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By Diane Spicer
Got a few minutes?
Let's take a look at how to make a dayhike checklist.
In a hurry?
Skip down for my checklist.
You might already know this, but here it is, just for the record.
A dayhike checklist is the only way to guarantee that you're prepared enough to have a safe, enjoyable hike.
If you leave things to chance and memory, you're going to disappoint (and possibly even endanger) yourself.
And if you don't know what to take on a hike, using a checklist will save you trouble down the road trail.
Here's one more compelling reason to know what to take on a hike:
The list is as long as it needs to be, given the type of day hike you're planning.
If you like to stick to well maintained, extensively signed trails, you're going to need a very short list...
Do you tackle trails that take you into the double digit mileage range with elevation gain and loss?
Every hiker needs to be prepared to either turn around, or tackle what's in front of her.
Sometimes Mother Nature has nasty surprises in store that only your checklist can prepare you for.
That's why a checklist must include the big categories that important to your health and well being:
Each big category contains many options that you will need to pick and choose from, based on your hiking style and plans.
There is no "one size fits all" dayhike checklist. (the bad news)
You're going to have to create your own version. (good news - trust me!)
To get you started on your list of "must take" items for a hike, I've created resources to share information with you in each of those big categories.
Read these tips and recommendations with your personal filter in place: what makes sense for the type of hiking you're going to do?
Your answer will change with the seasons, and expand as your hiking confidence grows.
Nobody is going to take care of you out on a hiking trail, so it's up to you to be prepared.
No worries! This website is bursting with factual, trustworthy information on how to get ready for hiking.
Start here:
There's food.
And then there's hiking food.
Believe it or not, water is considered a nutrient for your hard working hiker's body.
Here's where that dayhike checklist really gets personalized!
If trail time is going to be fun, you might have to bring along a few toys.
You're armed with the facts, and plenty of ideas to get started on writing your checklist.
Won't you feel better at the trail head, knowing that you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable during a hike?
I thought so!
You're my kind of hiker: prepared and confident.
Don't be shy about asking me questions.
Too shy to ask a question?
The best day hike is the one that you remember for all the right reasons.
Enhance your chance to dance down the trail, by using a dayhike checklist.
Just for fun, let's compare notes.
Here's my tried and true free dayhike checklist!
(free pdf download)
It includes trailhead tips and add ons, too!
Dayhike Checklist