This list of hiking gear and clothes/boots can serve as a good guide when preparing for a day trip to the mountains.

The length, weather and difficulty of the upcoming hike will determine what items you take with you and what items you leave behind. Common sense and caution will be your best helpers, of course. Plan your tour carefully, check the forecast, and refer to the 47-item checklist below to help you pack all the gear you'll need:

1. Backpack and packing
2. Clothes and shoes to wear
3. Clothes and things that should be in a backpack for the case of worsening weather
4. Navigation and communication means
5. Health and protection
6. Emergency kit
7. Food and water
8. Sticks and crampons
9. Personal items

1. RUCKSACK AND PACKING

• backpack - any practical and convenient rucksack 20-35 liters, which should fit spare things, water and food

• hermetic bag – these bags of different sizes are convenient to use for organizing and separate packaging of things and products

• cover for a backpack - will help keep things dry in rainy weather. Some backpacks come with similar liners or are waterproof themselves

2. CLOTHES AND SHOES/BOOTS TO WEAR

• shirt or T-shirt - with long sleeves, preferably made of breathable synthetic fabric

• trousers or shorts – convenient and comfortable, not restricting movement

• trekking boots – for hiking in the mountains, it is advisable to choose high boots with thick soles. This will provide comfort and protection. Trekking Club guides use ASOLO shoes because it offers a wide range of hiking, trekking abd mountaineering boots

• a cap is a must-have for hiking; it will protect your face and eyes from the bright sun

• sunglasses – it is necessary to protect your eyes in conditions of increased ultraviolet radiation. You should always have glasses on, no matter the conditions or weather

• socks – comfortable, soft trekking socks will help avoid chafing during long walks

3. CLOTHES AND THINGS IN BACKPACK FOR THE CASE OF WORSENING WEATHER

• thermal underwear set – at the discretion of the hiker, depending on the season and complexity of the route

• “middle layer” jacket – should always be in your backpack, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly. Fleece jackets do an excellent job of keeping you warm. They are lightweight and wick moisture well

• light down sweater - a light thermal layer will not hurt if you plan to climb above the forest zone

• waterproof jacket - should always be in your backpack in case of rain or wind. It is advisable to have a jacket with a hood, and a single-layer one - to reduce weight and volume

• waterproof trousers - will help keep you warm not only during rain, but also in strong winds. Trousers should be light, preferably with long zippers on the sides for easy dressing without removing shoes

• warm hat - during day hikes in cold weather, the head gives off more heat than any other part of the body. Bring a warm winter hat to help stabilize your body temperature, and you'll waste less energy trying to stay warm

• bandana or buff – will protect your neck from the sun and your face from strong winds

• gloves are a necessary attribute of any hike. Thickness and model depend on conditions and weather

• gaiters – if you have to move through snow on a hike, then using gaiters will keep your feet dry. Select the size and model of gaiters to match your boots in advance

• umbrella – a compact, lightweight umbrella is indispensable in rainy weather

4. NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION MEANS

1. paper map – very useful if the area is unfamiliar

2. compass – will help you find the right way or orient yourself. Especially useful when paired with a paper map

3. GPS navigator – with a set of digital maps (built-in in advance) it will help solve all navigation problems. Particularly useful in emergency situations and in case of poor visibility

4. smartphone with GPS module - a modern smartphone can be used as a tourist navigator. Just make sure you have a GPS module and download a suitable application with an offline map(s). It is only important to monitor the condition of the battery

5. cell phone – while hiking, it is better to keep your phone turned off and not use it for navigation. A charged battery will be very important in case of an emergency. It doesn't hurt to store your phone in a waterproof case.

5. HEALTH AND PROTECTION

• first aid kit - it is better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and have a basic set of medicines and dressings with you

• elastic bandage – a universal remedy in case of joint problems

• repellent – during periods of tick danger, tick spray or ointment will protect you in tick habitats (forest, grass)

• sunscreen ointment / creme / spray – a product that protects the skin from sunburn, necessary at any time of the year

• hand sanitizer

• toilet paper

6. EMERGENCY KIT

• GPS Spot device - a satellite beacon will allow you to track your movement even where there is no GSM coverage

• the whistle is lightweight and does not take up much space. Don't ignore this useful little thing. A whistle will help you more effectively indicate your location if something doesn’t go according to plan.

• flashlight – always take a headlamp with you, even if you don’t plan to stay out late

• emergency blanket – thin, lightweight foil can keep your body warm in an emergency

• lighter – let it be with you

• folding pocket knife - it is advisable to have a lightweight and multifunctional multitool that can be used to open canned food or repair equipment

• rope - a cord with a diameter of 3-4 mm will help replace torn laces or tie something to a backpack

• adhesive tape – fabric tape is useful and convenient for quickly repairing clothing or equipment

7. FOOD AND WATER

• food - this can be energy bars, chocolate, dried fruits, nuts, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, cookies. Choose according to taste and weight/volume. Don't take too much. It is better to pack a snack in a separate bag or travel container

• water – in the warm season, water can be carried in plastic bottles or flexible containers

• tea in a thermos – in the off-season and in the cold, hot drinks are especially pleasant - they warm you up and do not provoke a cough. It can be hot compote or tea

• a glass/cup - it won’t hurt, you can draw water from a stream or treat a friend to hot tea

• garbage bags – collecting trash after lunch and more is a sign of good manners in the mountains

8. STICKS/POLES AND CRAMPONS

• trekking sticks – the design of trekking poles usually involves changing the height (“telescopic”, for example)

• crampons – when hiking on hard snow or ice, crampons should be on your gear list. There are different designs and types depending on the intended use

9. PERSONAL ITEMS

• camera – camera or smartphone of your choice. Provide an additional memory card and battery

• wallet – don’t forget documents and money

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