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December 26, 2011 / Comments (0)

Hiking Packing List: The Essentials and Beyond

Written by:

Allison is the founder of trailtosummit.com which she began as a way to track and share her first round of the NH 4000 Footers. Now on round 5 (the first round for her dog Ruckus) she has been honored to have taken part of many people’s firsts. She is an experienced trail maintainer, speaker, and passionate member of the outdoor community. In New England, Allison enjoys trekking along the highest peaks, bushwhacking to less traveled areas, and has a fondness for sunrise and sunset trips. Outside of New England Allison has also thru hiked the John Muir Trail and explored mountains in the German and Austrian Alps, Israel, and the Azores. Her goal is to share her passion for hiking and backpacking with others, especially with women, to inspire them to experience the freedom of the trail!

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

1. Navigation

2. Sun protection

3. Insulation

  • Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)

4. Illumination

  • flashlight/headlamp
  • extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

  • First aid kit
  • toilet kit (leave no trace)
  • whistle

6. Fire

  • matches/lighter
  • waterproof container
  • magnesium fire starter/birch bark (for emergencies)

7. Repair kit and tools

  • Knife or multi-tool
  • duct tape (rolled around pen)

8. Nutrition

  • Calorie/nutrient dense foods

9. Hydration

  • Water bottles or hydrations system (e.g. camelbak pack)
  • water filter/treatment tablets
-Make sure you have more than enough water!

Beyond the Essentials

Some are necessary and others are nice extras depending on your ability/comfort/needs
  • Daypack
  • camera
  • trail guide
  • trekking poles
  • binoculars
  • insect repellent (spring/summer)
  • altimeter
  • watch
  • carabiners
  • cell phone/two way radio
  • Gaiters (mud or snow conditions)
  • garbage bags
  • waterproof pack cover
  • bungee cord
  • rope/twine
  • shoes for the car ride home! 🙂

Warm weather clothing options

  • Wicking short-sleeved shirt
  • Wicking underwear
  • Quick-drying pants or shorts
  • Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun)
  • Sun-shielding hat
  • midweight layer
  • Insulating fleece jacket or vest
  • Bandana or buff

Cool weather clothing options

  • Wicking long-sleeve shirt
  • Wicking long underwear
  • Hat, cap or headband (synthetic or wool)
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Insulating fleece jacket (or vest) and pants
  • balaclava
  • Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat)
  • Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
  • midweight layer

Footwear

  • boots/shoes suited to terrain
  • socks- synthetic or wool
Winter:
  • Snowshoes
  • Microspikes
  • Crampons

Last modified: November 28, 2014

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