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Mike Haugen's what to Pack to Hike:
Whether you are on a day hike in a state park, exploring a box canyon in Moab, or a month long mountaineering expedition in Antarctica, what you will pack will all be a variation of the same theme: The Essentials.
Day Hike/Climb Basics:
A list of things that I would carry if I did not intend on spending the night out...but could.
- Pack: Choosing the right size pack is essential. Although you may save a tiny bit of weight, cramming too much stuff into a small pack will be a burden since the pack will not distribute the weight correctly and may be uncomfortable. I use the Tatarian X55 Backpack (3,455 cubic inches) when I need a little extra room for ropes and climbing gear.
- Water: Two liters of water is my standard for a long day. I like to add some powdered electrolyte mixes (i.e. Gatorade) at half strength. If clean water is going to be an issue, bring some iodine pills to treat it. A little citric flavor will get rid of the iodine taste. Hydration tube options are a plus in any pack.
- Food: Do not underestimate how much fuel your body will need for the day. Although there are many "high tech" food options, I find that my body responds better to everyday foods like PB&J or cold pizza. The "power bar" that I prefer is a king size Snickers because it is cheaper and much more palatable than other mouth drying bars.
- Headlamp: With all of the micro-headlamps available, toss one in the lid of your pack. We've all been wandering back to the car in the dark with no good excuse! The 4AA Headlamp a bright 1-Watt Luxeon® LED.
- First aid kit: whether it is a roll of duct tape and some Tylenol or a surgical pack, hopefully you will never be glad that you had it.
- Proper clothing: Think warm, dry layers. Anticipate the worst weather conditions and pack for it. A good waterproof breathable shell is worth its weight in gold in any environment. As a middle school science teacher, I know for a fact that you lose 200% of your heat from you head. Ok maybe not, but a good hat will keep you warm while making you look cool.
- Navigation equipment: Take a map and compass or a GPS because it is easy to get turned around in whiteout conditions or on unfamiliar terrain. Just remember, the earth's magnetic field won't run out of batteries on you!
- Shelter: We learned in elementary school that every animal needs shelter to survive. An emergency blanket, tarp, or other makeshift shelter can be a lifesaver. If you are dedicated to light and fast, your Gore-Tex shell counts as a very lightweight shelter. I would put sunscreen and lip balm in this category since they provide shelter from harmful UV rays.
- Fire: Throw in some waterproof matches just in case. You could even throw in an F1 UltraLight™ Stove. At 2.7 ounces, you could justify calling a hot lunch on the trail a "safety precaution".
- Knife: I carry my multi-tool on every adventure. Have you ever tried to gnaw through a rope?
 Overnight, multi-day to multi-week:
This list can be modified to go from an Alaska expedition to a week of hiking on the Appalachian Trail by modifying the clothing and the weight of the tent and sleeping bags.
- 1. Backpack: Whether you are an extreme lightweight backpacker or a sucker for the comforts of home, you need a pack big enough to carry your gear. Cramming a tiny pack to the brim and strapping more gear to the outside Beverly Hillbillies style is usually more work than carrying an extra bit of weight with a bigger pack. A pack anywhere from 3,000 to 6,500 cubic inches will get the job done. Try the Tatarian X55 Backpack or Chinkapin X65 Backpack
- Sleeping bag: Hey it is your night. If you want to carry a lighter sleeping bag, wear more clothes to bed. It is all about insulation. I am quite fond of the new Coleman® Exponent® Cloudcroft? series of down sleeping bags. You can't beat down for its warmth to weight ratio and how small it packs down. Try the Cloudcroft™ series down sleeping bags from 20º F to 40º F
- Sleeping pad: If you have miles to put on, you cannot afford to lose sleep lying on the hard ground.
- Tent: For expedition or winter camping I prefer the 4 season Pro Series X² Tent. It is bombproof.
- Stove: Fyrestorm™ Ti enough said. Coleman also makes a great cook set including utensils.
- Clothes: This combination will work for any cold weather trip:
- Boots: A good pair of quality boots is like a work of art.
- Gaiters: Protect your legs from snow, brush, or crampons.
- Socks: I do not like to go to heavy, but liners alone will not work. Bring a couple of pair? your feet will thank you.
- Base layer pants: I love Schoeller? Material. It is water resistant and truly breathable.
- Gore-Tex pants: Windproof and waterproof.
- Base layer shirt: You can vent a long sleeve, zip top shirt but you can't make a short sleeve shirt any warmer.
- Lightweight upper layer: I like Schoeller because it is very breathable yet cuts the wind.
- Heavy insulating layer: A good Windstopper ? fleece is great.
- For your hands: I have never failed with the combination of a lightweight fleece glove, a good pair of ski gloves, and an insulating pair of thick mittens.
- Hat: Keep the heat in where it counts.
- Down parka: If it doesn't have a hood you can't hide from the cold!
- Personal medical kit: Keep it light but include at least: Band-Aids, moleskin, aspirin/ibuprofen, small roll of tape, antacids, and personal medications
- Map and compass/ GPS: Take a map and compass or a GPS because it is easy to get turned around in whiteout conditions or on unfamiliar terrain. Just remember, the earth's magnetic field won't run out of batteries on you!
- Sun glasses/ Ski Goggles: Protect your eyes; you only have two of them.
- Sunscreen and lip balm: Shelter for your skin.
- Iodine tablets (Potable Aqua) for water purification: mixed with a little citric acid after the iodine has had time to work.
- Toilet paper and personal toilet articles: Leave no Trace!
- Utensils: Large insulated drinking cup, large plastic bowl, large eating spoon, and pocketknife
- 2 wide-mouth water bottles: I think two liters is the perfect amount for the average day.
- Large garbage bags to protect gear from rain: shelter for your pack.
- Headlamp: There have been some fabulous advancements in headlamp technology. Small and bright. If your headlamp takes 2 AA batteries, bring 6. Try the Exponent 0.5-Watt 3AAA Headlamp or Exponent 1-Watt 3AAA Headlamp
- Food: BIG lunches and plenty of snack food, energy bars, candy, and electrolyte mixes to add to water (if desired). If you haven't tried them, Tasty Bites are and excellent Indian Cuisine for the backcountry dinner. Quesadillas are another easy meal idea.
- Ski poles: Trust me, use them.
- Repair kit: Duct tape is a must in this one.
- Additional climbing equipment: Ice axe 65 - 70 cm, 10 or 12-point crampons, ropes, snow shovels, snow anchors.
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