Get Outside: A Day Hiking Checklist

The Ten Essentials

For safety, survival and basic comfort:

1. Navigation

•  Map (with protective case)
•  Compass
•  GPS (optional)
•  Altimeter (optional)

2. Sun protection

•  Sunscreen
•  Lip balm
•  Sunglasses

3. Insulation

•  Jacket, vest, pants, long underwear, gloves, hat (see Clothing)

4. Illumination

•  Headlamp or flashlight
•  Extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

•  First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)

6. Fire

•  Matches or lighter
•  Waterproof container
•  Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

7. Repair kit and tools

•  Knife or multi-tool
•  Kits for stove, mattress; duct tape strips

8. Nutrition

•  Extra day's supply of food

9. Hydration

•  Water bottles or hydration system
•  Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

Beyond the Ten Essentials

• Daypack

• Lunch

• Snacks (energy bars, gels, chews, trail mix)

• Energy beverages or drink mixes

• Utensils

• Cups

• Toilet paper

• Sanitation trowel

• Hand sanitizer

• Insect repellent

• Whistle

• Binoculars

• Trekking poles

• Bag for collecting trash

• Route description or guidebook

• Interpretive field guide(s)

• Outdoor journal with pen/pencil

• Quick-dry towel

• Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change

• Trip itinerary left with friend + under car seat

• _____________________ for kids

• _____________________

Electronics

• Multifunction watch

• Camera with camera case

• Helmet cam

• Two-way radios

• Cell or satellite phone

• Personal locator beacon

Warm Weather Clothing Options

• Wicking T-shirt

• Wicking underwear

• Quick-drying pants or shorts

• Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun)

• Sun-shielding hat

• Insulating fleece jacket or vest

• Bandana or Buff

• Mosquito net clothing

• _____________________

Cool Weather Clothing Options

• Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt

• Wicking long underwear

• Hat, cap or headband (synthetic or wool)

• Gloves or mittens

• Insulating fleece jacket (or vest) and pants

• Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat)

• Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)

• _____________________

• Boots or shoes suited to terrain

• Socks (synthetic or wool)

• Gaiters

• Sandals (for river fording, trip home)

• ______________________

Photo Credit