DAY HIKING CHECKLIST

This checklist is deliberately comprehensive and intended for day hikes in

the backcountry where being self-sufficient is important to your well-being.
The list includes many more items than you’ll likely need for short treks in or
near developed areas, though you can adapt it to your needs for these trips.

HIKING GEAR CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOOD & WATER

Daypack Moisture-wicking underwear
Moisture-wicking T-shirts
Optional:
Quick-drying pants/shorts
Trekking poles
Long-sleeve shirts (for sun
and bugs)
Lightweight fleece or jacket
Water bottles and/or reservoir *
Water filter/purifier or
chemical treatment *
Trail snacks
Lunch
Extra day’s supply of food *

NAVIGATION Boots or shoes suited

to terrain

Map * Socks (synthetic or wool)

Compass * Extra clothes * (beyond the

minimum expectation)
EMERGENCY ITEMS
Optional: First-aid kit or supplies *
Additional items for rainy and/
Route description/guidebook Lighter/matches & firestarter *
or cold weather:
Altimeter watch * Emergency shelter *
Rainwear (jacket and pants)
GPS * Whistle
Long underwear
Satellite messenger and/or Two itineraries: 1 left with
Warm, insulated jacket or vest
personal locator beacon * friend + 1 under car seat
Fleece pants
Gloves or mittens
Warm hat

TOOLS & REPAIRS Optional: PERSONAL ITEMS

Knife or multi-tool * Bandana or Buff
Credit card and/or cash
Small gear-repair kit * Gaiters (for rainy, snowy, or
ID
muddy conditions)
Cellphone
 HEALTH & HYGIENE DAY HIKING EXTRAS
Hand sanitizer Optional Headlamp or flashlight * (with
Menstrual products (if needed) Insect repellent * extra batteries)

Prescription medications Toilet paper Camera

(if needed) Urinary products Interpretive field guide(s)
First-aid kit or supplies Sanitation trowel (if no toilets) Outdoor journal/sketchbook
with pen or pencil
Sun protection: Baby wipes
Binoculars
Sunscreen * Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
Two-way radios
Sunglasses * (+ retainer leash) Blister treatments

Sun hat *
SPF-rated lip balm *

* These items are part of the Ten Essential systems. The exact items you take for each system can be tailored to
your trip based on considerations such as weather, difficulty, duration and distance from help. To learn more, see
our article on the Ten Essentials.