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Day hiker.

Camp > Equipment >

Basic hiking equipment.Equipment

Check List

Every hike, backpack, or camping trip requires forethought when it comes to what equipment to haul along. Consider the purpose and expectations of the trip and the conditions you might encounter. On these pages we have prepared a list of some items to consider when heading out into canyon country.

 

 

 


The list below includes many items that you may or may not need on every trip. If you plan well, you'll take only those items you need to reduce the size and weight of your day or back pack. Also, some of the items listed may need to be duplicated for each member of your party, while other items can be shared by the group.

With car camping you have the option of taking a few extras that would add unnecessary weight to a pack. Determine the type of trip: for relaxation and rejuvenation; for inexpensive shelter on a road trip; to rough it; or any number of other reasons we head to open spaces.

To simplify preparation, packing, and locating items once on the trail, we tend to group equipment by which room in a house you might normally find it. If you always stash your equipment in the same place within your pack you'll always know where to find it, especially in emergency situations.

The items listed below are linked to further information.

Equipment Tips

Equipment Check List

Clothing

  • Bandana, Headband, or Scarf
  • Boots
  • Clothes Line and Clips
  • Flannel Shirt
  • Flip-flops or Sandals
  • Gym Shorts (sleeping)
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Hat (wide brimmed)
  • Hiking Shorts or Pants
  • Neck Wrap (with cooling gel)
  • Rain Gear or Wind Breaker
  • Socks
  • Swim Suit
  • T-shirt (day use and sleeping)
  • Underwear

Cooking

  • Camp Stove
  • Cooking Utensils
    • Bowl
    • Can Opener
    • Cup
    • Food Containers
    • Fork
    • Knife
    • Pan
    • Plate
    • Pot
    • Pot Lifter
    • Spoon
  • Daily Vitamins
  • Detergent (for washing dishes)
  • Dish Cloth and Drying Towel
  • Dish Pan (plastic, inflatable)
  • Drinks
    • Electrolyte Replacement Drink
    • Hot Tea or Coffee
    • Instant Ice Tea
    • Powdered Fruit Drink
  • Food (dehydrated, non perishable)
  • Gas Cylinder or SIG Bottle (for white gas)
  • Matches (stick and book)
  • Match Safe
  • Salt and Pepper Shaker (sealed)
  • Seasonings (spices and sauces)
  • Trail Food
    • Chewing Gum
    • Energy Bars
    • Jerky
    • Granola or Granola Bars
  • Water Bottles or Canteens
  • Water Purification Filter
  • ZipLoc Bags

Emergency Kit

  • Ace Bandage
  • Antacid (tablets or liquid)
  • Baby Powder
  • Band-Aids
  • Cotton Balls
  • Eye Dropper
  • Gauze
  • Insect Repellent
  • Magnifying Glass
  • Matches (extra)
  • Medical Tape
  • Medications
  • Moist Towelettes
  • Mole Skin
  • Ointments (anti-itch and burns)
  • Q-Tip Swabs
  • Pain Killer (Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen)
  • Rope (nylon cord)
  • Safety Pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing Kit (needle and thread)
  • Toenail Clippers
  • Tweezers

Navigation and Communications

  • Cellular Telephone
  • Compass
  • Flashlight, Lantern, or Candles (extra batteries)
  • GPS Receiver (extra batteries)
  • Maps
  • Mirror (signaling)
  • Pedometer
  • Watch
  • Whistle ((signaling)

Packs

  • Day Pack
  • Fanny Pack
  • Backpack
  • Stuff Sacks

Personal Hygiene

  • Comb or Brush
  • Lotions
    • Lip Salve
    • Skin Cream
    • Sun Screen
  • Personal Hygiene Items (tampons, etc.)
  • Portable Toilet (chemical)
  • Razor
  • Soap (bathing and washing hands)
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Thermometer
  • Toilet Paper and Trowel
  • Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste and Floss
  • Trowel (plastic, for cat holes)
  • Wash Cloth and Towel

Personal Items

  • Hiking Stick
  • Binoculars
  • Books
    • Nature Guide
    • Reading
    • Trail Guide
  • Camera and Film (flash, extra batteries)
  • Chair (collapsible, converts sleeping pad)
  • Contact Lenses
    • Cleaning Solutions
    • Extra Lenses
    • Eye Drops
    • Storage Containers
  • Glasses
    • Reading Glasses
    • Seeing Glasses
    • Sun Glasses
  • Hair Clips or Ties
  • Money (small bills or change)
  • Note Book, Pen, or Pencil
  • Walking Stick

Shelter

  • Air Mattress or Foam Pad
  • Ground Cloth
  • Pillow (inflatable or foam)
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Space Blanket
  • Sun Shade
  • Tent (polls, stakes, fly, repair kit)

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All photographs by Frank Stehno unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © 2013 by Frank and Anne Stehno. All rights reserved.