hiking checklist

Back pack Toiletries Cookware Emergency

Hiking pack
Toilet paper Hiking stove Space blanket
Pack liner
Toothbrush Hiking pots Survival bag
Strong, large waterproof bag
Overnight
Toothpaste Dish / plate
(to protect back pack during river crossings)
Deodorant Knife, fork, spoon set / spork
GPS / compass & map
Camping Biodegradable soap Hiking gas canisters
Cellphone
Biodegradable shampoo Waterproof matches or lighter
Hiking tent (check bag contents) Two-way radio
Hiker’s towel and facecloth Firelighters
Sleeping bag Whistle
Wetwipes Water bottle
Sleeping bag liner Spare batteries
Moisturising cream Mug / cup
Foam mat / airmat / airbed Multi-tool / pocket knife
Burn dressing Can opener
Groundsheet Duct tape
Sun block Rubbish bags
Hiking pillow (air / down / hollow fibre) Sunscreen lip salve Drying-up cloth

Clothing weather-dependent
Insect repellent Other
Shaving kit Food & drink
Mirror (also useful for signalling) Tissues
Hiking socks (thermal socks)
Foot and baby powder Water purification tablets Maps
Underwear (thermal underwear)
Hair brush / comb Water Emergency contact details
Tracksuit (for day- or night-time)
Contact lens case and solution Tea, coffee, sugar, salt Cash
Sunhat (with chin-strap)
Isotonic powders Passport / visas (if required)
Warm hat (fleece beanie or balaclava)
Warm jersey (polarfleece or polartec) First aid Foods
Vaccination certificates (if required)

Windproof jacket Permits

Plasters, bandages, gauze
Fresh Brochure / trail guide /
Waterproof rain jacket or poncho Moleskin dressings for blisters
Dry field guides
Waterproof rain pants Burn dressing
Dehydrated / freeze-dried foods Camera / film / memory stick
Waterproof boots Sunburn lotion
Spare rations Binoculars
Spare laces Scissors and tweezers (emergency, high energy) Spectacles and sunglasses
Sandals for overnight / spare footwear Surgical gloves
Meal suggestions Hiking poles
Gaiters (long for snow, short for vegetation) Safety pins (dependent on nature and/or duration of hike) Needle and thread
Gloves / mittens Rubber bands Overnight: Pen / pencil / paper
Handwarmers Personal medication Prepacked, dehydrated meals Waterproof bags (e.g. Ziploc)
Short- / long-sleeved shirt Malaria tablets Rice / couscous / 2-minute noodles
(lightweight, moisture-management fabric, Headlamp or torch
ideally UV-protective and insect-repellent ) Painkillers Pre-packed desserts Candles
Zip-off trousers Antiseptic Day: Cable ties
(lightweight, moisture-management fabric)
Anti-histamines Crackers Rope
Shorts
Anti-diarrhoea medication Pre-packed tuna Carabiners
Bathing costume
Muscle-relaxing ointment Cheese blocks Smoke / regular flare
Anti-inflammatories Snacks: Emergency fire starter
Eye drops Sweets / chocolates
Thermometer Trailmix
First aid manual Energy bars
Snake bite kit Fruit / vegetables

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this checklist is intended to serve as a guideline only and does
not claim to be a definitive list of everything you will need, therefore Sportsmans Warehouse and its staff
accept no liability for a hiker’s preparedness or lack thereof.
E&OE

SportsmansW
ALSO BUY ONLINE www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za
 how to pack a
back pack
1. Do not overload yourself. A fit man: one-third body weight. A less fit man: one-quarter body weight.
A woman: one-quarter body weight - preferably less than 12 kg including water bottles.
2. Line the pack with a strong, waterproof bag. If bright orange, it can be used to signal in an emergency.
3. Put in bulky, lighter items first, including sleeping bag.
4. Ensure your pack is well-balanced and positioned as close to your body’s centre of gravity as possible, i.e. close to your back.
5. Pack spare clothing in waterproof bags.
6. Pack heavier items close to your back and higher up in your pack.
7. Do not pack sharp objects close to your back.
8. Ensure that waterproof and warm garments are easily accessible.
9. Pack the side pockets before the main body.
10. Ensure the following can be reached instantly: First aid kit, waterproof poncho/ jacket, survival bag, whistle, torch,
compass/GPS, map, water bottle, cellular phone.
11. If the pack is not full, use the compression straps to hold the load tightly and prevent back pack sway, which causes fatigue.

Warm/waterproof clothes
and survival bag
For moderate terrain For steeper terrain
Easy-reach
essentials
Expandable pockets
hold food, snacks Light
and sweets needed Easy-reach
ht

during the day, plus emergency gear

avy
Lig

essential eating First aid kit,

He

utensils, sunblock etc whistle, torch and

spare battery,

avy
Light
compass/GPS,
He
s

2-way radio, map,

s
Soft article

Soft article
multi-tool knife

Compression Light
straps
streamline the
backpack for
easier carrying Clothing Clothing

Sleeping bag Sleeping bag

Sleeping bag
stowed here
Water bottles
fit into mesh
pouches
Hiking pole loops

How to fit your pack

1. Load the pack before fitting it on, in order to achieve a realistic fit.
2. Loosen all straps, put your arms through the shoulder straps and mount the pack on to your back.
3. Secure the hip belt around your waist, adjusting it so that it rests on top of your hip bones.
4. Tighten the shoulder straps.
Note: The weight of your pack should be concentrated on your hips. If you feel too much weight on your shoulders,
or if the hip belt is not resting on top of your hip bones, you can manipulate the length-adjustment of the pack itself
until you achieve a correct and comfortable position.

SportsmansW
ALSO BUY ONLINE www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za