Day Hiking Checklist

Note: This list is intentionally extensive. Not every person will carry every item on every day hike.

For printer-friendly version, click Print Checklist (PDF) at right.

The Ten Essentials

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass

• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Sunglasses

3. Insulation

• Jacket, vest, pants, 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

• Duct tape strips; repair items as needed

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
• 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 w/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)
• ______________________

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