The following Hiker's checklist from Michael Hodgson's Adventure Network® will help to plan your next hiking adventure. Not all items listed will be needed on every trip. Pack only what you need and leave the rest at home. Remember, you've got to carry what you pack.

Dayhiker's Checklist

Packs

Day pack or fanny pack Child Carrier (if hiking with a child under four who has difficulty walking long distances)

Ten-Plus Essentials

Sunglasses Sunscreen Water bottle or hydration system such as those from Camelbak, Ultimate Directions, Kelty, or Platypus (carry two quarts in mountains when water is available; one gallon per day in desert environments) Water purification Nylon cord (50 feet) Waterproof/windproof matches Flashlight or headlamp (extra bulb and batteries) Fire starter Pocket knife or multitool Toilet paper Topographic map Compass Emergency blanket Whistle Signal mirror Emergency snacks

First Aid

Antibiotics Antiseptics Tylenol Benadryl Tincture of Benzoin Sterile gauze pads Roller gauze Nonadherent dressing One-inch adhesive tape Steristrips Ace wrap Large compress Moleskin Second Skin Tweezers Bandage scissors Irrigation syringe Low-reading thermometer SAM splint Space blanket Sawyer snakebite kit Emergency report form Pencil Emergency Phone Numbers and money for a phone call

Clothing

First Layer

Underwear Long underwear (tops and bottoms in either light, midweight. Synthetic or wool / synthetic/cotton blend or Merino wool) Liner socks (*one extra pair only) Wool outer socks (*one extra pair only) Sport Specific Socks (such as those made by ThorLo) (*one extra pair only) T-shirt (cotton / synthetic blend such as those made by Sierra Designs or Patagonia or synthetic such as Tekware by The North Face)

Second Layer

Wool shirt Fleece, Polartec or wool sweater Shorts Long pants

Protective Layer

Wool, A16 Bomber, Polartec hat Sun hat Fleece or Polartec jacket Softshell jacket Parka (synthetic fill or down) Wool mittens Rain suit (jacket and pants) Gaitors Windbreaker Hiking boots

Miscellaneous Gear

Fishing gear and license Thermometer Bandanna or a BUFF Note pad and pencil Camera, film, lenses
• Binoculars

Fun and Games

Frisbee Nerf ball Hacky Sack Harmonica Kazoo Animal, flower, other field guides. Star guide Mini microscope Magnifying glass Small plastic collection containers Aquarium net Sketch pad Pencils Crayons Colored felt-tip pens Gold pan and mineral book