Trip Packing Lists

Packing List for Day Hiking

The following is a suggested list to consider for any day-hiking trip taking place during the spring, summer, or fall months in the Northeast.

Required Items:

day pack w/ garbage bag liner
rain jacket and rain pants
wool or fleece WARM hat
gloves or mittens - wool or fleece (warm, not cotton)
wool or fleece sweater (WARM)
clothing appropriate to season (t-shirt, loose-fitting pants - avoid jeans, shorts)
1 pair wool socks with polypropylene liners, or equivalent NON-COTTON hiking socks

long underwear mid-weight top AND bottom (Polypropylene, Thermax, Capilene, etc.) (good for layering under t-shirts and shorts for changing elevations, or temperatures)
1 pair of broken-in, comfortable hiking boots (or if terrain is not rocky or steep, solid supportive sneakers or low-cut hiking shoes are fine)
small flashlight or headlamp with NEW batteries
2 x 1 qt. water bottles Whistle
lots of enthusiasm & smiles!

Optional Items:

1 small towel
camera with film
small roll-on or squeeze tube of insect repellent
journal or notebook with pen
binoculars

Basic Packing List - based on a 3-Day strenuous hiking trip

These suggestions will need to be altered depending on the season of your trip. Don't forget to look at the forecast for the dates of your trip and plan accordingly! Think twice before adding more items to your pack... remember you'll be carrying it!

frame pack (internal or external that FITS YOU!)
hiking boots or work shoes; well broken in (not brand-new), preferably ankle height and sized to fit over two pairs of socks - one heavy, one light
sleeping bag (synthetic or down, not cotton or flannel lined, and packed in a stuffsack lined with a plastic bag)
foam sleeping pad or Thermarest
wool sweater or fleece pullover
heavy jacket
down vest or another warm layer
windbreaker or shell
raincoat or poncho
2 pairs long pants (wool or synthetic to insulate when wet—not blue jeans or cotton sweatpants)
1 pair of snowpants (water resistant)
2 pairs heavy socks (preferably wool/SmartWool)
2 pairs light socks to wear under heavy socks

2 t-shirts and underwear
2 pairs hiking, biking or gym shorts
2 warm long-sleeved shirts (wool or synthetic material insulate when wet)
flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
wool or fleece hat
2 pairs gloves or mittens
bathing suit
small towel
plastic bowl, cup, spoon
2 plastic water bottles (at least one liter each)
1 pair sneakers or sport sandals (for in camp - optional)
sunscreen and insect repellent
2 large plastic bags (one to cover your pack in the rain)
several smaller ziplock-style bags
toilet articles; toothbrush, small toothpaste.
YOU DON'T NEED MORE than this! NO razors, makeup, hairdryers, etc.

Optional Items:

bandanna
pocket knife
compass
camera
sunglasses

Group Equipment

cooking equipment
stove & food
first aid kit (including blister care kit)
tent/tarp
rope

Additional Leader Items:

This is a list of items that a leader might want along in addition to their personal equipment and the group equipment for any trip, regardless of length

first aid kit with incident report forms (appropriate to the length of trip, activity, and needs of participants)
copy of itinerary (with phone numbers) - (leave a copy behind)
copies of ALL medical forms of participants - (leave copies behind)
maps in protective, waterproof bag (with route, emergency routes, and nearest phones)
compass (and knowledge of how to use it)
extra clothing - warm hat, mittens, long underwear, etc. (for participants or emergency situation)
Thermarest or ground pad (for emergency situation)

large garbage bag (improvised bivy for emergency situation)
extra lighter, or waterproof matches
repair equipment (appropriate to the equipment on trip): stove kit, extra cord, duct tape, needles, strong thread/fishing line
pen/paper (for recording emergency information)
emergency money
vehicle keys
water purification (iodine, filter, etc.)
headlamp with extra batteries