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Hiking Equipment

Equipment Suggestions

Note: HikeSafe makes an excellent list which I use when introducing people to hiking.

  • Gear
    • A good bag somewhere between 45 and 75 liters
    • A variety of waterproof stuff sacks to put all of your stuff in, inside of your bag
    • Waterproof Tyvek maps for the area you'll be hiking
    • A good headlamp
    • A backup light source
    • Poles
    • Real alpine snowshoes (read: NOT L.L. Bean)
    • Microspikes
    • Hiking crampons (you won't need ice climbing crampons, probably)
    • A good carabiner or two
    • Water bottles or a hydration bladder. I prefer large Nalgenes (I usually bring two) with improvised neoprene wraps to delay freezing. If you go the hydration bladder route, choose one with insulation over the tube!
    • Optional - a small handheld / watch GPS I own one with good topo maps loaded
    • Optional - a waterproof case for your phone
    • Optional - a small charger battery for your phone
    • Optional - a mountaineering axe. Probably don't need unless you are doing more serious ascents
    • Optional - an insulated seat pad. I have this one. Nice for lunchtime and the occasional glissade.
  • First Aid kit
    • I built my own. You can use the HikeSafe list or buy a premade one.
  • Survival kit
    • I built my own. You can use the HikeSafe list or other similar lists online.
    • Make sure to have fire starting tools, a space blanket, milspec glow sticks, paracord, a good compass (that you know how to use), duct tape, a sewing kit, hand warmers, etc.
  • Food
    • Up to you, but you can burn up to twice as many calories on a winter hike due to heavier packs, tougher walking, and the cold.
    • Peanut butter, pepperoni, and tortilla sandwiches are a favorite.
  • Winter clothing
    • Synthetic thermal underwear - NEVER cotton!
    • Smartwool socks + an extra pair - NEVER cotton!
    • Sock liners + an extra pair
    • Ski goggles + sunglasses - "Cat Crap" works really well as anti-fog
    • Ski gloves + an extra pair of smaller, waterproof glove liners
    • Ski hat + an extra, smaller beanie
    • A balaclava. Or, a good neck tube, Ski the East makes an excellent one
    • A good, thin down layer
    • An extra, thick down layer to keep stuffed in your bag
    • A good, thin fleece or wool top layer - NEVER cotton!
    • An excellent outer shell
    • A good inner shell
    • Sturdy, tall boots, usually full leather or plastic
    • Good hiking / climbing pants
    • Optional - down pants
  • Summer clothing
    • Mostly the same as winter clothing, minus the ski equipment, balaclava, and extra down layers.
    • Remember that at elevation, evn summer can be cold. I always have a small hat and gloves with me for summer hikes.
  • Misc
    • NH HikeSafe card (a form of search and rescue insurance)
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