Hiking Checklist
The 10 Essentials For Survival, Comfort and Safety
1. Sun protection
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
2. Navigation
- Map
- Compass
- GPS
3. Clothing
- Jacket or vest (preferably synthetic)
- Fleece pants (sometimes optional)
4. Lighting
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit
- Fleece pants
6. Fire
- Matches
- Waterproof container
7. Tools
- Knife
- Multi-tool
8. Food/ Nutrition
- Extra 3 day's supply of food
- Ready-to-eat meals, energy bars, trail mix
9. Hydration
- Water bottle or hydration reservoir
- Water filter or treatment system
10. Emergency shelter
- Reflective blanket or tent
Items to Consider Beyond the Essentials
- Multifunction watch
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Field guide(s)
- Insect repellent
- Toilet paper
- Cell / satellite phone
- Energy food high in protein
- Powdered drinks
- Trip itinerary left with family and friends
Clothing options
Warm Weather
- Quick-drying pants/shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Insulating jacket
- Bandana or buff
Cool weather
- Long-sleeve thermal T-shirt
- Long thermal underwear (good sleepwear)
- Hat, cap or headband
- Gloves or mittens
- Waterproof/breathable rain jacket with hood
- Waterproof/breathable rain pants
Footwear
- Boots or shoes
- Socks
