Hiking Checklist: What To Bring & What To Wear

Hiking preparedness is essential if you want to share a fun experience with your kids, or even if you're just heading out solo. Knowing what to pack and researching the trail ahead of time are the keys to staying safe on your hike. The supplies you need for hiking up Mount Washington vs. hiking the trails around Massabesic Lake will vary, so I've categorized hikes into three groups: The Long Mountain Hike (one of those 4000 footers New Hampshire is famous for, for example), The Short Mountain Hike (anything quick and easy, usually under 3000 feet), and The Flat Trail Hike (any trails with virtually no elevation changes). Note: the following is written for fall hikes and should be adjusted accordingly per season.

The Long Mountain Hike: As its name implies, this hike will be long and challenging so you'll need the most gear for this one.

What to pack:

-A first aid kit (not a mini one) Make sure that besides the basics, your kit includes an ace bandage and bee sting or bug bite cream. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to have an ice pack (the kind you hit to activate) and some tweezers.

-Water: This will be the heaviest thing in your pack, but don't be tempted to skimp here to save on weight. Water is the most important thing in your pack, so pack more than you think you need. Also consider that you will be drinking that weight away. For a Long Mountain Hike I usually pack four large water bottles. If you really get into hiking a lot, you might also consider investing in a hydration pack (a backpack outfitted with a water-holding bladder and a long straw for hands-free drinking on the trails).

-Lunch and snacks: Protein and energy are key here. Here's an example of what I pack for myself: two PB & Js (Yes, 2! Long hikes can really build up an appetite!), a banana, two protein bars (my favorites are the peanut butter Clif bars), trail mix - preferably with chocolate (it's great on the trail!) and some kind of dried fruit in it like pineapple or apple. Again, this may seem like a lot of food, but I like to overpack here too, rather than risk getting dizzy on the trail.

-A whistle

-A pocket knife or multi tool

-A phone (for pictures and of course for emergencies) -Optional: Bug spray (I usually just spray myself before I go), binoculars, gloves, hat, sunscreen, extra socks, duct tape (handy if you rip your pack) , a walking stick, a poncho, and also a trail map and compass wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Wanderers tip: Before heading out on any hike, but most especially a long one, make sure you do these three things:

1. Research the trail you want to take, so you have some idea of the elevation and terrain, and print out a map in case your trail isn't well marked.

2. Check the weather: if there's even a remote chance of rain I always pack a raincoat or poncho - imagine how cold and miserable you'd be hiking for 3 hours while soaking wet! Also, know the temperatures. You will feel a huge difference between the temperature at the trailhead and the temperature on the summit, so plan accordingly. During your hike, you'll get hot and shed your layers, but at the summit you'll want them back on; the air will be cooler and it can often be much windier. To be safe, I pack for a 20 degree difference: if it's 65 degrees at the base I want to make sure I'd still be comfortable at 45 degrees.

3. Tell someone your plans and make sure you check in with them later. Again, here I like to err on the side of over-caution; hiking a tall mountain is a huge rush, but you have to be aware of certain dangers, whether they come in the form of a freak snow squall, a hungry wandering bear, or a sprained ankle due to a misstep. Although I've never done a Long Mountain Hike in New Hampshire without encountering a ranger or other hikers, you can't count on that, so make sure someone knows what trail you're taking and roughly what time you'll check back in with them, just in case the worst happens and you get stuck. Safety first. :)

The Short Mountain Hike: As you might imagine, this supply list will be a mini version of the Long Mountain Hike list.

What to pack: If I can get down the mountain in an hour or less, then I only pack a mini first aid kit (band aids, cleaning wipes, and antibacterial ointment like Neosporin), a pocket knife or multi-tool, a whistle, a map and compass.

Food: Water (2 bottles), two protein-rich snacks (sunflower seeds, Clif Bars, trail mix, etc.), and a sandwich (even the small mountains will work up an appetite!)

What to wear: You most likely won't notice much of a temperature difference at the summit since your elevation change isn't dramatic. I still layer, but I would choose either a hoodie or a mid-weight fleece; you shouldn't need both. You can probably skip the leggings layer as well. You should still wear hiking boots and good socks though. I generally wear a bandana (as a kind of sweatband), partially because I can't stand stray tendrils of hair tickling my forehead while I hike, but also because it has so many uses! In a pinch, a bandana can be used like an ace bandage, to tie a split, to staunch the flow of blood, or just as a napkin.

For suggestions of Short Mountain Hikes, click here.

The Flat Trail Hike: How far this trail is, will determine how much I pack, but I like to keep it light here: A mini backpack (I'm in love with these!), before I found my own, I'd borrow my son's toddler-sized backpack and found it was perfect for trail hikes! It's just tall enough to fit two large water bottles, two snacks, a pocket knife/ multi-tool, a whistle, and a sweatshirt - that's literally all I take if I'm only going for a flat three or four mile trail hike. If I'm doing six or seven miles, I'd add extra food and a mini first aid kit. Hiking boots or trail shoes are best, but if you're only doing about two miles or less, you could get away with sturdy sneakers that have good tread.

Wanderers tip: To keep the Munchkin "into" the hike (which can sometimes be a challenge on flat trail hikes), I give him his own pack to carry, usually with a juice box and a small toy inside. When we take a snack break, I'll pull out a mini excavator or dump truck for him to play with, or I let him take pictures of us and anything else he likes. He snapped the picture below when we hiked at Pawtuckaway State Park over the summer.

Another thing you can do, is bring a fishing pole if your trail takes you by a pond, or grab a pair of binoculars and see how many different creatures your little one can find. Overall, just make it a fun relaxing time to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you.

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