The Day Hikers Essential Checklist

Radio · 07-26-2007, 08:18 PM

Now all of this stuff you would take backpacking or tent camping overnight but it would be wise, very wise, to take the first ten items, the so called ten essentials, with you anytime you wander off into the wild.

I'd keep my daypack ready to go in the cargo hold. Going into NFS areas and state parks to see the wilderness is the whole point of camping/RV'ing, if you ask me.

[] Canteen
[] Pocket Knife
[] First Aid Kit
[] Compass (or GPS, but I prefer a compass. Makes me think.)
[] Whistle (You can yell for 1/2 hour. You can blow a whistle for days)
[] Flashlight (If you get hurt or lost, you could be very late getting back)
[] Waterproof Matches
[] Rain Gear
[] Hat
[] Map

Now that you’ve got all that, for a pound more you can have:

[] Fire Starter
[] Toilet Paper
[] Water Treatment
[] Spare Socks (in case the creek is deeper than it looks)
[] Nylon Cord (to make a shelter from your poncho, replace a boot lace, fix your pack, whatever)
[] Sunscreen
[] Insect Repellent
[] Space Blanket
[] Bandannas (Hundreds of uses!)

And don’t forget:

[] Lunch
[] A nice day pack to haul all this in
[] Camera
[] Walking Staff (I refuse to hike without my staff)

Enjoy!

Radio

NDJollyMon · 07-26-2007, 10:11 PM

what...no duct tape?

Nice list.
I've been watching a lot of MAN VS WILD and SUVIVORMAN lately.
Brings a lots of ideas on how to survive if need be.

RAC · 07-27-2007, 09:31 AM

Love survivorman....new show Aug 15th on science channel......I would add Mole Skin to that list and substitute a "multi-tool" for the pocket knife.

aintgotnun · 07-27-2007, 09:57 AM

Nice list. I also prefer a compass with 2 strands of 550 cord attached for pace count and a good topo map of the area I'm hiking. Instead of a canteen I now carry a camelbak as it's easier for a quick drink.

greg

RAC · 07-27-2007, 10:11 AM

what good's the 550 cord if it isn't knotted or has beads?

Radio · 07-27-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredArmyCWO

Love survivorman....new show Aug 15th on science channel......I would add Mole Skin to that list and substitute a "multi-tool" for the pocket knife.

A small package of moleskin can travel in the first aid kit, along with a pin to drain a blister. In the hundreds of miles I have hiked, I have never once gotten a blister. I pay good money for boots and socks and I make sure they fit properly. And some degree of luck, I suspect.

Lacking moleskin, duct tape will 'make-do' and some people prefer it as it stays in place better. Moleskin as you know has no medical value. Its purpose is to reduce friction in the area of the blister so as to not make things any worse.

My pocket knife is a Swiss Army knife that of course can do all sorts of cool stuff.

Radio

RAC · 07-27-2007, 11:40 AM

Unfortunately after several dozen 12 mile roadmarches with 35 pounds of crap, I came to a conclusion long ago that even the best boots didn't work. Changing socks is a good preventative as well, but I loved my mole skin!!!! and a pin and lighter were handy for busting blisters under the big toenail. (Heated pins penetrate the nail easily)

aintgotnun · 07-27-2007, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredArmyCWO

what good's the 550 cord if it isn't knotted or has beads?

You tie and untie the knots as you go

2 strands

1st strand counts every 100 meters
2nd strand counts the every klick

As you reach 10 knots on the 100m strand you tie a knot in the klick strand then you begin to untie the knots in the 100m strand until you have no knots then tie another in the klick strand.

I found this works better then a pre-knotted or a beaded strand for keeping track of distance. The klick strand is long enough for 20 klicks. After 20 klicks you can tick off on your map if you need to.

The 550 cord is soft, quiet, and fastens easily to the compass. Also stows well too taking up less space then beads.

RAC · 07-27-2007, 12:17 PM

Now those of us who were exceptional land navigators......well we didn't need no stinkin' knots. LOL!

NDJollyMon · 07-27-2007, 02:01 PM

Who's got time to tie knots when you are swingin' at bugs and runnin' from bears!

Radio · 07-28-2007, 07:05 AM

I thought people would poke fun at the idea of a compass but you guys are really into it!

And as far as raingear goes the dayhike pack gets a cheap poncho. The ponco will keep the hiker and the daypack dry and can be rigged up as a simple and tiny shelter.

Bright colors for bandanas, packs, hats and ponchos are preferred because they reflect heat, make you easy to find and I personally have never seen a deer or bear (or other potential target) wearing a bright yellow hat.

Oh wait. Yogi wore a bright yellow hat. Must be why no one ever shot him for stealing all those picnic baskets.

Radio

RAC · 07-28-2007, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio

I thought people would poke fun at the idea of a compass but you guys are really into it!

And as far as raingear goes the dayhike pack gets a cheap poncho. The ponco will keep the hiker and the daypack dry and can be rigged up as a simple and tiny shelter.

Bright colors for bandanas, packs, hats and ponchos are preferred because they reflect heat, make you easy to find and I personally have never seen a deer or bear (or other potential target) wearing a bright yellow hat.

Oh wait. Yogi wore a bright yellow hat. Must be why no one ever shot him for stealing all those picnic baskets.

Radio

Radio, you have to understand that Greg and I are former military, so back azimuths and map orientation are second nature. With my marine (water) background, I also do chart work (sea maps) and celestial nav. I do like your original post, though. By your legs, I can tell you are well aclomated to hiking.