Checklists are an easy way to prevent avoidable mistakes (read The Checklist Manifesto for a more in-depth explanation). What follows is my current checklist for preparing for outdoor trips. Like everything else on this site, the checklist and the gear lists it refers to are a work in progress.

Packing

Charging

  • Power bank
  • Phone
  • inReach Mini
  • Headlamp (lock afterwards)
  • Camera

Refill

  • SmartWater bottles
  • Pills
    • Pepto Bismol
    • Ibuprofen
    • Aspirin
    • Benadryl
    • Toothpaste
    • Potable Aqua
  • Balms/creams (first aid, friction, etc.)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Alcohol bottle (squeeze out some air and tighten cap afterwards)
  • Paper tape
  • Leukotape

Navigation

  • Send email/message with itinerary to Person B/family member
  • Send test message with inReach Mini to establish 2-way communication
  • Map (CalTopo and Gaia)
    • Add intended route
    • Add markers
      • Parking lot/trailhead
      • Destination/campsites
      • Points of interest
  • CalTopo
    • Add mile markers along route
    • Print paper versions
      • Smaller scale for more detailed routefinding
      • Larger scale for using terrain (peaks) to triangulate location
    • Download PDF version to phone
  • Gaia
    • Download topo and satellite layers
  • Check route elevation against Snotel to determine likelihood of snow
  • Check frequency of water sources to determine need for water carries
  • Calibrate altimeter on watch at trailhead

Feet

1-2 nights before the trip:

  • Soak feet and use pumice stone to reduce calluses and soften skin
  • Trim and file toenails
  • Apply moisturizing foot cream

Camera

  • Clean lens
  • Set ISO to 200
  • Set aperture to f4
  • Set white balance to cloudy
  • Set manual focus point to center
  • Set mode to BKT1 (HDR +/-1EV)
  • Take a test photo
  • Erase memory card

Food

  • Cut tops off all freeze dried food pouches with scissors to expose zipper
  • Remove dessicant packets from freeze dried food pouches

Car

  • Fill up on gas
  • Check tire pressure
  • Check hang tags/passes (America the Beautiful, Discover Pass, etc.)
  • Stash water bottles (1 for each passenger)
  • Stash Gatorade
  • Stash snacks
  • Stash towels for drying gear/people
  • Stash breathable and loose driving shoes (Crocs etc.)
  • Stash clean dry shirt to change into

Misc

  • Clean sunglasses

History

  • 2020-06-21 Updated the navigation section:
    • Swapped halfway point for mile markers on maps. I discovered that CalTopo has a feature that allows you to add mile markers along any route with just a couple clicks. Mile markers are significantly more helpful than just a single halfway point.
    • Started printing both small and large-scale maps (usually on either side of the same piece of paper). Distant peaks often don’t show up on smaller maps which makes triangulation impossible.
    • Added a note to check the route elevation against current Snotel readings to determine whether bringing snow gear (traction, snow baskets, etc.) would be wise.
    • Added a note to check the frequency of water sources to figure out whether any water carries might be necessary.
  • 2020-06-04 Added altimeter calibration to navigation section
  • 2020-05-07 Factored out common map steps, added halfway point to map and Gatorade to car, added link to day trip gear list
  • 2020-02-27 Added supplies to stash in car, foot care
  • 2020-02-09 Original version