GEAR TO PACK FOR YOUR HIKE
Though individual needs will vary, there is a list of essentials that will make your hike that much more successful. Finding the balance between need, want and the associated weight will likely be difficult. Experience will tell you what you really need to take with you, but consider these options based on how big of a hike you are planning, from a mile roundtrip to a multi-day hike-thru.
CLOTHING
· Long or short sleeve synthetic shirt. Long sleeves will protect you from sun, bugs, underbrush, etc. · Lightweight synthetic material pants. They will provide similar protection from bugs, underbrush, etc. · Lightweight long underwear style top and bottom. May be worn under hiking clothes during cold weather or as a dry set of sleeping clothes in warmer weather.
· At least two pair of socks, one for hiking, one for sleeping. Made of wool and/or synthetic blend.
· Down or synthetic fill “puffy” or fleece soft-shell jacket. · Hooded waterproof jacket/poncho. It should be able to fit comfortably over your other layers.
· Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots. Comfortable footwear is one of the most important items you will bring. · One set of clothes (top and bottom) that will always be kept dry.
· Wool or fleece hat for cold or cool evenings.
· A pair of fleece-lined gloves for cold temperatures.
GEAR
· Good quality, internal or external frame backpack. 50-65-liter capacity is common for most hikers. · Lightweight and waterproof tent or hammock.
· 20ºF sleeping bag weighing maximum 3 lbs.
· Closed cell foam or inflatable pad to insulate you from the ground.
· At least 2 liters of water.
· Water treatment: squeeze filters, pump filters, gravity filters, UV filters or chemical purification.
· Small backpacking stove plus a metal pot w/ lid to cook food in.
· Durable, yet light, utensil to eat with.
· Small lighter to light a stove or to have in case of an emergency.
· Flashlight. Models with a red-light option are recommended. Bring an extra set of batteries.
· Small, lightweight trowel for digging 6-8-inch catholes. · Toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen, prescription medications, bug spray, comb, wet wipes, foot powder.
OPTIONAL
· Rain pants are useful to maintain warmth during cold and rainy weather.
· A baseball cap or other hat to deflect sun on hot days. · Camp shoes, so you can change out of your boots at the end of the day.
· Hiking poles for taking the weight off your knees during ascents and descents.
· Bandanas: use to wipe sweat, blow your nose, clean your cook pot, as a washrag, etc. Bring a few!
· Pocket knife.
· Mug or cup for drinking.
· Camera, phone and solar charger.
· Small towel.