Be Organized. Optimize for Weight. Compress for Size. Check Expiration on Food and First Aid Items. Let Someone Know Your Itinerary.
24-Hr Prep:
Drink Well
Eat Well
Sleep Well
Stretch Well
Prepare mind and body to make trip safe and enjoyable. Secure normal carry items such as keys, wallet, and phone.
Hiking:
Backpack 40L+
Trek Poles (balance for rough terrain, ease tension in legs, barrier to ward off threats, and crutch for injury)
Backpacking:
Tent/Hammock
Sleep Bag
Sleep Pad
Pillow
Clothes:
Shoes
Socks
Shirts
Pants
Fleece
Poncho
Hat
Gloves
Belt
Extra socks and shirts. Adjust for weather. Minimize cotton (consider nylon, polyester, spandex, and fleece).
Food:
Nutrition Bars, Nuts, Chips, Jerky, Fruit, Veg
Gatorade, Water (drinking and cleaning)
Water Filter, Tablets
Avoid foods you normally don’t eat to avoid unexpected reactions. If necessary take a laxative 1-2 days before trip.
Hygiene:
Napkins
Antiseptic Wipes
Mouth Wash
Medicine:
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Antihistamine
First Aid:
Wilderness Guide
Medical Gloves
Gauze Pad Non-Stick
Medical/Athletic Tape
Ointment
Burn Cream
Irrigation Syringe
Band-Aids
Butterfly Stitch
Eye Drops
Emergency Blanket
Emergency Poncho
Moleskin
Safety:
Knife/Multitool
Compass
Topographic Map
Flash Light/Headlamp
USB Charger/Batteries
Whistle
Waterproof Matches
Misc:
Sun Block
Bug Spray
Head Net
Scissors
Tweezers
Needles
Safety Pins
Paper Clips
String/Paracord/Rope
Rubber Bands
Bandana