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)