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Hiking Trip Packing Checklist
What to pack for a hike, built on ten categories of essentials, plus the training and trip plan that come before it.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Train at least four weeks out. NNormal recommends a workout routine at least four weeks before a hike, plus wearing new footwear to break it in and loading your pack bit by bit up to trip weight. The packing itself follows ten categories of essentials the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office says belong in your pack even on a short day hike. Weather can change suddenly. A trip can run long. This list suits a day hike or short trip. It leaves out sleep systems and camp kitchens.
Why these items are on the list
- Map of the area. Carry it and know how to use it. Electronics can fail unexpectedly.
- Navigation compass. It is the backup if a GPS unit dies, so learn to use it.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring both even on cloudy days. Snow travel calls for eye protection.
- Waterproof jacket. Weather can turn fast. Pack for the worst you could meet.
- Extra warm layer. A fleece works. Synthetic layers beat a cotton tank top in changing weather.
- Extra socks, gloves, warm hat. Weather can change suddenly, so pack for the worst conditions you could meet.
- Headlamp or flashlight. If the trip runs long, it can decide whether you get off the mountain tonight.
- First aid kit. Bandages, tape, gauze, tweezers, pain reliever, antihistamine and a compression bandage were suggested.
- Fire supplies, like a lighter. Nights can get very cold, even in summer. An emergency fire could be a lifesaver.
- Small emergency repair kit. Items can and will break: packs won't zip, clothing tears, tent poles snap. Build a small repair kit.
- Extra no-cook food. Foods needing no cooking, such as nuts or bars. Pack extra in case you're out longer.
- Water, extra for hard effort. You drink more when you work harder, so plan for that.
- Water filter, tested first. If you plan to filter on the trail, check the water source exists and the filter works.
- Space blanket or bivy. A day hiker's shelter needn't be a full tent, but should give warmth and protection.
- Trail whistle. A forum hiker keeps theirs on a cord around the neck, not in the pack.
- Insect repellent. Cover skin too, since the trail means contact with biting insects.
- Boots or sturdy trail shoes. Not flip flops. Wear new pairs in before the trip.
- Athletic tape for blisters. Cover a blister with athletic tape to prevent tearing. Soft, dry socks help avoid them.
- Daypack, 20 liters or more. NNormal says that capacity should do. Test it loaded before the trip.
- Trip plan left with someone. Include departure time, return time, route and when to call 911 if you aren't back.
Tick the pack items on your phone as they go in the bag, then run through the list again at the trailhead. Share it with your hiking partner so nobody assumes someone else has the map.
When to use it
Use it at least four weeks before a hike to start training, then again when you pack.