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Thanks for visiting the Camping & Hiking Area of our Learning Center, where we help equip you with the information and knowledge to enjoy your camping & hiking experience even more.  We offer everything from classes on some of the basic skills to articles, tips, videos, expert advice and gear checklists.

Continue to visit for new articles, gear guides and product reviews on Camping & Hiking.  Also check out our helpful Outdoor Glossary of Terms.  If you are local to east Tennessee and would like to get a complete schedule of our in-house skills classes, please feel free to contact us at (865) 523-0066.

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Camping Outdoors


Basic Day Hike Check List

Here is a basic check list to use while packing for your day hike. Please keep in mind that this is just the basics, and assumes that you will be in a mild climate such as the south east where I live. And that you have already checked the weather forecast for where you are going and have made adjustments accordingly. Also, please remember that the weather can change quickly on top of a mountain, and the temperature will drop as you gain altitude. Another good tip a friend taught me was to keep your check list in your pack or at home where you keep your pack. If you needed something and didn't have it, add it to your list. Likewise, if you have gone on more than 2 hike and not needed something on your list consider removing it. (Be careful, this last part works more for the backpacking check list, as there are some items you always need to carry and hope to never use such as your first aid kit.) Many of these items can also be shared with other members of a group, so one person doesn't have to carry everything.

Also, as a rule, lets avoid cotton clothing for this list. At least for your socks, underwear, and pants. Shirts aren't as big a deal if you don't have another option, and cotton actually works best for items like bandannas. Otherwise, synthetic or Merino wool works best for managing moisture and regulating temperature and you will find that you are much more comfortable wearing it.

I'm also going to recommend that you pack these items in ziplock bags to help organize them and protect them from rain and water in general. Also, always leave a trip itinerary with a friend. Let someone know where you are going, what trails you are taking and when you intend on getting back. I've also found that its nice to have a dry change of cloths, towel, food and water left in the car. Its comforting knowing those items are waiting for you at the end of the trail.

Required Items

Optional Items

Nicholas Waller is a River Sports Outfitters staff member. Nick can usually be found working with the "hard goods". Nick teaches Backpacking101, where he instructs about products and techniques involved with Backpacking.