At Snowbeast, we share a passion to get out and stay out on the mountain with our friends, families, clients, and patients alike. This is a year-round priority for us no matter what the trails look like, but as the activities and seasons change, so does our preparation for our time on the trail. This goes for our physical training, our travel to the trailheads, our outerwear and protection, and our packing list for our time on the mountain.
This blog serves as a baseline packing list for a few of our favorite summer adventures. It should provide a good starting point for your trail prep but of course, your exact list will require some modifications/additions based on weather and other environmental factors (bugs, mud, etc.), duration of your trip/activity, proximity to civilization and extra resources, familiarity with the local geography, and other personal needs or preferences.
Trail Running (0-3 hrs)
Cell phone
GPS (with altimeter) and/or compass & map
Water bottle or reservoir (may not be necessary on shorter runs, but plan for ~.5-1L/hr after 60-90min on the trail)
Performance chews/drink mixes (electrolytes and energy)
First-Aid kit basics
Moleskin/tape/bandage/butterfly
Antiseptic wipes/antibiotic ointment
Safety pin/tweezers
Misc… gauze, ibuprofen, anti-chafing cream, whistle, sunscreen, bugspray, emergency contact/allergies/medications info
Extra clothing considerations
Hat
Buff
Sunglasses
Running jacket/long sleeves
Day Hiking (3-12+ hrs)
Cell phone
GPS (with altimeter) and/or compass & map
Water bottle or reservoir (~1+L/hr, more in hot weather)
Water filtration/sanitization system (for longer (6+hr) hikes)
Performance chews/drink mixes (electrolytes and energy)
Fire starter (waterproof lighter/matches, dry tinder)
Headlamp (fresh batteries???)
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, buff, other protective clothing)
Knife/multitool
Emergency bivy/blanket
Extra food (plan for an extra ~1 day’s worth)
Extra clothing (assume you’ll get wet/cold)... at least bring a shell and some extra socks!
First-Aid kit basics
Moleskin/tape/bandage/butterflies
Antiseptic wipes/antibiotic ointment
Safety pin/tweezers
Medications
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Antacid
Allergy relief
Misc… gauze, anti-chafing cream, whistle, sunscreen, bugspray, emergency contact/allergies/medications info
Backpacking (1+ overnights)
Cell phone
GPS (with altimeter) and/or compass & map
Portable charger
Water bottle or reservoir (~1+L/hr, more in hot weather)
Water filtration/sanitization system
Performance chews/drink mixes (electrolytes and energy)
Fire starter (waterproof lighter/matches, dry tinder)
Headlamp
Extra batteries
Sun protection (Sunscreen and lip balm, sunglasses, protective clothing)
Bug repellent
Knife/multitool
Paracord
Duct tape strips
Emergency bivy/blanket
Tent
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Camp stove and fuel
Cookware (minimally a pot to boil water, utensils)
Bear can/sack (check local regulations)
Toiletries
Biodegradable castile soap
Toothbrush and paste
Hand sanitizer
Prescription meds
Toilet paper and sealable plastic bag (to pack out!)
Menstrual products
Extra food (plan for an extra ~1+ day’s worth)
Extra clothing (assume you’ll get wet/cold)
Shell
Socks
Sandals/crocs
First-Aid kit basics
Moleskin/tape/bandage/butterflies
Antiseptic wipes/antibiotic ointment
Safety pin/tweezers
Medications
Gauze
ACE bandage/compression wrap
Whistle
Anti-chafing cream
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Antacid
Allergy relief
Misc…, tent footprint, backpack rain cover, camp pillow, bear spray, lantern, gaiters, day pack, emergency contact/allergies/medications info, binoculars, cards/games, camera, field guides/journal, trekking poles, patch kit
We always find it helpful to gather and lay everything out first, then pack it away for your outing. This way, you can double check your list and more thoughtfully pack your bag with consideration for what items you’ll need along the way to keep them accessible, and what items are heavier/bulkier and should be packed more strategically (how exactly to pack and load your bag could be a whole other blog post!).
Drop us a line if we’re missing any of your “must-haves” for the mountain and happy trails!
If you are looking for more content to make your trail run and hiking season amazing, we have a bunch of other blogs available. From preparing for all your trail running adventures to fueling with proper hydration and recovery, we've got the info you need. We also created an awesome program called Trail Run Prep that you can access right from your phone. It's a 3 week program that will have you springing up and bounding down the mountain all season long.
Preparing your Body for Spring Adventure: This is a guide to common trail running injuries we see this time of year. You probably will recognize a few of them.
Exploring Northern Vermont Trail Running: This is a list of local trail run events that we want to run in and bring our friends to. It's got links to every signup to make it easy for you.
Spring Trail Running Hydration and Recovery: If you're looking for tips on what to eat and drink so you don't bonk on the journey, then look no further. We've got them here for you.
Trail Run Prep: Finally, if you're serious about having your best season, then you need a training program that builds you up and makes you a better runner. Whether you're running once a week, or running more days than not, this program builds the muscles and movements needed to keep you running strong and long from mud season to leaf peeping.