A lot more important as Fall moves along into unpredictable temperatures and situations.
via REI
Day Hiking Checklist
Our comprehensive checklist for day hikers can help you from forgetting anything important. Includes the Ten Essentials.
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The Ten Essentials
For safety, survival and basic comfort:
1. Navigation
- Map (with protective case)
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
2. Sun protection
3. Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
4. Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
- Extra batteries
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
10. Emergency shelter
Beyond the Ten Essentials
- Daypack
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Insect repellent
- Headnet
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Two-way radios
- Cell or satellite phone
- Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Lunch
- Utensils
- Cups
- Food for kids
- _____________________ for kids
- Route description or guidebook
- Interpretive field guide(s)
- Notepad or sketchpad with pen/pencil
- Quick-dry towel
- Bag for collecting trash
- Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
- Trip itinerary left with friend + under car seat
- _____________________
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
- _____________________
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)
- _____________________
Footwear
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Gaiters
- Sandals (for river fording, trip home)
- ______________________