Welcome to the hiking gear page! Here we have listed what we think are the ten most important things you should take with you on your hike, extracted from REI, https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html
The Ten Essentials
Our checklist for day hikers features required and optional gear, clothing and accessories. The list is intentionally comprehensive so you don’t forget anything.
For safety, survival and basic comfort:
1. Navigation
• Map (with protective case)
• Compass
• GPS (optional)
• Altimeter (optional)
2. Sun protection
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses
3. Insulation
• Jacket, vest, pants, long underwear, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
4. Illumination
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Extra batteries
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
• Kits for stove, mattress; duct tape strips
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Water filter or other treatment system
10. Emergency shelter
Beyond the Ten Essentials
- Daypack
- Lunch
- Snacks (energy bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Utensils
- Cups
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Whistle
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Bag for collecting trash
- Route description or guidebook
- Interpretive field guide(s)
- Outdoor journal with pen/pencil
- Quick-dry towel
- Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
- Trip itinerary left with friend + under car seat
- _____________________ for kids
- _____________________
Electronics
- Multifunction watch
- Camera with camera case
- Helmet cam
- Two-way radios
- Cell or satellite phone
- Personal locator beacon
Warm Weather Clothing Options
- Wicking T-shirt
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants or shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun)
- Sun-shielding hat
- Insulating fleece jacket or vest
- Bandana or Buff
- Mosquito net clothing
- _____________________
Cool Weather Clothing Options
- Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
- Wicking long underwear
- Hat, cap or headband (synthetic or wool)
- Gloves or mittens
- Insulating fleece jacket (or vest) and pants
- Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat)
- Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
- _____________________
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Gaiters
- Sandals (for river fording, trip home)
- ______________________