Hiking Checklist

Since we all have different expectations of what hiking and backpacking should be this hiking checklist will either seem like over-kill or very light at least until you load your pack. Please use it only as a starting point. If you're new to hiking ask a guide for recommendations.

Plan ahead. If you have to spend an extra night in the backcountry because of an emergency are you prepared.

Be honest with yourself. Are you ready for what you're attempting to do? If someone is planning to hike the Overland Track straight-through and they've only been walking 5 miles a day in walking shoes, they're going to be exhausted when they add 30-80 pounds of hiking equipment to their pack. Throw in new boots that have yet to be broken-in and they'll be down for the count. Play it safe and talk to others who have done what you plan to do and plan out a training schedule ahead of time.

Consider what you might encounter on your hike (i.e. animals, insects, plants, etc.) and plan accordingly.

The following list is an extensive one but by no means exhaustive. Obviuosly for an hour's hike you wont need most of this, but even its only a full day hike be prepared for something to go wrong or off track, and having to spend the night outdoors until daylight comes back around.

1. Extremely Important

Give someone a copy of your written daily schedule and where you expect to be in case of emergency. Hopefully you'll never need it, but if you do rescue teams will know where to look, as opposed to nobody even knowing you're missing.

2. Shelter, etc.

___Backpack/day pack/hydration pack
___Camping tent or shelter
___Sleeping bag
___Sleeping mat

3. Water

___Water
___Water bottle
___Water filter and/or purification tablets

4. Food

___Camp stove and fuel
___Cooking/eating utensils/cup
___Food (bring extra) - freeze dried a good option
___Folding knife or multi-tool
___Storage kit
___Small can opener

5. Clothing

___Fleece jacket or two
___Gloves
___Hat
___Hiking boots
___Hiking socks/extra hiking socks
___thermals (wicking)
___Pants/convertible pants with zip-off legs/shorts
___Rain gear (a poncho thats works as a pack cover might do)
___T-shirt (wicking, avoid cotton)
___Underwear

6. Survival/Protection/Emergency

___Bug repellant
___Cell/Satellite phone/emergency beacon (consider where you'll be)
___Compass or GPS (Global Positioning System)
___Duct tape
___Extra prescription glasses if required
___First aid kit (tweezers, moleskin etc. for blisters)
___Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
___Identification
___Lighter/fire starter/waterproof matches
___Maps
___Money
___Survivabl kit such as the Bear Grylls ultime kit
___Permits/licenses
___Prescription Medications
___Radio/batteries
___Rope/twine/clothes line (i.e. suspend pack 10 feet overhead away from animals)
___Signal mirror
___Small hand shovel (i.e. fires, toilet pit, etc.)
___Soap/hand sanitizer (non harmful to environment such sea to summit wilderness wash)
___Space or emergencey reflective blanket
___Sunscreen/chapstick
___Sunglasses
___Tent/gear repair kit
___Toiletries
___Toilet paper
___MicrofibreTowel
___Watch
___Whistle

7. Recommended

___Guide books
___Pen/pencil/small notepad
___zip ties
___Ziplock bags (to help keep gear dry)

8. Optional

___Binoculars
___Camera
___Pack tap
___Hiking poles
___Pack cover
___Reading material
___Tarp or groundsheet