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Field Notes

Real skills for when you are in the field.

Preparation

Base Pack Checklist

Every-trip foundation for section and thru-hikes. No product names. Check it off. Add seasonal gear only when the trail requires it.

Kit checklist All notes Before You Start Daily Skills Body & Mind Safety Trail Systems Gear in Practice

Kit categories

Big Four Worn Packed clothing Water Cook Food storage Light & power Nav & safety Pack organization Hygiene Sun & bugs First aid & repair Comfort Optional Seasonal

This is the short list hikers actually pack. The Big Four first. Then worn layers. Then the kit that finishes the pack. Food and fuel stay off this page.

A packing list is a decision, not a catalog. If it is not on this page, it is seasonal or optional.

Big Four

Backpack
Shelter
Sleep quilt or bag
Sleeping pad

Worn

Trail shoes or boots
Hiking socks
Underwear
Sun hoodie / hiking shirt
Sun hat
Trekking poles
Watch / tracker

Packed clothing

Insulated jacket
Rain shell
Fleece / midlayer
Extra socks
Sleep clothes

Water

Filter
Dirty bag
Clean bottle
Coupler / syringe
Chemical backup

Cook

Stove
Pot
Spoon
Lighter

Food storage

Odor bag or can (if required)

Light & power

Headlamp
Power bank
Charging cable
Wall brick (town)

Nav & safety

Phone + map app
Satellite messenger
Compass
Whistle
Emergency blanket

Pack organization

Pack liner
Shoulder pouch
Ditty bag
Wallet
Stuff sack (optional)

Hygiene

Trowel
Bidet or TP system
Wipes
Soap
Tooth care
Hand sanitizer
Pack towel

Sun & bugs

Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Bug spray
Headnet

First aid & repair

Blister tape
Mini first-aid kit
Tick tool
Repair tape
Pad repair kit
Extra stakes
Extra guyline
Small knife / multi
Needle + thread / floss
Zip ties / safety pins

Comfort

Sit pad
Ground cloth
Bandana
Earplugs

Optional

Electrolytes
Pot cozy
Phone strap pouch
Earbuds
Journal + pen

Seasonal — carry only when needed

Traction
Ice axe
Bear can
Bear spray
Warmer bag
Insulated pad
Gloves
Rain pants
Wag bags

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← Gear in Practice

Sources

Halfway Anywhere 2025 PCT Hiker Survey
Halfway Anywhere 2025 CDT Hiker Survey
Appalachian Trail Conservancy 2025 hiker survey
The Trek 2025 AT Thru-Hiker Survey
Leave No Trace
PCTA stream crossing safety
NPS safe river crossings
CDC water treatment for hiking, camping, and traveling
Yosemite wilderness regulations (food storage)
NOLS Wilderness First Aid
ATC 2,000-milers
PCTA — discover the trail
CDT Coalition

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