Hiking Essentials – What to keep in your pack

I had to take advantage of this beautiful sunny morning this past weekend and take on the trail at Four Dances. The blue sky with the snow on the ground made for the perfect start to March! Last month, I shared some of my tips for hiking in winter and now I want to share the items I think are vital to start your hiking pack to keep you safe while exploring this beautiful state.

Here are some essentials to help keep you safe when you hit the trails:

• Navigation & Communication: A maps or trail maps app on your phone, Satellite messenger (if you are going off-grid or out of cell service), paper map & compass
• Sun Protection, even in the winter and under cloud cover, you still need protection like a broad-brimmed hat, gaiter, sunscreen, UPF clothing
• Clothing: proper footwear, rain gear, and insulated clothing
• Water: more water than you anticipate needing or pack a water filter
• Food & Snacks: protein bars, trail mix, jerky, all of those are great to throw in your pack, always have some backups with more calories than you anticipate needing
• Headlamp or a flash light: keep it fully charged and/or with a spare set of batteries
• First Aid Kit: you can never be to careful and you can pick up a small one with antiseptic, bandaids and bandages
• Knife (or Multi-Tool): small utility blade or a multi-tool
• BONUS: Bag to pick up trash: Picking up trash you find on the trail is a great way to proactively make our community a better place.

What do you keep in your pack? Do you carry anything I should keep in mine?