The Essentials:

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Map
• compass
• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen
• chapstick
• hat/bandana

3. Insulation

• Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see clothing below)

4. Illumination

• flashlight/headlamp
• extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

• First aid kit
• toilet kit (leave no trace)
• plastic whistle

6. Fire

• matches/lighter
• waterproof container
• magnesium fire starter/birch bark/other form of fire starter (for emergencies)

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife or multi-tool
• duct tape (rolled around pen)
• paracord

8. Nutrition

• Calorie/nutrient dense foods

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or hydrations system (e.g. camelbak/platypus)
• water filter/treatment tablets

-Make sure you have more than enough water and if and where you can refill water!

Beyond the Essentials

Some are necessary and others are nice extras depending on your ability/comfort/needs

• Daypack (necessary for all your stuff, but size depends on type of trip/length)
• camera
• trail guide
• trekking poles
• binoculars
• insect repellent (spring/summer)
• altimeter
• watch
• carabiners
• cell phone/two way radio
• Gaiters (mud or snow conditions)
• garbage bags
• waterproof pack cover
• bungee cord
• shoes for the car ride home! :)

Warm weather clothing options

• Wicking short-sleeved shirt
• Wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants or shorts
• Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun)
• Sun-shielding hat
• midweight layer
• Insulating fleece jacket or vest (it can get very cold and windy up top!)
• Bandana or buff
• rain gear

Cool weather clothing options

• Wicking long-sleeve shirt
• Wicking long underwear
• Hat, cap or headband (synthetic or wool)
• Gloves or mittens
• Insulating fleece jacket (or vest) and pants
• balaclava
• Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat)
• Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
• midweight layer

Footwear

• boots/shoes suited to terrain
• socks- synthetic or wool

Winter:

• Snowshoes
• Microspikes
• Crampons