Day Hike Gear and Clothing Checklist

Getting Ready for your Mazama Day Hike

Hiking with Mazamas can be very fun. Thinking about what to wear and carry can make your hike not only comfortable but safe.

Before packing your daypack, consider the season, weather forecast, terrain, estimated hiking time, exertion level, your fitness, medical considerations and remoteness of the hike. You should provide for your own clothing and gear needs on the trip. Always consider what you would need to survive the night should you have to. Your hike leader will be carrying extra group gear only.

SECTION ONE
Essential items to always wear or carry in your daypack

Daypack

One large enough to carry your gear inside the pack.

Clothing

Use a layering approach to maintain temperature control. Stay dry and comfortable by adding and removing layers while hiking and stopping for breaks. Base layers wick moisture, mid-layers provide insulation and warmth and outer layers protect you from wind and rain.

Underwear

Synthetic

Base Layer Bottom

Wicking and quick-dry synthetic pants, shorts or convertible pants (zipper converts long pants to shorts). Use warmer options (wool, warm synthetic pants or long underwear) in cold weather

Base Layer Top

Short or long sleeved, wicking and quick-dry top – synthetic, wool or silk. Carry second base layer if you sweat heavily or are hiking in cold or wet weather.

Mid Layer(s)

Vest, jacket or both -- wool or fleece. In cold weather add a fourth layer -- wool, synthetic or down

Outer Layer

Jacket and pants -- rain/wind resistant or waterproof

There are garments that combine the Mid Layer and the Outer Layer into one garment. Soft-shell or windproof fleece can be used as an alternative to wearing a separate mid layer and outer layer. These garments are not waterproof.

Hat

Synthetic or wool

Consider adding a headband, cap with visor, wide-rimmed sun hat or rain hat.

Gloves or Mittens

Consider glove liners or waterproof over-mitts

Hiking socks & Liners

Wool or synthetic

You may need extra socks if it is rainy, if you are blister-prone or if there are stream crossings.

Hiking Boots

Suitable for the terrain

Ten Plus Essentials

Whistle

Keep accessible without removing pack

Navigation

Map and compass – know how to use

Sun Protection

Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses

Illumination

Headlamp (preferred since hands-free) or flashlight --- both need extra batteries and bulb

Extra Food and Water

Emergency use energy bar and one half to one quart extra water in non-breakable bottle

Extra Clothing

Carry one extra top and bottom layer (beyond what you plan to wear) Remember to bring gloves and hat even in summer.

Fire

Fire starter
Matches in waterproof container or lighter(s)
Small candle

Emergency Shelter

Small mylar space blanket, large trash bag or emergency bivy bag

Repair Kit and Tools

Knife or multi-tool
Duct tape
Safety pins

First Aid Kit

Wound Care (Bandaids, Gauze, Antibiotic ointment, Tape)
Blister Care (Moleskin, Scissors)
Personal Meds
Bandana
Ace Bandage
Pain Relievers

If allergic to bees, bring an injectable epinephrine kit.
If asthmatic, bring your inhaler.
If diabetic, bring sugar.
Tell the leader if you have these or other medical problems. Do not bring drugs that will make you drowsy or dizzy.

Food & Water

Lunch

Place in pack where it will not get crushed -- consider using plastic container

Snacks

Snack ideas for hiking breaks: candy, nuts, fruit or trail mix.

Remember to bring an energy bar for emergencies (See Ten Essentials)

Water

Carry at least one quart/liter for use on the trail. You may need to carry more water depending on your exertion level, the length of the hike, the temperature, availability of water sources, remoteness of hike and sun exposure.

In addition, always bring extra water in a non-breakable bottle for emergency use (See Ten Essentials).

Hydration systems keep water readily available for drinking while hiking. Remember not to fill these to the top due to leakage problems or use a system with a switch-off valve.

Personal Items

Keys, driver’s license, money, identification/emergency contacts, cell phone – turned OFF. Keep in zip type plastic bag.

SECTION TWO
Optional or Essential items (depending on conditions)

Optional Gear:

Watch or altimeter watch

Trekking poles

Especially for steep terrain, knee issues, snow/ice and stream crossings

Camera and binoculars

In a case or zip bag

Insulating sit pad or roll

Toilet Kit

Toilet paper, trowel, zip bag to pack out TP

Notepad and pen/pencil

In zip bag

Extra bandana(s)

For handkerchief or cold compress

Water shoes

For stream crossings

Other Repair Kit Items

Wire – 20 ft, flexible
Electrical cable ties (zip cords)

Water filter and/or
Water purification tabs

For long day hikes if water sources available

Gaiters

Short ones for dusty trails and avoidance of ticks
Long ones for snow or stream crossings

Other First Aid items

Tweezers, zip plastic bags for wound irrigation or cold compresses, butterfly bandaids, superglue, gloves, anti-sting product

Mosquito and fly repellent

Insect head-net

Especially for trips after recent snowmelt

Signal Mirror

Eyewear Retainer Cord

Hand Sanitizer

Lightweight rain and wind resistant anorak
or jacket

Description of hike from guidebook

Wildflower or other guides

For Cold or Windy Days:

Wear or pack two bottom, full-length layers

Layer 1: Warm pants, long underwear, or running tights
Layer 2: outer layer pant

Additional pair of warm gloves or mittens

Chemical warmers

Balaclava or neck gaiter

For Rainy Days:

Waterproof rain hat

(or umbrella if not windy)

Waterproof jacket with hood and pants

Additional pair of warm gloves or mittens

Waterproof over-mitts

Pack cover or second large trash bag

To cover pack if raining

Insulating sit pad

Extra base layer

Use a large trash bag inside your pack or use waterproof dry sacks or plastic zip bags to hold clothing and gear inside your pack.

For Hot, Sunny Days:

Wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball type cap or visor

Bandana(s)

Use under hat to protect neck from sun. Use soaked in water around head or neck to keep cool.

SPF 30 or above sunscreen and lip balm

Extra water or sport drink

Salt tabs or salty snacks

Sunglasses with side panels

if above timberline or in the desert

Cotton top is an option -- will keep you cool

Always carry a synthetic replacement base layer. Cotton will not retain any warmth when wet. No blue jeans

For Winter (Late Fall, Early Spring) Days:

Large size day pack

Fourth clothing layer (second base layer or second mid-layer: wool, fleece or down)

Outerwear needs to be waterproof

Bring jacket and pants

Gaiters for mud and snow

Insulating sit pad or roll

Trekking poles for muddy and icy trail

Balaclava or neck gaiter

Fleece or wool lined gloves or mittens with over-mitts.

Warm wind-resistant fleece or wool hat

Snowshoes if leader recommends

Traction Devices (Yaktracs, Stableicers,
Kahtoola “MICROspikes”) if leader recommends

Chemical hand-warmers

Thermos with hot drink

Water in wide-mouthed bottle

Turn upside down if icy

Two mylar space blankets, two trash bags or aluminum/nylon bivy sack

Insulated hydration hose to prevent water from freezing

For Ski/Snowshoe Tours:

Same as For Winter Days. See above.

Skis with holder straps

Ski poles or trekking poles with large ski baskets

Ski Boots that fit bindings

Snowshoes and attachment for pack

Wax product for skis

Extra ski basket

Goggles with anti-fog product for snowy days

Metal cup to heat water or snow if necessary

Extra duct tape, multi-tool, cable ties and wire for repairs

SECTION THREE
Helpful Tips

Clothing Tips:

Bring enough clothes to survive a several hour break or overnight stay.

While hiking, wear clothing which will not get you hot and sweaty. Otherwise, you can get cold even in summer. If you tend to sweat heavily, bring an extra base layer you can change into during the hike.

Add a layer, hat and/or gloves before hiking windy, exposed areas.

Keep items of clothing you know you will use easily accessible in your pack. Put extra clothing items you probably will not use in a separate plastic bag – roll or compress to minimize size.

For hikes in the Pacific NW invest in waterproof rainwear, boots, hat and hand covers.

Wool, silk and synthetics maintain some of their warmth when wet. Cotton and down do not maintain warmth when wet. Down vests/jackets are warm, compressible and lightweight but must be kept dry -- store in a waterproof bag. DO NOT wear blue jeans -- when wet they are cold, lose all their warmth and dry very slowly.

Footwear – use over-the-ankle boot with lug sole for rough terrain and wet or snowy weather. Always wear light hikers or boots with traction soles.

Before You Leave Home:

Check the weather forecast for the days near the hike to see trends. Rainy and cold weather often lasts longer or comes in earlier than forecasted. Consider wind, exposure, time of day and altitude in planning since ambient temperature can change significantly throughout the day. Hypothermia can easily occur in rainy or windy weather at temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Weather sources online: National Weather Service at www.wrh.noaa.gov, ODOT at http://www.tripcheck.com and WSDOT at www.wsdot.wa.gov.

Try to keep pack weight as light as you can but do not leave essentials at home. Adjust what you wear and carry based on expected conditions.
Consider bringing clothing and gear options to the trailhead.

Review a description of the hike and map before you go.
Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you to return.
Bring a change of clothing, snack and drink for after the hike.
Bring a trash bag for dirty boots.
Bring cash for hike fees and driver contributions.
Remember to bring “Leader Treats”!

At the Trailhead:

Hang NW Forest Pass or post sno-park permit if required.
Do not leave valuables in the car.
Let leader know if you have any medical concerns.

On the Trail:

Keep together – think of yourself as part of a team.

Follow your leader’s instructions and let the leader know your needs.

Stop at junctions to let persons behind you know which way to go. Do not go past a junction unless you know which way to go – wait for sweep if uncertain.

If you get lost, stay on the trail and stay put. Do not panic. Keep warm and hydrated and use your whistle. Use three short whistle blasts if you are hurt (emergency) or one long whistle intermittently until found.