+ Water and Water bottle/bladder and some kind of water filtration system (e.g., LifeStraw)
+ Snacks: energy bars, trail mix, jerky are all good lightweight options
+ Backpack
+ Hiking boots/shoes
+ Smartwool or merino wool socks
+ First aid kit
+ Small knife or multi-tool
+ Navigation tools: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, or personal locator beacon
+ Headlamp
+ Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, and/or sunglasses
+ Fire starter, lighter, or matches and/or stove
+ Shelter (can be a light emergency bivy, or tarp)
+ Biffy Bags or Wag Bags for human waste disposal
+ Extra socks, gloves, hat, or balaclava (dependent on weather)
+ Trekking poles

Hiking Essentials Checklist

Weather and circumstances can change rapidly when venturing out in the backcountry. It's important to be prepared for nearly every situation. So if you've decided to hike for your elopement day, and you're not an avid hiker already familiar with what to bring, this list is for you!

This list is a starter list to help you get into the mindset of what you should consider what to bring along with you on your own adventure. In our time together, I'll create a custom list of suggested gear that will suggest things for your hike based on things like: distance, time of year, expected weather, location, and time of day.

While you're packing, use this handy checklist to make sure you don't forget anything important. 

This list is intended for day hikes in the backcountry where being self-sufficient is important to your well-being. It includes many more items than you're likely to need for short treks or near developed areas, like city parks, though you can adapt it to your needs for these trips.