Snowshoe Day Hiking Checklist

Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every person will bring every item on every outing.

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

Gear choices

(see our Mountaineering or Winter Camping checklists for other options)

• Snowshoes
• Boots
• Snowshoe poles (or trekking poles w/snow baskets)
• Pack
• Multifunction watch (with altimeter)
• Ice axe

• Avalanche transceiver
• Snow shovel
• Probe
• Slope meter and snowpit analysis kit
• Route description or guidebook
• Whistle/signaling mirror

Snowshoe repair items

• Duct tape (small roll)
• Pliers

• Nylon fasteners (tie wraps)
• Wire, cord or prepackaged repair kit

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 (kept near body when cold)

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

• Repair items noted in section above

8. Nutrition

• Extra day's supply of food

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)

• Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

Clothing options

(this section is intentionally extensive; base choices on possible weather extremes)

• Wicking base layers (synthetic or wool)
• Insulating mid layer: Fleece jacket or vest
• Waterproof/breathable jacket (or soft shell)
• Insulating jacket (down or poly-fill; worn at stops)
• Waterproof/breathable pants or bibs (or soft shell)
• Fleece pants (for cold days)
• Insulating hat, cap, balaclava or headband
• Neck or face gaiter (bandana or similar)

• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• Liner socks
• Gaiters
• Gloves, mittens and/or overmittens
• Light gloves (for vigorous activity or mild days)
• Sun-shielding cap or hat (for sunny days)
• Lightweight nylon pants (for sunny days)
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sunny days)

Personal items

• Toilet paper
• Sanitation trowel and/or WAGbags

• Hand sanitizer
• Quick-dry towel

Other options

• Lunch
• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
• Energy beverages or drink mixes
• Vacuum bottle (for hot drinks)
• Insulated sitting pad
• Handwarmer/footwarmer packets
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Permits/passes
• ________________________

• Two-way radios
• Personal locator beacon
• Cell or satellite phone
• Credit card/cash/photo ID
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Music player with headphones
• Post-activity snacks, water and beverages
• Towel and post-activity change of clothing
• Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
• ________________________

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