DAY HIKING CHECKLIST This checklist is deliberately comprehensive and intended for day hikes in the backcountry where being self-sufficient is important to your well-being. The list includes many more items than you’ll likely need for short treks in or near developed areas, though you can adapt it to your needs for these trips. HIKING GEAR CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOOD & WATER Daypack Moisture-wicking underwear Water bottles and/or reservoir * Moisture-wicking T-shirts Water filter/purifier or Optional: Quick-drying pants/shorts chemical treatment * Trekking poles Long-sleeve shirts (for sun Trail snacks and bugs) Lunch Lightweight fleece or jacket Extra day’s supply of food * Boots or shoes suited NAVIGATION to terrain Map * Socks (synthetic or wool) Compass * Extra clothes * (beyond the EMERGENCY ITEMS minimum expectation) Optional: First-aid kit or supplies * Additional items for rainy and/ Lighter/matches & firestarter * Route description/guidebook or cold weather: Emergency shelter * Altimeter watch * Rainwear (jacket and pants) Whistle GPS * Long underwear Two itineraries: 1 left with Satellite messenger and/or Warm, insulated jacket or vest personal locator beacon * friend + 1 under car seat Fleece pants Gloves or mittens Warm hat TOOLS & REPAIRS Optional: PERSONAL ITEMS Bandana or Buff Knife or multi-tool * Credit card and/or cash Gaiters (for rainy, snowy, or Small gear-repair kit * ID muddy conditions) Cellphone HEALTH & HYGIENE DAY HIKING EXTRAS Hand sanitizer Optional Headlamp or flashlight * (with Menstrual products (if needed) Insect repellent * extra batteries) Prescription medications Toilet paper Camera (if needed) Urinary products Interpretive field guide(s) First-aid kit or supplies Sanitation trowel (if no toilets) Outdoor journal/sketchbook with pen or pencil Baby wipes Sun protection: Binoculars Alcohol or antiseptic wipes Sunscreen * Two-way radios Sunglasses * (+ retainer leash) Blister treatments Sun hat * SPF-rated lip balm * * These items are part of the Ten Essential systems. The exact items you take for each system can be tailored to your trip based on considerations such as weather, difficulty, duration and distance from help. To learn more, see our article on the Ten Essentials..