Day Hikers Checklist

Proper planning and preparation is necessary anytime you venture into the great outdoors. A day hikers checklist is a great way of helping you to prepare for your hike, thus helping to make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Of course your list will vary according to the type of hiking you’ve planned: the length of your hike, the time of year, as well as your destination and the terrain you’ll be traveling over. 

Hikers should always be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions while hiking in the Smokys. Temperatures in the mountains typically fluctuate as weather patterns change. If your hike involves a change in elevation, you should reasonably expect a change in temperature of 10 degrees or more. Combine this with the fact that the Smokys are the wettest place in the south where the higher elevations can receive up to 90 inches of precipitation a year. If not prepared, a sudden storm could result in a great deal of discomfort for you.

During the summer, days usually start out clear. However, clouds tend to build up as the day heats up, resulting in frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Winter is a great time to be in the Smokys, but also represents the most challenging time as well. Although temperatures may be mild in the lower elevations, the higher mountains will experience much colder weather and snow. Storms can dump up to two feet of snow at the higher elevations.

When traveling in the Smokys, it's always a good idea to carry gear and clothing for a variety of  weather conditions. The following day hikers checklist is a good starting point before heading out on your next hike. You may want to add or remove items accordingly based on the conditions you’ll be hiking in. 
 

 Required Gear

·   Day pack or fanny pack

·   Supportive footwear designed for the length and terrain of your hike

·   Extra socks

·   Pile jacket or pullover

·   Rain / wind shells (jacket and pants)

·   Wool or fleece hat

·   Extra clothing / layers (polypropylene)

·   Gloves

·   Water: full canteen(s), water bottle(s) or hydration pack

·   Extra food: high energy snacks

·   Map and/or guidebook

·   Compass (with the knowledge how to use it)

·   Emergency Space Blanket (smaller than a wallet)

·   Waterproof matches / fire starters

·   Pocket knife

·   Flashlight or headlamp with new batteries

·   Whistle (in case you got lost)

·   Watch

·   First aid kit (see below)

·   Medications

·   Moleskin (for blisters)

·   Insect repellent

·   Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)

·   Baseball style hat / Wide-brimmed hat (to protect from sun)

·   A handful of zip seal plastic bags

·   Napkins

·   Toilet paper (in a plastic bag)

·   Money / ID

 Suggested / Optional Gear

·   Hiking stick/poles

·   Knee Support

·   Bandana

·   Notebook with pencil

·   Camera (film) / video (fully charged battery)

·   Binoculars 

·   Cell phone (though likely you won’t have coverage)

·   Feminine products

·   Water Filter / Iodine Water Treatment Tablets

Basic First Aid Kit

Some examples of items for your First Aid kit are listed below. Customize your kit according to your personal needs. Be sure you are familiar with everything in your kit and remember to keep items up-to-date and replenished. Be sure to keep your kit in a waterproof container. Finally, we strongly recommend that you take a First Aid class and a CPR class, and make sure that you keep current on these skills.

·   Personal medications

·   Roll bandages

·   Triangular bandages

·   Ace bandages

·   Butterfly bandages

·   Sterile compresses

·   Adhesive tape

·   Sterile gauze pads

·   Antiseptic wipes

·   Miscellaneous band aids

·   Twine

·   Tweezers

·   Safety pins

·   Scissors

·   Thermometer

·   Latex gloves

·   Tissues

·   Plastic Bags

·   Small mirror

·   Antibacterial soap / wipes

·   Eye drops

·   Burn ointment

·   Sunburn lotion

·   Disinfectant cream

·   Decongestant and antihistamine tablets

·   Anti-acids

·   Antibiotic cream

·   Aspirin / ibuprofen

·   Hydrogen peroxide

·   Diarrhea medication

·   Hydrocortisone cream

·   Poison Ivy cream / cleansers

·   Bee sting kit

·   Snake bite kit

·   Heat / cold packs

·   Personal information / contact person