Day Hiking Gear List |
Proper planning and preparation is necessary anytime you venture into the great outdoors. A day hiker's gear list is a great way of helping you to prepare for your hike, while helping to make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Of course the hiking gear you'll need will vary according to the type of hiking you've planned: the length of your hike, the time of year, as well as the destination and the terrain you'll be traveling over.
Hikers should always be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions while hiking in Glacier National Park. Temperatures in the mountains typically fluctuate as weather patterns change, especially at the higher elevations.
Glacier's western valleys generally receive the most rainfall. Strong winds and sunny days predominate on the east side of the park. During the summer months, daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees; however, overnight lows throughout the park can drop to near 20 degrees, and snow can fall anytime. You should automatically expect temperatures to be at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler in the higher elevations at any given time.
When hiking in Glacier it's always a good idea to carry gear and clothing for a variety of weather conditions. It's also best to dress in layers, and carry rain gear in your backpack. Although not an exhaustive list, the following day hiking gear list (and first aid kit) is a good starting point for ensuring that you'll have all the essentials before heading out on your next hiking adventure. You may want to add or remove items based on expected conditions and your personal needs. If you discover that you're missing any of the essentials, REI has all the necessary hiking apparel and gear you'll need to prepare you for any conditions.
Essential Gear |
* Daypacks (REI Expert Advice: How to Choose Daypacks)
* Footwear (REI Expert Advice: How to Choose Hiking Boots)
* Extra socks (REI Expert Advice: How to Choose Socks)* Base Layers (REI Expert Advice: How to Choose Base Layers)
* Insulating Layer (REI Expert Advice: How to Choose Insulated Outerwear)
* Rain Gear (REI Expert Advice: How to Choose Rainwear)
* Wool or fleece hat
* Balaclava
* Gloves
* Water: full canteen(s), water bottle(s) or hydration pack
* Extra food: high energy snacks
* Trail Map and/or Guidebook
* Compass (with the knowledge of how to use it)
* Emergency Space Blanket (smaller than a wallet)
* Emergency bivvy sac
* Waterproof matches / fire starter
* Pocket knife / Multi-tool
* Flashlight or headlamp with new batteries
* Bear spray
* Storm Whistle (in case you get lost)
* Small mirror (in case you get lost)
* A few yards of cord
* Watch
* First aid kit (see below)
* Personal medications
* Moleskin (for blisters)
* Body Glide (to prevent blisters)
* Insect repellent
* Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)
* Baseball style hat / Wide-brimmed hat (to protect from sun)
* A few zip-lock plastic bags
* Toilet paper (protected in a plastic bag)
* Money / ID
* Many of the items above can be found at REI
Suggested / Optional Gear |
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* Trekking poles (REI Expert Advice:
How to Choose Trekking Poles)
* Cell phone (though may not have coverage in backcountry)
* Water Filter / Water purification tablets
* GPS (with extra batteries)
* Camera (film / fully charged batteries)
* Binoculars
* Feminine products
* Gaiters
* Knee Support
* Notebook with pencil / pen
* Napkins
* Bandana
Basic First Aid Kit |
Some examples of items for your First Aid kit are listed below. Customize your kit according to your personal needs. Be sure you're familiar with everything in your kit and remember to keep items up-to-date and replenished. It's also important to keep your first aid kit in a waterproof container. Finally, we strongly recommend that you take a First Aid class and a CPR class, and make sure that you keep current on these skills. (Adventure Medical Kits sells a variety of first aid kits specifically designed for hikers such as the one on the left)
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Personal medications
Roll bandages
Triangular bandages
Ace bandages
Butterfly bandages
Sterile compresses
Adhesive tape
Sterile gauze pads
Antiseptic wipes
Miscellaneous band aids
Twine
Tweezers
Safety pins
Scissors
Thermometer
Latex gloves
Tissues
Plastic Bags
Antibacterial soap / wipes
Eye drops
Burn ointment
Sunburn lotion
Disinfectant cream
Decongestant and antihistamine tablets
Anti-acids
Antibiotic cream
Aspirin / ibuprofen
Hydrogen peroxide
Diarrhea medication
Hydrocortisone cream
Poison Ivy cream / cleansers
Bee sting kit
Snake bite kit
Heat / cold packs
Personal information / contact person
First aid manual
REI sells a variety of first aid kits for camping, hiking and backpacking, including a variety of options from Adventure Medical Kits.