Hiking Essentials Checklist
Proper planning and preparation are essential when venturing into the outdoors. Having a day hiker’s checklist can greatly assist in preparing for the hike and enhancing the safety and enjoyment of the trip. It is important to consider various factors such as the hike’s duration, the season, the destination, and the terrain, as they will determine the specific hiking gear required.
Hikers in the Great Smoky Mountains should be ready for various temperatures and weather conditions. The temperatures in the mountains can vary as the weather changes. When hiking to higher elevations, there can be a significant temperature difference of at least 10 degrees or more. Additionally, the Smokies receive the highest amount of precipitation in the southern region, with the higher elevations getting up to 90 inches of rainfall per year. If you are not adequately prepared, an unexpected storm could cause a considerable amount of discomfort for you.
In the summer, clear days are typical during the mornings. Nevertheless, as temperatures rise, clouds tend to accumulate, leading to regular afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Winter in the Smokies is an excellent period to be there, but it also marks the most demanding season. While the lower elevations may have moderate temperatures, the higher mountains will encounter significantly colder conditions and the chance of snow. At the higher elevations, winter storms have the potential to deposit up to two feet of snow.
When going hiking in the Smokies, it is recommended to bring gear and clothing suitable for different weather conditions. It is advisable to wear layers and keep rain gear in your backpack. While not a complete list, the following checklist for day hikers (including a first aid kit) serves as a good starting point to ensure you have all the necessary items before embarking on your next hiking expedition. You can adjust the list according to anticipated conditions and your individual requirements.
Essential Gear
- Backpack, daypack or fanny pack
- Base Layer (polypropylene)
- Mid / Heavy weight fleece or pile jacket
- Rain / wind shells (jacket and pants
- Supportive footwear for the length and terrain of your hike
- Extra socks (see REIs guide for choosing socks)
- Wool or fleece hat
- Balaclava
- Extra clothing / layers (polypropylene)
- Thermal underwear for cold weather hiking
- Gloves
- Water: full canteen(s), water bottle(s) or hydration pack
- Extra food: high energy snacks
- Map and/or National Park Map and Hiking Guides Bundle
- Compass (with the knowledge how to use it)
- Emergency Space Blanket or Emergency Bivvy
- Waterproof matches / fire starters
- Pocket knife
- Flashlight or headlamp with new batteries
- Whistle (in case you got lost)
- Watch
- Personal medications
- Moleskin (for blisters)
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)
- Baseball style hat / Wide-brimmed hat (protection from sun)
- Toilet paper (protected in a plastic bag)
- Money / ID
More Essentials Checklist
First Aid Kit
When gathering backpacking gear for a lengthy hike, adventure medical kits could be chosen. These comprehensive kits generally include fast-clotting gauze, tourniquets, and other trauma supplies for the most extreme situations. While prioritizing safety is essential, it is generally agreed upon that a simple first aid kit should be enough for day hikes.
The moleskin included in the kit has proven to be very useful in treating blisters during steep hikes such as those on Colorado 14ers.
It is beneficial to have various sized bandages and tweezers while hiking, in addition to the included emergency blanket. This blanket can also serve as a shelter, which is one of the Ten Essentials that should always be brought when in the wilderness.
Blister Treatments
If you buy the aforementioned first aid kit, you will receive moleskin for the treatment of blisters. I personally believe that moleskin is effective, but it does not provide the same enduring protection as hydrocolloid bandages. Hydrocolloid bandages function like scabs, safeguarding the wound and promoting quicker healing.
These waterproof Band-Aids for blisters enable you to continue trekking even if your boots are causing discomfort. They are comfortable, waterproof, and adhere securely. I have never experienced any slippage, even when wearing and removing tight rock climbing shoes. It is strongly recommended to include them in your hiking essentials, as a precautionary measure.
Hand Warmers
If you often take long-distance hikes in the winter or live in a location with fluctuating daily temperatures, such as mountainous Colorado or the dry desert of Las Vegas, it would be wise to include hand warmers in your first aid kit as an extra precaution.
When it comes to hand warmers, HotHands is my preferred choice because they can actually stay warm for a maximum of ten hours. To activate them, all you need to do is shake them and then stick them on, but make sure you don’t put them directly on your skin. Instead, place them between your gloves or for toe warmers, between your sock and hiking shoes.
Bear Spray
A bear spray may not be needed depending on the location of your day hike. For instance, even though there are black bears in Colorado, I rarely bring bear spray on day hikes near Denver. However, when I visited Glacier National Park (which is one of the top activities in the US!), it was absolutely essential for my day hike.
If your plan involves hiking in bear country, make sure to bring Guard Alaska bear spray. Although you may never need to use it, having this tool is crucial for ensuring your safety.
Whistle
Similar to the concept of bear bells, one can utilize a whistle as a means of safeguarding oneself against wildlife. In Cheryl Strayed’s captivating hiking book, Wild, I distinctly remember a section in which she recounted employing a whistle to intimidate a longhorn bull. Within the state of Colorado, numerous hikers have informed me that emitting a loud whistle can effectively startle and drive away black bears.
If you decide to use a different backpack for day hiking, you should consider wearing one of the LuxoGear emergency whistles as they work effectively in notifying others in case you are harmed, lost, or become separated from your hiking group. This is especially important as the Osprey Daylite backpack has a whistle integrated into its sternum strap for added safety from animals.
Fire Starter
When going for a day hike, a lighter or matches are typically dependable for starting a fire, which is one of the Essentials. However, problems may arise due to strong winds and moisture. It is usually unnecessary to start a fire during a day hike unless you are stranded overnight. Nevertheless, if you come across a designated fire ring, it can be enjoyable to take a break while hiking. Just ensure you are aware of any fire restrictions in the area beforehand!
Multi-tool
The Leatherman multi-tool is a compact device that includes 18 tools, making it an essential item that addresses the need for a knife and much more. It is equipped with wire cutters, pliers, scissors, and screwdrivers, making it perfect for repairing various gear. Additionally, it also features a bottle opener, allowing you to easily open your beer.
