Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every person will bring every item on every outing.
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
3. Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
4. Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
- Extra batteries (kept near body when cold)
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our First-aid checklist)
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
- Water bottles or Hydration system (insulated)
- Water filter or other treatment system
10. Emergency shelter
Clothing options
(this section is intentionally extensive; base choices on possible weather extremes)
- Wicking base layers (wool or synthetic)
- 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) plus spares
- 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; route description/guidebook
- Two-way radios
- Personal locator beacon
- Cell or satellite phone; satellite communicator
- 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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