It’s important to be prepared for every hike. No one wants to be caught on the trail without water, the proper fuel, or sunscreen. Here’s a checklist I use to make sure I’m organized and prepared for every hike, no matter how short or long it may be.
Day Hikes
- Water
- Snacks (Bars, Trail Mix, Jerky)
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Compass
- Clothing:
- Summer: Shorts, light shirt and shoes with grip
- Winter: Extra socks, warm jacket, gloves, leggings and shoes with grip/snowshoes
- Small Backpack
- Permit (depends on the location and hike. Sometimes day-use permits are located at the trailhead or at the nearest ranger station).
Overnight/Multi-Night Backpacking Trips
- Water AND Water Purification Tablets (the amount of water depends on the person, but I recommend a gallon per person, per day).
- Food (Bars, Trail Mix Jerky, Freeze Dried Food)
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Flashlights
- Trash Bag
- Bear Cannister
- Bear Spray
- Emergency Blanket
- Emergency Poncho
- Compass
- Cell phone
- Portable phone charger
- Clothing (pack at least one extra pair of everything if backpacking for multiple days):
- Summer: Extra socks, shorts, light shirt and shoes with grip
- Winter: Extra socks, warm jacket, gloves, leggings and shoes with grip/snowshoes
- Backpack (35L to 80L) – SHOP HERE
- Tent (1-2 Person) – SHOP HERE
- Sleeping Bag – SHOP HERE
- Sleeping Pad – SHOP HERE
- Permit (Required on most overnight backpacking trips). Please see Permits for more information.
NOTE: Many items can be rented at your local REI. Click HERE for more information.
Optional Items (Highly Recommended)
- Tissues
- Trash Bags
- Towel
- Chapstick
- Sunglasses
- Matches
- Portable Stove
- Headlamp
- Swim-Suit
- Hammer
- Pocket Knife
- Camera
- Hat
- Whistle
What NOT to Bring
- Unnecessary clothing items (too many shirts or a new outfit for every day backpacking, for example)
- Bulky items (pillows, blankets, or an umbrella)
- Jewelry or valuable items
- Extra toiletries (shampoo or conditioner – especially if it is not environmentally friendly)