or wool)
4. Sandals (for river fording, trip home)
