Supplies List

This list of supplies is intentionally extensive. Not every person will carry every item on every day hike. Adjust your supplies depending upon the length of the trail and the anticipated weather conditions. Consolidate small items into several small zip-lock bags.

Keep in mind that while Hike Leaders carry basic First Aid equipment on official Club hikes, it is always wise to be self-sufficient when hiking independently. According to REI’s website, items marked with an asterisk (*) are essential for safety, survival and basic comfort. For information on medical and emergency items carried in each Hiking Club First Aid kit, see the detailed lists under the First Aid Supplies section of the Trail Safety category.

Standard Personal Items: All Hikes

• Lip balm*
• Sunglasses*
• Sunscreen (SPF-30)*
• Map(s)*
• Driver’s License; cash or credit card
• Name Badge
• Hiking Club ID tag
• Essential personal prescriptions
• Cell phone
• Camera
• Kleenex/toilet paper
• Snacks (Energy food/beverages)
• Hand sanitizer (or wipes)
• Insect repellant (spray or wipes)
• Cooling towel (Frogg Toggs) or cooling bandana
• Trekking poles
• Binoculars
• Writing utensil; paper

Standard Items: Longer Hikes

• Headlamp or flashlight; extra batteries*
• Compass*
• Small knife or multi-tool with blade*
• Duct tape*
• Matches (waterproof) or lighter*
• Loud whistle
• Quick-dry towel
• Bandana
• Empty Zip-Loc bag(s) (for trash or storage)
• GPS unit (optional)

*Standard First Aid Items

• Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred)
• Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)
• Tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive)
• Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
• Butterfly bandages/adhesive wound-closure strips
• Gauze pads (various sizes)
• Nonstick sterile pads
• Medical adhesive tape (10-yd roll, minimum 1” width)
• Blister treatment (e.g., Moleskin, 2nd Skin, Glacier Gel)
• Ibuprofen/other pain-relief medication
• Insect-sting relief treatment (e.g., AfterBite)
• Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
• Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
• Safety pins
• Comprehensive first-aid manual or information cards

Emergency Items

• Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)*
• Purification tablets*
• Reflective (space) blanket*
• Extra day’s supply of food*
• Hand warmer packets
• Signaling mirror
• Nylon cord
• Dental floss or copper wire (for repairs)
• Bright tape (for marking trail)
• Two-way radios
• 50-gallon heavy-duty plastic bag