Snowshoe Day Hiking Checklist from REI

The 10 Essentials

• Extra clothing
• Drinking water in an insulated container
• Compass
• Pocket knife
• Sunscreen
• Matches in a waterproof container (a lighter works well, too)

• Extra food
• Map of the area in a waterproof case
• Fire starter (or a candle)
• First aid kit
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra bulb and batteries

Beyond the Ten Essentials (Not every person will carry every item)

• Snowshoes
• Trekking poles (w/snow baskets)
• Daypack
• Multifunction watch (w/altimeter)
• Vacuum bottle for hot drinks
• Ice axe

• Electronic locating beacon
• Rope or 50-foot nylon cord
• Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
• Insulated sitting pad
• Handwarmer/footwarmer packets
• Slope meter (to evaluate avalanche risk)

Clothing (Not every item here is always needed; base choices on possible weather extremes)

• Base layer: wicking underwear
• Mid layer: insulating jacket/vest/pants
• Waterproof/breathable jacket
• Waterproof/breathable pants
• Soft shell jacket/pants

• Insulating hat, cap or headband
• Balaclava and/or face mask
• Goggles
• Gloves and/or mittens
• Waterproof overmitts

Footwear

• Boots
• Gaiters

• Socks (synthetic, wool or waterproof)
• Liner socks

Snowshoe repair items

• Duct tape
• Pliers

• Nylon fasteners (tie wraps)
• Wire or cord

Personal items

• Toilet paper (in zip-close bag)
• Sanitation trowel

• Quick-dry towel
• Bandana or buff

Other possibilities

• Permits
• Guidebook
• Interpretive field guide(s)
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Music player w/headphones
• ______________________

• Two-way radios
• Cell or satellite phone
• Small amount of cash
• Credit card/photo ID
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Trip itinerary (left w/friend, under car seat)
• 0 ______________________

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