Sample Gear List

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Notes: 

  • Try to eliminate or minimize cotton fibers in clothing. Cotton holds moisture and can contribute to hypothermia. Choose synthetics (polyester, nylon, or fleece) or wool.  
  • Bring extra food when hiking. Bring even more when hiking in the winter (you burn more energy in the cold!). 
  • Be prepared! Check clothing and gear, water sources, evacuation routes, travel plans, hours of sunlight, and wilderness restrictions before heading out.  
  • Tell people your plans and expected arrival date and time back on campus  
  • Remember to practice Leave no Trace Principles.  

Day Hiking Gear List 

Personal Items  
-20-50 L backpack
-Bug spray and sunscreen 
-Rain jacket  
-Rain pants (optional)  
-Brimmed hat (sun and rain)  
-Synthetic clothing worn on body (shorts or hiking pants, t-shirt or long sleeve) 
-Extra top layer (fleece, light puffy coat) 
-2 pairs Wool or synthetic socks  
-Waterproof hiking boots  
-2 one-liter reusable water bottles (make sure they’re filled!) 
-Food 
-Headlamp 

Group Gear 
-Map and compass 
-First Aid Kit 
-Poop Kit – toilet paper, trowel, trash bag 
-Gear/Clothing to add if hiking in winter! 
-Winter hat - wool or fleece cap type  
-Balaclava or neck warmer  
-Waterproof gloves and liner gloves 
-2 pairs heavy wool or synthetic socks
-Top and bottom synthetic base layers 
-One wool sweater/fleece jacket or lightweight synthetic down jacket  
-Heavy winter coat (down or synthetic down)
-Waterproof shell 
-Gaiters 
-Snowshoes
-Microspikes
-Extra food
-Emergency shelter or tarp (recommended for longer hikes) 
-Stove, fuel, and pot (recommended for longer hikes)
-0-20 degree sleeping bag (recommended for longer hikes) 

Overnight Gear List 

Personal Clothing 
-Rain jacket  
-Rain pants (optional)  
-Winter hat - wool or fleece cap 
-Brimmed hat (sun and rain)  
-One wool sweater/fleece jacket or lightweight synthetic down jacket 
-One pair synthetic long hiking pants (not jeans)  
-One pair quick dry athletic shorts  
-Synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)  
-1-2 synthetic t-shirts  
-One synthetic long sleeve  
-2-3 pair wool/synthetic socks  
-2-3 pairs underwear 
-Backpack (at least 65L) or large dry bag for canoeing 
-Large trash bag to line your backpack (to rain proof) 
-Hiking boots – for camping use secure shoes that you don’t mind getting wet 
-Bug spray and sunscreen 
-2 one-liter reusable water bottles  
-Sleeping bag (30-degree to 0-degree rating) 
-Sleeping pad  
-Closed toe sneakers/camp shoe  
-Headlamp with extra batteries  
-Toiletries (medications, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, menstrual products, contacts & solution) 
-Mess kit (bowl, cup, utensils) 
-Gear/Clothing to add if hiking in winter! 
-Winter hat - wool or fleece cap type  
-Balaclava or neck warmer  
-Waterproof gloves and liner gloves 
-2-3 pairs heavy wool/synthetic socks  
-Top and bottom synthetic base layers 
-One wool sweater/fleece jacket or lightweight synthetic down jacket  
-Heavy winter coat (down or synthetic down) 
-Waterproof shell 
-Gaiters 
-Snowshoes 
-Microspikes 

Group Gear 
-Map and compass 
-Inreach SOS device (optional) 
-Tents 
-Stove and fuel  
-Pots, pans, and cooking utensils 
-Bear cans 
-First Aid Kit 
-Water purification/filtration 
-Soap and hand sanitizer 
-Poop kit 
-Canoe barrels (if canoeing)