My List of Recommended Gear for Hikes Like These

This is a general list of items that I’ve found handy to have when prepping for a hike. Several of the items are weather-dependent, and may not be needed on days with warm weather. HOWEVER, keep in mind that the weather changes rapidly in these mountains, and temperatures at the summit may be significantly colder than at the base. Also, the list includes many items that you’ll hopefully never need, but are useful in an emergency—especially if you find yourself unexpectedly stuck in the mountains overnight on a cold or wet night. Some may say this list is overdoing it, but I think it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What to Wear

  • Backpack

  • Shirts (non-cotton layers)

  • Socks (high quality, breathable, wicking)

  • Athletic underwear

  • Hiking pants (water resistant convertible cargos)

  • Waterproof hiking boots

  • Hat or cap

  • Jackets (fleece & waterproof shell)

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Thermal underwear (in season)

  • Comfortable footwear for car ride back

Put in Backpack

  • Hiking poles

  • Paper topographic map of area

  • Water-proofed map of trail

  • Compass

  • Rope

  • Headlamp (and extra batteries)

  • Crank flashlight

  • Whistle

  • Gaiters

  • Warm hat

  • Extra socks (high quality, breathable, wicking)

  • Water bladder with hose

  • Electrolyte drink

  • Energy Bars

  • Lunch (Sandwich, fruit, Trail mix)

  • Water filtration system

  • Emergency/First Aid Pack:

    • Ibuprofen

    • Bacitracin

    • Loratadine

    • Bandages/Gauze

    • Moist towelettes

    • Duct Tape

    • Kinesiology tape

    • Moleskin

    • Matches (waterproof)

    • Fire starters

    • Candle

    • Cold pack

    • Ace bandage

    • Salt tablets

    • Heat blanket

    • Hand & foot warmers (in season)

  • Download map of trails to cellphone (AllTrails)

  • Microspikes for boots (in season)

  • Balaclava (in season)

  • Warm Gloves (in season)

Keep accessible in Coat and Pant Pockets

  • Cell phone (with local emergency numbers saved)

  • Power bank (charged) & cord

  • Pocketknife

  • Watch

  • Tissue Pack

  • Sunglasses

  • Mosquito Net

  • Pepper Spray (for pesty critters)

Last Minute Items

  • Trim toenails (reduces chances of damaging them in boots)

  • Remove rings (so they don’t get damaged climbing rocks)

  • Alert others of destination & planned route (IMPORTANT for safety)

  • Put phone in airplane mode (conserve battery - GPS will still work on downloaded maps)