REI's Day Hiking Checklist

The Ten Essentials (for safety, survival and basic comfort)

• 1. Navigation
• Map (w/protective case)
• Compass
• GPS (optional)
• 2. Sun protection
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Skin-shielding hat and clothing
• 3. Insulation
• Jacket or vest (preferably synthetic)
• Fleece pants (sometimes optional)
• 4. Illumination
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Extra batteries
• 5. First-aid supplies
• First-aid kit (see our first-aid checklist)

• 6. Fire
• Matches
• Fire starter
• Waterproof container
• 7. Repair kit and tools
• Knife, and/or
• Multi-tool
• Duct tape strips on bottle, poles
• 8. Nutrition
• Extra day's supply of food
• Spare energy bars, gels, trail mix
• 9. Hydration
• Water bottle and/or hydration reservoir
• Water filter or other treatment system
• 10. Emergency shelter
• Reflective blanket (or tent, tarp or bivy sack)

Beyond the Ten Essentials (not every person will cary every item)

• Daypack
• Multifunction watch w/altimeter
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Trekking poles
• Interpretive field guide(s)
• Insect repellent
• Headnet
• Toilet paper
• Sanitation trowel
• Two-way radios
• Cell or satellite phone
• _____________________
• _____________________

• Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
• Powdered drinks
• Lunch
• Utensils
• Cups
• Route description or guidebook
• Food for kids
• Toys for kids
• _______________ for kids
• Bag for collecting trash
• Notepad or sketchpad w/pencils
• Trip itinerary left with a friend
• _____________________
• _____________________

Clothing options (base choices on trip length and possible weather extremes)

• Warm Weather
• Wicking T-shirt
• Wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants/shorts
• Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun)
• Hat
• Insulating jacket or vest
• Bandana or buff
• ____________________
• ____________________

• Cool weather
• Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
• Wicking long underwear (good sleepwear)
• Hat, cap or headband (synthetic or wool)
• Gloves or mittens
• Waterproof/breathable rain jacket with hood
• Waterproof/breathable rain pants
• Insulating jacket/vest/pants (part of Ten Essentials)
• ____________________
• ____________________

Footwear

• Boots or shoes suited to terrain
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• ____________________

• Gaiters
• Water sandals (for river fording)
• ____________________