These essential items should be with every hiker.

• Map
• Compass and/or GPS
• Flashlight
• Extra food
• Water
• Extra clothing/Rain gear
• Hat
• Sun protection (sun screen, lip sunblock, sunglasses)
• Pocket knife or multipurpose tool
• First aid kit

Additional items for Day Trips:

• Pack
  
• Canteen or poly bottle, 1 quart minimum
  
• Emergency shelter (tube tent, space blanket)
  
• Hiking socks
  
• Sitting pad (ensolite, etc.)
  
• Handkerchief
  
• Camera and film
  
• Plastic bags
  
• Tissue and/or toilet paper
  
• Litter bag
  
• Watch
  
• Hiking shorts
  
• Windbreaker, wind and water resistant
  
• Binoculars
  
• Towel (remember Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy!)
  
• Notebook and pencil