Plan and Prepare

Day Hiking Checklist

Use this handy day hiking checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important on your next day hike.

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ESSENTIAL SKILLS

  • Backcountry bathroom skills
  • Backcountry handwashing skills
  • Preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses
  • Avoiding crowded hiking destinations
  • Reporting incidents and positive COVID-19 cases
  • Following local regulations or closures
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CLOTHING

  • Multiple reusable masks/face coverings
  • Comfortable clothes you can get dirty
  • Insulating layer
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Active footwear
  • Hiking boots/shoes
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EQUIPMENT

  • First aid kit – including disposable face masks and nitrile gloves
  • Daypack
  • Map/compass/trail guide
  • Water bottles or bladder
  • Emergency Whistle
  • Water treatment system
  • Lighter
  • Head lamp
  • Trowel and unscented hand sanitizer
  • Toiletries – including hand washing kit
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OPTIONAL

  • Rain pants/skirt
  • Sunscreen/sun hat
  • Bug spray
  • Hiking poles
  • Gaiters
  • Bandanas
  • Buff/neck gaiter
  • Pocket knife
  • Binoculars
  • Nature guidebooks
  • Satellite communication device
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FOOD

Consider COVID-19 transmission risks when planning meal spots

  • Calorie-dense, lightweight food
  • Trash bag

Download a PDF version of this checklist

Click Here