Hiking Checklists, v34

• Hiking Checklist
• Hiking Checklist, Optional Items
• Hiking Checklist for Family/Group/Patrol Hikes


Note their there are separate checklist links for: Backpacking, Camping (from a motor vehicle), or Bike Camping.

Hiking Checklist

Objectives: Pack for safety, back comfort, and noise elimination such that: nothing dangles or shifts position, nothing makes noise, nothing pokes in the back. Generally, pack heavy things low and light things high. Hands must be free except to carry a staff if walking.

Warning: Except for First Class Scouts, don't let anyone 14 years old
or younger carry a staff - because there is way too much mischief.
Warning: Remind all that to bears and lions Isolated or Small People Look like Easy FOOD.

Good Practices: Pack it In - Pack it Out.
Buddy System, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS!
A Threesome is better than a Lonesome.
Group integrity, Always in sight of leader.

[ ] Tote (bag, sack, backpack, duffle, ...):
[ ]   Tote Bag - Totes are great for traveling on day trips from the woods to the beach
[ ]   Pack (Day or As Appropriate)
[ ]   Hiking Staff (5 Ft Max, Chin Height Min OR Standardized
      for Tent / Fly Pole Height), Shock Absorbing Walking Stick(s) 
      WARNING: Because Boys and Sticks can be an accident
      waiting to happen, only First Class Scouts and above
      should be allowed to carry a Hiking Staff or No One at All
      (depending on individual necessity, group age / maturity,
      and outing type).
[ ]   Waist / Fanny Pack (ALWAYS with Two FULL Water
      Bottles & Holders)        
[ ] Food and Water:
[ ]   FULL Canteen(s) or Water Bottle(s) (1)
[ ]   Large Cup & Utensil(s), If Needed  
[ ]   Food (High Energy, Nutritional) (5),
      Seal so that food scent is trapped before & after use -  
      A Bear does NOT smell the difference between a candy bar
      and a candy wrapper.
[ ] Clothing:
[ ]   Waterproof Footwear (Waterproof Boots, Sneakers with
      Galoshes, Stream crossing Sandals, Booties) - 
      BROKE IN before hike, NEVER New!!!!
[ ]   Rain Gear (Backup Option: Large Trash Bags)
[ ]   Hat        
[ ]   Extra Clothing, As Appropriate for Weather and
      Layering (Add Layers If Cold, Remove Layers If Hot).   
[ ]   Extra Socks, Required (Avoid Cotton, Use Synthetic
      and / or Wool Socks)
[ ]   Shirt (Scout / loose with pockets)
[ ] Navigation:
[ ]   Compass, GPS, Altimeter (tested, batteries)
[ ]   Flashlight (tested & working, batteries)  
[ ]   Map, if for individual requirements
[ ] Safety:
[ ]   Pocket Knife (Always in Pocket, NOT Pack)
[ ]   First Aid Kit, Personal, (Always in Pocket, NOT Pack)
      Band-Aid Strips (2 Large, 2 Small)  
      Moleskin
      Large Cravat (Neckerchief)
      Personal Medications
[ ]   NOT for Scouting: Bear Spray / Protection Device       
[ ]   Whistle (Always in pocket, NEVER around neck)
[ ]   Matches and Striker in Waterproof Container -
      no good if striker gets wet; Or Weatherproof
      Lighter / Magnesium Striker
      WARNING Haven't seen a wind proof propane lighter yet  
      that would reliably light above 8,000 Feet in altitude.
[ ]   Emergency Phone Call Coins, Cards, Device
[ ]   "Cat Hole" Trowel (Gardening Sized Trowel For Waste
      Disposal.  HINT: Trowel for Dirt NOT Waste) (6)
[ ]   Toilet Paper, Tissues (carry in water proof plastic bag) (6)
[ ] Personal:
[ ]   Sun Glasses (especially for High Altitude & Snow),  Cases
[ ]   Watch, Inexpensive & Working, Alarm  
[ ]   Scout Handbook (especially to sign off achievements),
      Field Book, Nature Specialty Book(s)
[ ]   
[ ]   

Hiking Checklist, Optional Items

[ ] Insect Repellent      
[ ] Sunscreen
[ ] Camera, Film, Battery, Memory, 
    Cable, & Transfer Device(s)    
[ ] Binoculars
[ ] Nature Book / Field Book    
[ ] Rope, String
[ ] Gloves          
[ ] Sun Glasses, Cases
[ ] Fanny Pack
[ ] Plastic Bags, various sizes 
[ ] Travel Brochure
[ ] 
[ ]   

Hiking Checklist for Family/Group/Patrol Hikes

Leaders Manage Item Distribution:
[ ] Patrol First Aid Kit
[ ] Patrol Flag       
[ ] Map (Not for Individual rank requirement's)
[ ] Food (Arrange by Patrol or Individual)
[ ] Mini Gas Stove and Fuel
[ ] Liter Bag & Tie for Trash, Plastic - Pre-specified manner in
    which to carry it out
    
Optional:
[ ] Cell / SAT Phone, 2 Way Radio, working batteries