It has to start somewhere..

Behold, my packing list that was created in 2019, that I have copied over and over again for multi-day hikes. "There are many like it, but this one is mine."

I find myself packing way too many clothes and paracord, but never regretting the amount of Twizzlers and coffee I bring.

There are a few things that become apparent about me after spending a few hours together. I am usually carrying a cup of coffee, and I HATE carrying things. If I didn't sweat so much I would never shower and if I didn't have to work to live, I would just camp in the dirt and wander endlessly the rest of my days.

I try to get away with as little as possible in life, but I am always the first person people will come to asking for a phone charger or tweezers. If you can't be handsome, be handy.

Candace and I became instant friends in 2006 and we have traveled the World together in various states of madness ever since. Her risk assessment is now a little different than mine, as she is a Mother and Wife; and I am neither of these things. I will still go careening into a sand storm on a motorcycle into high wind advisories outside of Palm Springs, while shouting 'I lived a good life.'

Before you come at me for passive suicidal ideations, this is the reason I say 'there are many like it, but this one is mine.' YOU need to understand your own risk assessment and ask yourself, AM I COMFORTABLE WITHOUT THIS?

Do you hate the sounds of bugs and mocking birds while trying to sleep? Are you a light sleeper?

-You will need to bring ear plugs.

Do your legs get stiff and your butt worn out from having to get on and off the ground while sitting on a rock or log?

-You should bring a folding chair.

Do you need to fall asleep in absolute darkness?

-You should bring an eye mask.

I love a short day hike, but multi-day trekking is more my jam, so I've compiled a list of things that work for me, the person who hates carrying things, for when I find myself with a few hours to spare and a hankering for some scenery.

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NATURE NOMADS ULTIMATE DAY HIKE CHECKLIST

	Hiking Backpack
	Water Bottle w/Water - one liter of water for every 2 hours of hiking. I know I drink more than this, so I carry a Camelback AND a water bottle.
	Food & Snacks - I try to eat/snack every two hours.
	Sunscreen
	Sunglasses
	Lip Balm / Chapstick
	Knife
	Hat
	Insect Repellent
	Lighter
	Whistle
	Bandanna
	​Headlamp - Even if I don't need it.
	Phone with DOWNLOADED Map - We love Alltrails
	Phone Charger - Power Bank
	Paper Map - If I am going somewhere I know I won't have cell service, I like to buy and write all over a paper map.
	Hand Sanitizer/ Baby Wipes
	Biodegradable Toilet Paper
	​Wicking Shirt
	​Long Sleeve - For protection from the sun.
	​Long pants - I rarely hike in shorts as it's easier to climb over rocks with pants, and easier to get out cactus spikes from pants than skin.
	​Wool socks - Varying thickness depending on where I am headed.
	​Shoes with closed toes and some ankle support *
	​Hiking Poles **
	​Tiny First Aid Kit - Blister tape, Band Aids, Tylenol, Neosporin
	Check the weather! Do you need rain gear, a jacket, or fleece?

* I have had so many different types of hiking boots and shoes that just didn't work for me, AND they were broken in. It always boiled down to what I was comfortable walking in, is what I was comfortable hiking in.

** Don't hate on poles until you try them. I am able to hike faster!! with hiking poles as they relieve the pressure on my knee caps and act as a third appendage while navigating tough terrain. Don't believe me? Here's the science behind trekking poles.

Thanks for reading.

Is there anything YOU would add to this list?