Your Gear/Kids Essentials

Everything You Need

We can never have enough of nature. We must be refreshed by the sight of inexhaustible vigor, vast and titanic features, the sea-coast with its wrecks, the wilderness with its living and its decaying trees, the thunder-cloud, and the rain.

Henry David Thoreau

When you head out for a hike, you should always carry your own backpack. Don't make someone else carry it!

Your pack doesn't have to be heavy, but it should have everything you'll need. For a day trip that means:
• Whistle
• Garbage bag - make a hole at the top, slip the bag over your head and you'll stay warm and dry!
• Water
• Trail food - enough for the hike and an extra meal
• Warm clothing such as a fleece jacket or vest
• Flashlight

Good hiking shoes are important. Don't try to hike in sandals or flip-flops.

Other things you could add to your pack:

• Lightweight, weatherproof jacket
• Extra socks
• Hat
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Compass and map if you know how to use them
• Emergency blanket
• Camera
• Field guide
• Free information guides available from the White Mountain National Forest Ranger Stations or area Visitor Centers
• Crayons and paper for a journal

The hiker responsibility code was developed and is endorsed by
The White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game
hikeSafe: It's your responsibility.