Day Pack Packing Checklist

If going into mountains with a chance of extreme temperature changes (MOST mountains except for in tropic zones), I’D RATHER BE PREPARED.  I learned the hard – and COLD – way that mountains can create their own weather, often unexpectedly.  I always bring things in case I am unexpectedly delayed, injured or the temps drop suddenly.  Here’s my go-to Day Pack Packing Checklist:

___ My backpack.  I bring my regular backpack when I’m in any real mountains and only use my smaller day packs when I am hiking in a more populated area where there’s not an issue that I could get help quickly.  With food and water, I’m carrying about twenty pounds(9kg).  Scroll down to see my pack.

___ Attached to my day pack a Whistle and a Compass

___ Hiking poles.  I wrap about 2-3 feet of Duct Tape around my poles.  Handy for many uses including blister care!  Scroll down to see mine.

___ Map.  It’s also good to “Pin” your location into Google Maps.  Google maps can then work offline.  When in the mountains where cell service is dicey, put your phone in Airplane mode so it doesn’t use up all of your battery searching for service.  Then you’ll have juice in case of an emergency (often you can get service at the top of a mountain).  Be sure to let someone know where you’re hiking and when you expect to return.

___ More water than you think, plus at least some protein snacks

___ Rain jacket  (rain pants AND waterproof rain gloves if in a cooler area EVEN IN SUMMER!!!) –  scroll down for link.

___ Thermal jacket ( you won’t often need it, when you do, you will be glad!  Buy a lightweight one and put it in a stuff sack)

___ Balaclava or wool ski hat –  scroll down for link.

___  Parachute cord or strong thin rope (15′) – scroll down for link.

___ Space blanket (use for heat in an emergency) –  scroll down for link.

___ Mini butane lighter in case I need to start a fire

___ Small baggie with dryer lint mixed with Vasoline as a fire starter, or a few birthday candles

___ Small pocketknife –  scroll down for link.

___ Headlamp unless you are in a zone where the sun is hardly setting this time of year and you can wait it out –  scroll down for link.

___ Mini bug spray

___ First Aid baggie with small antibiotic, alcohol wipes, mole skin or other bliser care, guaze patch, a few bandaids

___ At lease ONE compression sock in case you sprain an ankle (see link below)

___ Baggie labeled “Trash” for used TP and my trash

___ Baggie with folded TP

___ Small container of Hand Sanitizer

___ Small scrap of ripstop fabric (about 16″ x 16″) that I sit on (chigger prevention:).  Your bandana can substitute, I like the ripstop because it’s waterproof.  You can get it online or at a fabric store.

___ Sunglasses + Sunscreen

___ Bandana (I actually roll and wrap around my wrist as a sweat rag).  There are many uses for a bandana, so always bring one (ie, water debris filter, bandage, container, and of course, a head scarf!)

P.S.  If you like to backpack, I’m happy to share my Backpacking Packing List with you.  Just send me an email at kit@ActiveTravelAdventures.com.  I only backpack when the temperatures are not supposed to drop below 40 degrees (4C), but hike prepared for 20 degrees (-6C).

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