Gear:  Everyone has their own preferences about gear, as they should.  Below is a list of things that I find either necessary or useful on a day hike or backpacking trip.  Your own preferences may differ considerably.  Many of these items below also depend on the season, the weather, etc.

Day Hike:

• map and compass (and GPS, if so inclined)
• small day-pack
• water bottles (or camelbak)
• hiking poles (I use these to save my knees)
• light pair of gloves
• polypro/capilene T-shirt
• lightweight fleece top
• shorts or trekking/convertible pants
• gore-tex (or similar) shell with hood
• nylon shell pants with full-length zipper
• extra pair of wool/polyester socks
• baseball hat or Tilly Hat
• warm hat
• sunglasses
• water purification tablets (or filter)
• headlamp or flashlight, w/batteries (just in case)
• sunscreen
• lip balm
• toilet paper

Backpacking/Overnight Trips:

• map and compass
• internal frame pack
• sleeping bag
• Therm-a-rest sleeping pad
• light pair of gloves
• midweight thermal wear top
• powerstretch tights
• nylon shorts
• powerstretch or 100 weight mirco-fleece vest
• lightweight nylon wind shirt*
• fleece jacket with hood
• fleece pants with full-length zipper*
• Gore-Tex parka with hood
• wind-proof pants with full-length zipper*
• extra pair of wool/polyester blend socks
• down/fleece booties or Gore-Tex socks*
• hat with sun visor
• warm hat and neck gaiter or baraclava*
• sunglasses and goggles (goggles not necessary in summer)
• large plastic cup (2-cup capacity) and spoon
• wide-mouth water bottles
• water purification tablets
• headlamp or flashlight
• extra batteries
• inexpensive watch
• personal toiletries--sun screen, chap stick, Carmex, aloe vera gel, toilet paper, handi-wipes, antibacterial waterless soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, handkerchief.