The Essentials:

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Map
• compass
• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen
• chapstick
• hat/bandana

3. Insulation

• Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (dependent on weather-see clothing below)

4. Illumination

• flashlight/headlamp
• extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

• First aid kit- make your own for a lightweight and customizable option!
• toilet kit (leave no trace)
• plastic whistle

6. Fire

• matches/lighter
• magnesium fire starter/birch bark/other form of fire starter (for emergencies)

7. Repair kit and tools

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

8. Nutrition

• Calorie/nutrient dense foods

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration system (e.g. camelbak/platypus)
• water filter/treatment tablets

-Make sure you have plenty of water and know where you can refill if needed!

Beyond the Essentials

Some are necessary and others are nice extras depending on your ability/comfort/needs

• Daypack (necessary for all your stuff, but size depends on type of trip/length)
• camera
• trail guide- make photo copies ahead of time
• trekking poles
• binoculars- extra item if you like bird watching
• insect repellent (spring/summer)
• altimeter
• watch
• carabiner
• cell phone/two way radio
• Gaiters
• waterproof pack cover or liner
• shoes for the car ride home! 🙂

Warm weather clothing options

• Wicking short-sleeved shirt
• Wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants, shorts, or skirt
• Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs and sun)
• Sun-shielding hat
• midweight layer
• Insulating fleece jacket or vest (it can get very cold and windy up top!)
• Bandana or buff
• rain gear

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
• midweight layer

Footwear

• shoes/boots suited to terrain
• socks- synthetic or wool

Last modified: September 2, 2017