Hey, what do I pack?
Whether you’re hitting the local trails, heading to a state park campground, or prepping for a solo hike-in, proper gear is paramount.
Gear list.
Notes to self:
add a printable
add a basic first aid printable for first aid kits
add first responder assessment & SOAP report printable for first aid kits
First aid.
This is more extensive than the average first aid kit. If you don’t know what it’s for, don’t pack it. Based on NOLS recommendations.
Basic supplies
Clean water - wound irrigation (preferably filtered)
Hand cleaner - soap and/or antiseptic towlettes
Nitrile gloves (keep your biohazards to yo’self)
Biohazard bag - something to pack your trash out
Digital thermometer
Whistle
Emergency blanket
Cortisone - reduces swelling and itching from stings and rashes
Medication - properly labeled prescriptions
OTC Pain relief - acetaminophen, ibuprofen
Pencil
Paper
Cold weather? Toe / hand warmers
Athletic injuries (usable injuries)
Ace bandage - compression to prevent swelling
Cloth/athletic tape - taping a joint for support
Triangular bandages (cravats)
SAM splint
Blister care
Scissors
Moleskin - applied to hot spots to reduce rubbing
Molefoam - cut a donut-shaped piece to fit around a blister
Second skin or blister band-aids - open blister care
General wound care
Tweezers - sterilize to debreed a wound
Bacitracin / Neosporin - topical antibiotic for cuts, scrapes, and burns
Gauze pads / gauze roll
Band-aids
Steri-strips or butterfly bandages - for closing cleaned lacerations
Day hikes.
Don’t forget to check the weather and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Day pack
Navigation tools / communication device - phone, walkie talkies
Battery backups (if relevant)
Water - add a method of disinfection for longer excursions by using filtration / purification, heat, chemical disenfection, or UV inactivation
Snacks - calories for energy - nut butters, fruits, nuts, protien bars, granola bars, jerky, hummus & veggies
First aid kit
Insect repellant
Knife / multitool
Carabiners
Headlamp
Extra batteries for headlamp
Emergency blanket
Firestarter
TP / wipes
Trash bag
Sun protection
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Chapstick
Proper clothing
Moisture-wicking bottom layers
Warmer top layers - think wind
Rain protection
Hat
Gloves
Double socks (moisture wicking and wool) - for blister prevention
Dry socks - for backup
Proper shoes for the terrain and weather - barefoot shoes? Trail runners? Boots?
Bandana
Camping.
Pack up the car and head out!
Sleeping
Tent
Tent stakes (forgot those once…terrible idea)
Footprint
Rainfly
Tent light (check batteries)
Headlamp (check batteries)
Tent fan (why am I camping in Summer again?)
Yoga mat (extra ground layer)
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag (or sheets & blankets)
Pillow (if you have the room)
Hammock
Extra batteries
Camp site
Tarp - tarps are great for everything
Rope - clothesline, rain shelter tiedowns, etc
Knife / multitool
Camping chair
Lantern(s) (check batteries)
First aid kit
TP / wipes
Trash bag
Whiskey
Fire
Hatchet / axe / saw
Firestarters
Firewood + kindling (do you have to bring in, collect, or buy?)
Tinder (dryer lint, cotton balls, dandelion puffball, dry grass)
Clothing
Swimsuit
Camp towel
Toiletries
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Weather-appropriate clothing
Backup clothing
Devices
Phone / camera
Phone charger
Watch
Watch charger
Walkie talkies
Bluetooth speaker
Speaker charger
Battery backup / solar charger
Extra batteries
Camp cooking.
The back of my Forester becomes a pantry while camping which makes night cleanup easier. I use a 3-drawer storage system for storing cooking supplies.
Food prep
Camp kitchen organizer / drawers
Cutting boards
Prep knives
Prep bowls / mixing bowls
Foil
Can opener / bottle opener
Measuring cups / spoons (this may fall off my list soon)
Cooking
Camp table
Camp stove
Propane
Fire grate
Pots / pans
Griddle
Hot pad
Spatula
Cooking spoon(s)
Tongs
Ladle
Roasting sticks (campfire cooking)
Eating utensils
Plates / bowls / cups
Food
Food cooler (treat it like a refrigerator)
Drink cooler
Ice / ice packs
Water bladders
Food (freeze things used on later days)
Drinks (freeze as ice blocks)
Spices
Oil / ghee / butter
Aeropress
Coffee mug
Coffee
Creamer / sugar
Whiskey
Camp cleaning
Food storage containers / bags
Wash bucket
Camp dishsoap
Camp dishcloth
Cast iron scraper
Drying towel
Paper towels
Trash bags