Printable PDF version of the checklist
The Ten Essentials
(for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation
- Map (w/protective case)
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
2. Sun protection
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Skin-shielding hat and clothing
3. Insulation
- Jacket or vest (preferably synthetic)
- Fleece pants (sometimes optional)
4. Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Extra batteries
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see ourfirst-aid checklist)
6. Fire
- Matches
- Fire starter
- Waterproof container
7. Repair kit and tools
- Knife or multi-tool
- Mattress repair kit
- Duct tape strips on bottle or poles
8. Nutrition
- Extra day’s supply of food
- Spare energy bars, gels, trail mix
9. Hydration
- Water bottle and/or hydration reservoir
- Water filter or other treatment system
10. Emergency shelter
- (If no tent) tarp, bivy sack, reflective blanket
Beyond the Ten Essentials
(not every person will carry every item)
- Backpack
- Daypack or summit pack
- Pack cover
- Tent, tarp or bivy sack
- Tent stakes and guylines
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Footprint (if needed for tent)
- Sleeping bag
- Meals
- Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
- Powdered drinks
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cookset
- Dishes or bowls
- Utensils
- Stuff sack or compression sack
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow or stuffable pillow case
- Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
- Multifunction watch (w/altimeter)
- Ice ax
- Trekking poles
- Cups (measuring cups)
- Pot grabber
- Food-storage sacks or canister
- 50-foot nylon cord
- Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)
- Collapsible sink or container
- Packable lantern
Clothing options
(base choices on trip length and possible weather extremes)
Warm weather
- Wicking T-shirt
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants/shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
- Sun-shielding hat
- Bandana or Buff
- Insulating jacket/vest/pants (part of Ten Essentials)
Cool weather
- Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
- Wicking long underwear (good sleepwear)
- Hat, cap or headband
- Gloves or mittens
- Waterproof/breathable rain jacket with hood
- Waterproof/breathable rain pants
Footwear
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Water sandals (for fording)
- Gaiters
- Spare socks
- In-camp sandals
Personal items
- Insect repellent
- Headnet
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
- Shower bag
- Quick-dry towel
Other items
- Permits
- Route description or guidebook
- Interpretive field guide(s)
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Music player w/headphones
- Star identifier
- Two-way radios
- Cell or satellite phone
- Small amount of cash
- Credit card
- Camp game(s)
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Trip itinerary left with a friend