Checklists

Print or copy these and check items off as you pack. They’re organized by this book’s frameworks; adjust for season, trip length, and conditions. Numbers reference the chapter that explains each item.

Day Hike Checklist (Ch. 4)

Always:

• [ ] Water, ~0.5 L per hour of hiking (Ch. 4)
• [ ] Food, snacks + one emergency ration (Ch. 4)
• [ ] Navigation, phone with offline maps + paper map/compass (Ch. 16)
• [ ] Headlamp + spare batteries (Ch. 12)
• [ ] Sun protection, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat (Ch. 2)
• [ ] First-aid kit (Ch. 23)
• [ ] Knife/multitool + a strip of tape (Ch. 12)
• [ ] Fire, lighter/matches + firestarter (Ch. 4)
• [ ] Emergency shelter, space blanket (Ch. 4)
• [ ] Extra clothing, warm layer + rain shell (Ch. 2)
• [ ] Whistle (Ch. 12)
• [ ] Phone charged; someone told where you’re going and when you’ll be back (Ch. 1, 14)
• [ ] 15–25 L daypack (Ch. 4)

Overnight / First-Trip Checklist (Ch. 24)

Big Three & Sleep

• [ ] Backpack (40–50 L, fitted) + rain cover/liner (Ch. 6, 15)
• [ ] Tent, rainfly, poles, stakes (+ footprint) (Ch. 9)
• [ ] Sleeping bag (rated for the night’s low) (Ch. 7)
• [ ] Sleeping pad (R-value for season) (Ch. 8)

Clothing (Ch. 2)

• [ ] Worn: base layer, pants/shorts, socks, footwear, hat
• [ ] Midlayer (fleece/puffy)
• [ ] Rain shell
• [ ] Warm hat + gloves
• [ ] Extra socks + base layer
• [ ] Dedicated dry sleep clothes

Kitchen & Water (Ch. 10, 11)

• [ ] Stove + fuel + lighter
• [ ] Pot, long spoon, mug
• [ ] Water filter/treatment + tablet backup
• [ ] Water bottles/reservoir

Food (Ch. 19)

• [ ] Meals + snacks (~1.5–2 lb / 0.7–0.9 kg per person per day) + emergency ration
• [ ] Bear canister or hang cord (per area rules) (Ch. 23)

Navigation & Electronics (Ch. 12, 16)

• [ ] Phone + offline maps + power bank
• [ ] Paper map + compass
• [ ] Headlamp + spare batteries

Safety (Ch. 22, 23)

• [ ] First-aid kit
• [ ] Sun protection; whistle; knife; fire; emergency shelter
• [ ] Bear spray (in bear country); emergency communicator (remote trips)

Hygiene & Personal (Ch. 20)

• [ ] Trowel, TP in sealed bag, hand sanitizer, trash bags
• [ ] Toothbrush/paste, bandana/towel, medications, insect repellent, lip balm
• [ ] Menstrual products (packed out) if needed

Documents & Extras (Ch. 14)

• [ ] Permit (if required), ID, cash
• [ ] Trip plan left with someone
• [ ] Trekking poles (optional), repair kit, camp shoes (optional)

Kitchen Kit (Ch. 10)

• [ ] Stove + fuel + lighter/matches
• [ ] Pot with lid (~0.75 L per person)
• [ ] Long-handled spoon
• [ ] Insulated mug
• [ ] Small biodegradable soap + scrubber (or plan to eat from pouch)
• [ ] Pot cozy (optional, saves fuel)

Repair Kit (Ch. 12)

• [ ] Duct tape (wrapped around a pole/bottle)
• [ ] Zip ties
• [ ] Needle + strong thread
• [ ] Tent pole repair sleeve
• [ ] Sleeping pad patch kit
• [ ] Spare buckle / cord (few meters of thin line)
• [ ] Safety pins

First-Aid Kit (Ch. 23)

• [ ] Blister care: moleskin, blister bandages, Leukotape
• [ ] Adhesive bandages (assorted), gauze pads, medical tape
• [ ] Antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment
• [ ] Pain/anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal
• [ ] Personal prescriptions; epinephrine auto-injector if anyone needs one
• [ ] Fine-tipped tweezers, small scissors, safety pins, nitrile gloves
• [ ] Elastic wrap; emergency first-aid guide/card

Pre-Trip Plan Card (leave with someone, Ch. 14)

• [ ] Your name + vehicle + where parked
• [ ] Route + trailhead
• [ ] Each night’s campsite
• [ ] Start time + expected return time
• [ ] Group size
• [ ] “Call for help by” time + whom to call (land agency / sheriff)