Packing list

Make sure you are prepared for eventualities while also not overburdening yourself with too heavy of a pack.

A backpack is preferable to a shoulder bag to distribute your load evenly

This is probably all that you really need

The basics

  • Comfortable shoes
    (Broken-in, closed-toe. Waterproof?)
  • Seasonally appropriate layered clothing
    (Long pants/sleeves for brambles, nettles, poison-ivy etc)
  • Water bottle & lunch/snacks
  • ID, Cash and/or debit card

Just in case

  • Extra pair of socks
  • Rain gear
  • Medication / First Aid supplies
  • Index card with emergency info
    (allergies, emergency contacts, etc)
  • Pack of tissues / small roll of toilet paper
Totally optional

Tech / Documentation / Logistical

  • Map (downloaded and/or paper)
    (& compass if you want)
  • Fully charged phone
    (+ GPS tracker if you want to log your route)
  • Battery pack, charger, cords
  • Camera, film, memory cards
  • Notebook + pen or pencil

Safety supplies & Tricky terrain

  • High-visibility clothing
    and/or bright scrap of fabric
  • Flashlight / headlamp
  • Sunscreen, Insect-repellent, Facemask
  • Walking stick or trekking poles

FOR WARM WEATHER

  • Extra water bottle
    (2-3 liters for the hottest days)
  • Thin / breezy layers
  • Sun hat / parasol
    (any old umbrella can be great for shade on those longer paved stretches)

For COLD WEATHER

  • Multiple layers including hats & gloves
  • Handwarmers / toewarmers
  • Thermos w/ warm beverage
  • Traction cleats for ice