• What to Pack

    Things to Remember

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What to Pack and Things to Remember

Directions

You’ll need to get solid driving directions for trailheads and embarkation points. The official AMC Maine Mountain Guide is a great place to gather this information. The DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer is an essential tool for exploring Maine. Check the weather, wind, and seas before you start off on any outdoor activity. Make sure that you are being safe by packing the right gear and plenty of water.

Skill Level

If adventuring solo, tell someone where you are headed and when you plan to return. For water-based adventures, have a good personal flotation device (PFD) that fits well and is appropriate for your water activity. I have PFDs for my two dogs even though water dog is in their breed name (maybe especially because of that.

Leave No Trace

Whatever you pack in, pack it out. Our landscape is a serene and wild haven, and we all want it to remain that way. The Ladies Adventure Club subscribes to the principles of Leave No Trace. Taking risks is something I heartily applaud, but don’t take so much of a risk that you find yourself in a panic or in a dangerous situation. Know your strengths, your skill level, and the parameters of your comfort zone.

Core Packing List for Hiking in Any Season

 

  1. At least 64 oz of water (two standard bottles)
  2. Snacks and lunch, with a bag for any garbage
  3. Hiking poles if you use them
  4. Headlamp with fresh batteries
  5. Sunglasses and sunblock
  6. Map and compass
  7. Knife/multipurpose tool
  8. Extra pair of wool/synthetic socks
  9. First-aid kit
  10. Aspirin
  11. Acetaminophen
  12. Ibuprofen
  13. Antihistamine
  14. Pepto-Bismol
  15. Moleskin for blisters
  16. Athletic tape
  17. Adhesive bandages of varying sizes
  18. Band-Aids
  19. Sterile gauze (small roll)
  20. Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites and poisonous plants
  21. Antiseptic ointment, to be used only after cleaning a wound
  22. Whistle
  23. Ice pack (instant)
  24. Ace bandage
  25. Tweezers
  26. Alcohol-based sanitizing gel
  27. Electrolyte replacement powder (homemade or store-bought)
  28. Any prescription medications in a labeled bag
  29. Space Blanket

Warm Season Add-ons

 

  1. A pack that fits you well and can hold all of your gear
  2. Boots/hiking shoes/trail runners/sturdy sneakers
  3. Rain jacket and pants
  4. Non-cotton long sleeve shirt or fleece (it can be cold at higher altitudes)
  5. Hat with brim
  6. Bug repellent

Cold Season Add-ons

 

  1. A pack that fits you well and is large enough to hold all of your outer clothing layers, food, and water
  2. Insulated hiking boots
  3. Hooded breathable waterproof shell (rain jacket and pants) large enough to fit over your layers
  4. Plenty of non-cotton insulating layers
  5. Down or synthetic “puffy” or fleece jacket
  6. Wool hat and warm mittens
  7. Buff/neck warmer
  8. Some kind of insulation for water containers (a wool sock works for bottles)
  9. Snowshoes or micro spikes
  10. Chemical hand and foot warmers

What to Pack and Things to Remember, PDF