One thing that needs to be said right off here is that every hiker out there has a different list of what they "need" to bring on a hike. Some bring next to nothing while others bring everything but the kitchen sink. Hopefully our list will fall somewhere in the middle and help anyone that is new to hiking get a good start on what to carry along with them.

      At one time there was a general consensus on the "Ten Essentials" that one needed to have with them on any hike but even this has changed over the years. So, here is our list of what we have in our pack for just about every hike that's more than a quick walk in the woods to our master list of gear for any and all occasions. Obviously you'll have to determine which gear is needed for the time of year you're going, the length of your hike etc.

• Map:   I know these are the days of GPS and cellphones but having a decent map and the ability to read it is still a very important step in staying safe in the woods.
• Compass:   You needn't learn all the advanced map and compass techniques but at least learn to figure out the general direction "home" is and how to get there.
• First Aid Kit:   It doesn't need to be a complete pharmacy but if you hike for any length of time I assure you the day will come when a simple band-aid or some ibuprohen will be a tremendous blessing!
• Food:   If it's a day long hike you're going on, simply toss in a sandwich, a piece of fruit or what ever you enjoy snacking on. Many people prefer to snack through the hike rather than to stop some where and have a real lunch. That's up to you. But, what ever you bring, bring just a little extra in case your hike ends up taking longer than you had anticipated.
• Water:   Not only should you bring some drinking water with you it is a good idea to carry some means of treating water that you may need to drink while out in the wilds. Personally I find it simplest, lightest and best to carry some iodine tablets for water treatment. If you're bothered by the taste of the iodine you can either purchase the additional tablets that remove the taste or simply wait until the water has been treated and add a vitamin C tablet.
• Extra Clothing:   If nothing else make sure you bring some spare socks. They can come in mighty handy if yours get wet or simply to be able to put on a fresh pair to keep your feet as dry and blister free as possible. If you're hiking in the fall or spring or if you're going above treeline then you need to also toss a hat and some gloves in your pack. Yes, even in summer if you're going above treeline. Again, in the bumper seasons of for all above treeline hikes if you choose to hike in shorts you need to bring along a pair of long pants. If nothing else you can carry a pair of long underwear to be worn under your shorts and/or with your rain/wind pants.
• Rain Gear:   It's not important to have the latest most expensive GoreTex rain gear but if you're going to be out for more than a couple of hours you really ought to have some protection from inclement weather. I find that a shell of some sort is much more essential than are the pants. If you have gaiters and a shell you can stay surprisingly dry. If you're going out in winter or the bumper seasons then you will need to take the next step and carry full rain gear including pants.
• Whistle:   In the unfortunate event that you become lost or injured having a whistle could make getting found much easier. It requires much less energy to blow a whistle than it does to shout. In an emergency and only in an emergency blow it in blasts of three every several minutes.
• Matches/Fire Starter:   Unfortunately this one is too often not thought of but if something should go wrong and you're forced to spend a night outdoors having the know how and the tools to start a fire could save your life!
• Bug Dope:   The only thing that really works is products containing Deet.
• Flashlight/Head lamp:   With spare batteries. I've gone to carrying a head lamp simply because it's easier to use while hiking or doing any camp chores.
• Sunglasses/Sun Screen:   Another very handy item if you're going above the trees. Hiking with a sun burn is not a pleasant experience.

There's what we would call the essentials but in case you're looking for a bit more thorough of a list, below is the complete list that I go over before every hike. You'll have to use your own experience and pick and choose as the list covers everything that we may be taking on every hike from a quick summer day hike to extended backpack. The list also covers every season but if you're looking for more specific details on what we take in winter than just check out our Hiking In Winter page.

Clothing

• Long Underwear: Preferably synthetic, if not...silk or wool blend
• Long Underwear Top: Most likely Zip Turtleneck
• Fleece Vest: Carried often. It's a great way to add a ultralight warmth in any season
• Fleece Jacket: Primarily in winter or 3 season when going above treeline
• Wind/Rain Shell: Carried on nearly any hike of more than a couple of miles
• Wind/Rain Pants: Carried often but nearly never worn
• Hat: If going above treeline, one is usually carried even in summer
• Balaclava: Only in winter
• Liner Gloves: As liners in winter and as lightweight protection above the trees in 3 seasons
• Gloves: Primarily in winter
• Mittens: Only in winter
• Long Pants: Often bring either convertibles or only bring the rain pants as long pants
• Shorts: If not wearing them, then they most likely aren't in the pack
• Synthetic T Shirt:
• Bandanna: I bring 3 or 4 because they are so handy. Especially when you sweat the way I do

Shelter

• Tent: If 3 season and going ultralight, I bring a tarp only
• Tarp: Sometimes carried in 3 seasons for emergencies and for a reprieve from the rain for lunch time!
• Ground Sheet: I seldom carry one any more
• Sleeping Bag:
• Sleeping Pad:
• Nylon Cord: Just too handy to be without when setting up tent or tarp

Food/Cooking

• Water Bottles: Nalgene is the best but I still sometimes use recycled soda or water bottles
• Water Purification Tablets: I gave up carrying a filter long ago. This is the way to go
• Food: Obviously depends on the trip
• Stove: I've been using a MSR Whisperlite for years
• Fuel:
• Pot/s: I use a favorite old aluminum pot and that's it!
• Spoon: Yep, no fork
• Cup: I was blessed with a titanium one as a gift
• Bowl: Seldom carried but can be useful

Emergencies

• First Aid Kit: I solo a lot so mine is pretty extensive
• Repair Kit: Same as above
• Bivy Sack: Almost exclusively for winter use
• Emergency Blanket: It's always in the First Aid Kit
• Whistle: Always handy

Misc. Equipment

• Map: Even if "not needed" I nearly always carry one
• Compass: Same as above
• Guide Book: Or often just a copy of pertinent info
• Knife or Multi Tool:
• Head lamp or Flashlight: With spare batteries
• Trekking Poles: Used more and more as I age!
• Candle Lantern: Just a nice touch, especially in cold weather
• Matches or Lighter: And back ups!

Extras

• Camera: I've pretty much gone exclusively digital
• Binoculars: Weighty but often nice to have

Hygiene

• Tooth Brush: I can go without washing but not without brushing!
• Biodegradable Soap: Seldom actually used
• Synthetic Towel: Very handy

Seasonal Gear

• Snowshoes:
• Crampons:
• Goggles:

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