Heading Into the Woods: A Simple Day-Pack Checklist

Whether you're scouting, hiking or cutting firewood, a small pack with the right basics turns a bad surprise into a minor inconvenience.

The essentials

• Water and snacks
• Map and compass, plus a charged phone
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Small first aid kit
• Rain layer and a warm hat
• Whistle

Tell someone your plan

Leave word where you're going and when you'll be back.

Dress in layers

Mornings can be freezing and afternoons warm. Layers let you adjust.

Know your way back

Look behind you now and then so the trail looks familiar on the way out.

Head home early

Plan to be back before dark.