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Thursday, January 8, 2015

What to Pack for Day Hiking or Backpacking

I am often asked what to pack or bring along on a hike. Here is a list of items that I always bring, and are recommended by rescue professionals. 

Safety

  •  Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to get back.
  •  Dress in layers and prepare for rain, the mountain front usually experiences surprise showers on otherwise clear days.
  •  Wear proper shoes that fit well and have a good tread.
  •  Always bring water and a small first aid kit.
  •  Wear sunscreen and a hat – heat stroke can happen to anyone and is easily avoidable.
  •  Bring a cell phone and a list of necessary numbers.

First Aid Kit

  • Small roll of duct tape - good for mending clothes, gear and protecting blisters
  • Large safety pin
  • Band Aids
  • Athletic tape for wrapping sprains
  • Burts Bees Res-Q ointment - good for scrapes, burns, stings
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Aspirin
  • Benadryl
  • Anti Diarreal
  • Small swiss army knife with tweezers
  • Lighter/matches/fire starter (cotton balls with vaseline work great)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Sunscreen
  • Thread and needle

Day Hike Packing List

  • First Aid Kit
  • Light weight rain jacket
  • Sunscreen
  • Wide brimmed hat
  • Snacks - granola bars, whole fruit
  • Water - at least 32 oz.
  • Walking poles - these transfer up to 25% of the load from your legs to your arms
  • Wet wipes, and extra zip lock bags
  • Small trash bag to carry any trash - pack it in, pack it out!
  • Camera/Binoculars/Pocket Trail Guide/Maps

Overnight Backpacking List

Everything from the day hike list plus:
  • Light weight underlayer for chilly evenings - top and bottom
  • Light weight rain jacket/pants
  • Stocking cap and gloves
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag
  • Reading material
  • Headlamp/Flashlight
  • 2-3 handkerchiefs to clean up with
  • Biodegradable soap - Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap is good for both body and dishes
  • Toothpaste/toothbrush/floss (yes, floss - floss every day otherwise your mouth stinks. Trust me)
  • Water tablets for purification - the new ones do not have any aftertaste
  • 2-3 water bottles - one gallon of water a day per person
  • Camp shoes - flip flops or crocs work well
  • Small campstove and pans for cooking
  • Utensils
  • Tent or groundcloth
  • Small, lightweight backpack or bag to take on day hikes from base camp

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