CHECKLISTS FOR DAY-HIKING, SUMMER BACKPACKING AND WINTER OVERNIGHT TRIPS

This is the checklist I use for summer day-hiking, summer backpacking and winter overnight trips in the Rockies. You’ll need to modify it based on personal taste, season and region of the country.

Summer Day Hiking

CLOTHING

lightweight socks

medium-weight wool socks

Gore-Tex socks (in wet terrain)

boots

convert-a-pants

short-sleeve shirt

long-sleeve shirt

down sweater

fleece sweater with hood

sun hat with skirt

fleece hat

light gloves

rain pants

rain jacket

sunglasses

EQUIPMENT

headlamp with extra batteries

Swiss Army knive

water filter

first aid kit

2 large, empty stuff sacks for clothing in pack

day pack

map

compass

altimeter

GPS unit

monocular

notebook with pen and pencil

lip sunscreen

bottle of skin sunscreen

water bottle(s)

toilet paper

watch

mosquito repellent

trekking poles

whistle

repair kit

cell phone

plastic bag for trash

lunch

ADD FOR SUMMER BACKPACKING

sleeping bag

sleeping pad

tent

stove

lighters

pot with lid

pot grips

fuel

wilderness permit, site map, parking permit (for dash)

75 feet of cord

2 large garbage bags

toothbrush, toothpaste and floss

bowl

spoon

mug

a few paper towels

book

repair kit

ADD FOR ONE-DAY WINTER TRIPS

thermos or insulating water-bottle sleeve

long underwear tops and bottoms

fleece bibs

down jacket

gaiters

snowshoes

ski poles

goggles

Neoprene face mask

sunglasses

heavy mittens

heavy gloves

second pair of light fleece gloves

vapor-barrier socks

double plastic mountaineering boots or pac boots

ADD FOR MULTI-DAY WINTER TRIPS

1 cup measuring cup (for adding snow to pot)

backcountry shovel

avalanche beacons

vapor-barrier sleeping-bag liner

extra pair of liner socks

second foam pad

six stuff sacks (for use as tent stakes)

ITEMS TO DROP FROM SUMMER LIST FOR WINTER TRIPS

water filter

headnet

mosquito repellent

75 feet of cord

convert-a-pants

short-sleeve shirt

long sleeve shirt

down sweater