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.

saddlebacksummitsign_marain_web

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

hiking-boots-455754_19201

CLOTHING

  • Comfortable clothes you can get dirty
  • Insulating layer
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Active footwear
  • Hiking boots/shoes
hiking-boots-455754_19201
firstaidkit

EQUIPMENT

  • First aid kit
  • 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
birdguidebook

OPTIONAL

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

FOOD

  • Calorie-dense, lightweight food
  • Trash bag

Download a PDF version of this checklist

Click Here