RMC's Recommended Gear List

Be prepared and always carry a map! Visibility can decrease quickly above treeline. Photo from Francis Trudeau, 2005.The following items should be included or worn:
- Sock liners
- Socks (high quality wool or synthetic blend)
- Boots, properly fitting and treated to be waterproof, with good support and traction
- Gaiters, to keep debris and water out of your boots
- Hat
- Bandana
- Wind/rain jacket
- Wind/rain pant

Essentials for any trip in any season:
- First aid kit
- Area trail map (plus guidebook if possible)
- Compass
- Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries
- Matches in waterproof case
- Candle or candle lantern
- Food and water
- Sunglasses
- Knife
- Extra appropriate clothing
- Shelter (a tarp or space blanket is fine)
- Watch
- Toilet kit, (soap, tissue, etc.)
- Repair kit (duct tape, needle & thread, etc)

In winter, the rules change and the contents of your pack should reflect the seriousness of the venture. As with the above list, the items below are the minimum recommended.

- Overboots or super gaiter
- Rime ice collects on trail signs near Thunderstorm Junction.Mittens with windproof/waterproof overmitt
- Liner gloves
- Balaclava or face mask
- Goggles
- Chemical handwarmers or footwarmers
- Ensolite, or sleeping pad or camp chair
- Stove w/fuel
- Snow shovel
- Water bottle insulators
- Bivouac sack
- Warm insulated parka
- Insulated or fleece pants
- Wool or fleece sweater
- Extra headlamp batteries
- 50 - 100 feet of 4 millimeter cord
- Crampons
- Ice axe (or ski poles if not going above treeline)
- Snowshoes (for deep snow)
- and, of course, plenty of warm non-cotton clothing

And remember, neither quantity or quality of equipment can substitute for sound judgment, experience, and common sense.

Be sure to check out New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's web site to get more tips for safe hiking.

Related Links

NH Fish and Game Department Web Site