Packing list for shoulder-season day hikes

A short, tested list for April and October, when the weather cannot decide.

This is the list I actually use, not an aspirational one. It fits in a 22-litre pack.

1. Ten essentials, including a real map of the area
2. Warm hat and thin gloves
3. Insulated jacket I never wear while moving
4. Two litres of water, one in a bottle I can reach
5. A sit pad — cold rocks get old fast

Microspikes come along only if the forecast mentions snow above 3,000 feet.

Filed under GearPlanning