Hiking Checklist
Table of Contents
Preparation
Break in your shoes
Hiking shoes feel different than regular shoes or sneakers. Wear them for a few days to accustom your feet so you don't get blisters.
Practice carrying a load
Take a few walks with your backpack. Having a heavy load on your back takes getting used to.
Warm up
Hiking is not like walking, it is far more demanding on your legs and back. Your calves and hamstrings need preparation for this vigorous exercise.
Get experience
If you have never hiked before, you might come to regret taking on a long demanding trail, so start off easy. If you are planning on taking a walking stick with you, learn how to handle the stick to your benefit.
Gear / Equipment
Hiking shoes or boots
Without the right shoes your feet will suffer. It is best to select shoes with a thick sole for stability and comfort, and check for proper ankle support. Boots are best for mountain climbing or water crossings.
Backpack
For a day-trip you will need a place to store essentials.
Food and water
Hiking will made you hungry and thirsty. Be sure to pack some fruit, nuts, and energy bars.
Walking stick
Not really necessary, but handy to have, if you know how to use it effectively.
Rope
You never know when you may need it.
Matches
If you end up needing a fire, you will need a way to start it. Store these in a waterproof case.
Things to Pack
Personal identification
It's always good to have ID on you with the name and phone number of a contact person.
Sunscreen.
Regardless of the season, in the outdoor your skin needs protection
Bug repellent.
If you wear short sleeves or shorts, you really need this item!
Extra clothes and socks
An extra T-shirt and socks weigh nothing but can come in handy.
First Aid
Scrapes and cuts are common in the outdoors.
Communication
Take your cell phone with you. If anything were to happen, you can call for help.
Camera
There will be lots to see during your hike. Preserve the memories.
Map of the trail or surrounding areas
This can be invaluable in case you get lost.
Compass
Sometimes you need a little extra direction.
GPS
A navigational tool may be for sissies - but it could save your life.
Safety Tips
Respect your boundaries
If you get tired, take a break; you don't want to wear yourself out. It takes time to be an experienced hiker.
Don't wander off the trail
Those trails are laid out for a reason. They are designed to keep you safe. Random hiking in the wilderness is for the experienced.
Stay together
If you hike in company, stay with the group.
Familiarize yourself with danger
Know which plants and bugs are poisonous.
Know your enemy
Find out what wildlife might be in the area (rattlesnakes, bear, wild cats, elk or boar) and how to react appropriately.
Download or Print this Hiking Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Nicole Nichols-West
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Introduction
Details
Hiking is an excellent way to experience the great outdoors. It gives your body the exercise it needs by opening you lungs, getting your heart rate going and giving your muscles a workout. Seeing how hiking is physically demanding, hikers should be in reasonable fit condition before setting off on their first trail. If your body is up to the challenge, your mind is surely to benefit of the experience. Even though hiking is exhausting for the body, for the inner self nothing is quite as relaxing. Stress will as good as disappear once you set off on your adventure!
Hiking Checklist Tips
- People who are new to hiking should start off with a fairly short and easy track. Demanding too much, too soon, could lead to injuries.
- Equally important is the equipment you pack for the hike. Not much is needed for a short day hike, but what you take with you has to be of good quality. The most important pieces of gear for a hiker are his shoes. Without comfortable shoes, hiking can turn into a nightmare. Also, wear long pants or slather on bug repellent if wearing shorts. Take a light windbreaker or jacket even if the weather is warm.
- Taking food and water along on your hike is equally important. You'll be burning energy, and might need to refuel. A small snack could make all the difference to your blood sugar.
- If you hike in high altitudes, take it easy. You can easily get altitude sickness if you overexert on your first fee times out! Don't forget to let someone know where you are going, and have a backup plan in case you run into trouble on your hike.
- Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy your hike. Whether you are alone or in company, you are in the fresh air and surrounded by the beauty and wonder of nature. Be sure to pay attention to everything around you to avoid danger, and enjoy the outdoors.
Who it's for
This Hiking Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Hiking essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Hiking structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Hiking Checklist
- Save Hiking Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Hiking (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.