Packing
Hiking Packing Checklist
A printable-style list you can actually use the night before a park day.
Core
Daypack, water bottles or bladder, food, headlamp, first-aid kit, knife or multi-tool, emergency blanket, whistle, toilet kit, trash bag, cash/card, park pass, car key plan.
Clothing
Trail shoes, socks plus a spare pair on wet days, sun shirt, insulating layer, rain shell, hat, extra layer in the car for the finish.
Optional
Poles, microspikes, gloves, electrolyte packets, sit pad, binoculars. Not optional in their climates: desert sun protection, PNW rain pants.
Practical tips
- Use the interactive checklist in the toolkit to tick items on your phone.
FAQ
Do I need a GPS watch?
No. A phone with an offline map and a park paper map cover most day hikes on this site. A watch is extra, not a substitute for a turnaround plan.