BRING THESE ON ALL HIKES

Backpack

For day hikes you will need a backpack to carry food, water, personal items, and "The 10 Essentials" (see below).

For overnight adventures you will need an expedition backpack that will also hold camping gear -- probably you will want a pack with 50+ liter capacity.

Water Bottle

Bring at least one 1-liter water bottle or hydration system. Be prepared to carry two liters if the hike is long or especially hot.

The Essentials:

Map & Compass (optional: GPS device)

Sun Protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lightweight long-sleeve shirt, long pants)

Rain Protection

Food

Water

Extra dry shirt

Flashlight/Headlamp

First Aid Kit

Fire Starter

Knife

Whistle

Mirror

Heat reflective blanket ("Space Blanket")

Small plastic trash bag

Toilet Paper

Personal hygiene items

Personal medications

Clothing

Hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail running shoes. NO FLAT SOLED SHOES or any other kinds of street shoes that aren't intended for trail sports.

Extra dry (not sweaty) shirt

Jacket

Synthetic or wool socks

Quick-dry pants or shorts

Sun protection hat

Beanie for evening warmth

Optional Items

Bug repellant

Swimsuit (if appropriate for trip)

Camera

Binoculars

Trekking polies

Quick-dry towel

Hand sanitizer gel or wipes

Any other item you consider important -- but to avoid overloading yourself, "when in doubt, leave it out." 

One Last Thing

Stash in your car yummy post-hike snacks, water, towel, and clothing change so you can end your adventure on a high note feeling fresh.

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FOR CAMPING ADD

For camping and overnight backpacking include everything on the Hiking List plus:

Tent or Tarp

Floor tarp/footprint

Sleeping pad

Sleeping bag

Pillow (or you can use your clothing as a pillow)

Insulating layer of under clothing (long underwear)

Insulating jacket

Gloves

Beanie

Eating utensils/spork

Plastic or metal mug (metal for boiling water if you will need to cook)

Pan or pot (you can use metal mug for this)

Plate or bowl (you can use your mug for this instead)

Pot holder

Quick-dry towel

Flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries

Stove

Fuel

Water filtration/purification system

Overnight personal hygiene items

Overnight personal medications

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Extra Water

Food Bag

50' Nylon cord to hang food (in bear country)

Bear Canister (in bear country that requires use of Bear Cans)

Hiking/Camping Permit

Campfire Permit

Cash

Optional: 

Camp sandals

Personal Locator Beacon