Hiking safety is about being prepared so that you can respond to an emergency situation or spend the night in the woods if you have to. DO NOT rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or on the trail. You should know how to use all of your equipment ~ test and adjust it prior to meeting up for a trip.  

~Summer hiking gear list (May - October) ~

• Comfortable backpack, 1200-1800 cu.in. capacity
• Comfortable durable hiking boots
• Hiking socks
• Water - 2 liters (3 or 4 liters in hot temps)
• Sandwich or Cold Pizza, cheese and crackers, beef jerky, granola bars, trail mix, fruit, cookies, chocolate, hard candy 
• *Rain jacket, preferably Gortex or other breathable waterproof material
• *Rain pants (same material)
• Long-sleeve synthetic shirt
• Moisture wicking t-shirt (if you must wear cotton, bring an extra to change at top) 
• Comfortable hiking shorts or zip off pants
• Lightweight fleece jacket or Dri Clime Shirt (Marmot)
• In October: Also bring a wool hat/gloves
• In November: Wear synthetic lightweight underwear tops/bottoms, fleece vest (replaces long-sleeve synthetic shirt), and soft shell parka if it's NOT raining (replaces rain jacket)
• Trekking poles (optional) 
• Bandana
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug repellant
• First Aid kit (different sized adhesive bandages, antibiotic cream, non-porous tape, pain reliever, moleskin, personal medications including  allergic reactions to bees etc.)
• Compass
• Whistle
• Pocket knife
• Small lightweight flashlight or headlamp
• Hat with brim for shade
  
  *It is important to have these things available- sudden storms occur frequently.
  
  

  ~Strenuous above treeline gear list (May – October)~

• Comfortable backpack, 2000-2500 cu.in. capacity
• Comfortable durable hiking boots
• Hiking socks, extra pair
• Water – 2 liters (3 or 4 liters in hot temps)
• Protein (sandwich, cold pizza, cheese, jerky), granola bars, trail mix, fruit, chocolate, hard candy 
• Moisture wicking t-shirt (if you must wear cotton, bring an extra to change at top)
• Synthetic long-sleeve shirt 
• Comfortable hiking shorts or zip off pants
• *Rain jacket, preferably Gortex or other breathable waterproof material
• *Rain pants same material
• *Fleece jacket
• *Warm hat and gloves (even in August it can snow or hail up there)
• Bandana
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug repellant
• First Aid kit (different sized adhesive bandages, antibiotic cream, non-porous tape, pain reliever, moleskin, personal medications including allergic reactions to bees etc.)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Compass
• Whistle
• Pocket knife
• Small lightweight flashlight or headlamp
• Hat with brim for shade if hot
• Lightweight gloves
• Large plastic bag to line pack with to keep items dry
  
  

  *It is important to have these things available- sudden storms occur frequently. 

  ~Winter hiking gear list (November- April)~
  

Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or out on the trail. You should know how to use all of your equipment ~ test and adjust prior to this trip. 

• Comfortable backpack, 2500-3000 cu.in. capacity
• Waterproof insulated winter hiking boots with synthetic or wool socks. [Gaiters will keep the snow out of your boots.]
• Mountaineering snowshoes with aggressive teeth for traction while climbing. While we may not need snowshoes on the hike you will need to bring them to the trailhead ~ know how attach them to your pack in case we need to bring them along.  
• Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Crampons for icy trails. Mountaineering crampons with 10-12 teeth are optional.
• Dress in synthetics, fleece, and/or wool layers to easily regulate body temperature. Make sure your layers fit comfortably over each other. DO NOT WEAR COTTON ~ while cotton is a great insulator when it is dry, once wet it doesn't dry easily and it rapidly draws heat away from the body. 
• Insulated jacket [e.g. fleece]. Windproof/waterproof shell [with hood] and pants [e.g. nylon or goretex]. Make sure your outerwear fits comfortably over all of your other clothing. 
• Fleece/Wool hat, balaclava or face shield, and neck warmer. 
• Warm waterproof insulated gloves [bring handwarmers], and glove liners. Windproof/wateproof mitten shells. 
• Ski goggles (buy the expensive, anti-fog lens to prevent them from icing up and not allowing you to see; never take them off your face once they are on!) 
• Bring high-energy snacks. Sandwich or cold pizza, cheese and crackers, beef jerky, granola bars, trail mix, fruit, chocolate ~ pack extra "just in case." 
• Water in insulated carrier – 2 liters in wide-mouth bottles [e.g. Nalgene] instead of a hydration pack [e.g. camelback] because the hose tends to freeze. [A small thermos containing hot chocolate or apple cider is very welcomed on a cold day.] 
• Shelter. Be prepared to spend a night in the woods if you have to. Options include an ultralight tarp, a bivy sack, or an emergency blanket which packs small and weights just ounces. 
• Map and compass ~ just don't bring them. Know how to use them.
• Plastic Whistle
• Headlamp with two sets of spare batteries ~ lithium works best in colder temperatures.  
• Personal First Aid kit with an emergency space blanket. 
• Small pocket knife or multi-purpose tool.
• Matches or wind-proof lighter and fire starter [I like the Yankee Candles 'kindle candles.']
• Toilet kit [hand sanitizer, toilet paper]
• Sunscreen.
• Lip balm.
• Sunglasses.
• Waterproof cover for your pack
• Trekking poles with snow baskets [optional]
• Camera [optional]
• Steep, Icy Terrain: A mountaineering ice axe may be helpful.

~Overnite backpack gear and clothing~

• Comfortable backpack, 3200-4000 cu in capacity
• Pack cover or large plastic garbage bag
• Comfortable durable hiking boots
• Sleeping bag rated for appropriate temps
• Ground pad for insulation and comfort (full length thermarest inflatable mattress are best get the average thikness)
• 1 or 2 person tent (share tent= share weight to carry)
• Trekking poles
• Eating utensil, mug, bowl
• Water (minimum 2 qts, hot day 100 oz or more)
• Snacks such as granola bars,chocolate, or trail mix (enough for the days out)
• Rain jacket, preferably Gortex or other breathable waterproof material
• Rain pants (same material)
• Fleece jacket, mid or heavy weight
• Hat for shade if hot, fleece for cooler temps
• Lightweight fleece gloves, heavier weight for cooler temps
• Moisture wicking shirt
• Zip off hiking pants
• Wicking undergarments
• Hiking socks, 2 prs
• Bandana
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug repellant
• First Aid kit (different sized adhesive bandages, antibiotic cream, non-porous tape, pain relievers, moleskin, personal medications including  allergic reactions to bees etc.)
• Compass
• Whistle
• Pocket knife
• Small lightweight headlamp
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap or cleaning towelettes, feminine products, deodorant)
  
  Note: Lighter is better - every ounce counts as you are carrying everything. As a general rule, guys should not carry more than 33% of your  weight. When packing put the items you may need to access quickly such as rain gear at the top or in an accessible pocket.