Trail Hiking 10 Essentials Checklist

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