What to bring on a day hike with the GIG

Summer Hikes

Gas and dinner money (small bills as many restaurants won't do separate checks or take credit cards)
  • Park pass if going to Glacier (62+ qualify for American the Beautiful)
  • Money for gas and dinner with small bills
  • Water, 1-3 liters, depending on the hike 
  • Backpack or lumbar pack
  • Boots or good tennies--waterproof for certain hikes, esp. in spring
  • Lunch
  • Poncho or other rain gear (Frogg Toggs; Dri-Ducks)
  • Jacket (dress in layers)
  • If wearing shorts, bring something to put on over shorts
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen (chapstick?)
  • Camera
  • TP and a plastic zipper bag to hold the used (panty liner?)
  • Bug spray if around water
  • Sun glasses
  • Bear spray if in grizzly country
  • Moleskin
  • Headlamp on long trips
  • Personal medications/pain meds if needed
  • Whistle
  • Leader will carry a first-aid kit and safety gear: whistle, knife, matches, duct tape, GPS/Spot, water purifier, map etc.
  • Comfy shoes to change into after the hike
  • Plastic bag to hold muddy/wet clothes/boots
Optional
  • Hiking sticks/poles (We have extras, let leader know if you  want them)
  • Binoculars
  • Gaiters
  • Extra clothes, just in case and for after the hike
  • Plastic bags for muddy/wet clothes if applicable
  • Mittens for cool mornings/evenings
  • GPS/Spot messenger
  • Carabiners to strap extras on
  • Wand for sterilizing water
  • Buff scarf

Winter Hikes

  • Gas and dinner money (small bills as many diners won't do separate checks or take credit cards)
  • Water, 1-2 liters 
  • Backpack 
  • Mittens/gloves/facemask
  • Boots --snow boots or waterproof hiking boots. Snowshoes don't fit on tennies well
  • Long socks (like ski socks, so they don't creep down in your boots)
  • Lunch/snacks
  • Warm jacket--or many layers so you can take things off if you get warm
  • Hat
  • Snow pants or if wearing other pants, wear long johns too plus gaiters
  • Sunscreen (chapstick?)
  • Camera
  • Bear spray when in grizzly country
  • TP and a plastic zipper bag to hold the used
  • Comfy shoes to change into after the hike
  • Extra clothes for after hike in case you get wet.
  • Snowshoes and poles or skis, boots and poles with snow/powder baskets
  • Sunglasses or goggles
  • Headlamp for longer hikes
  • Plastic garbage sack or shopping bags or duffel bag to put wet clothes/shoes/snowshoes in
  • Yaktraks or ice cleats
  • Personal medications/pain meds as needed
  • Whistle
  • Hand/toe warmers
  • ​Leader will carry a first-aid kit and safety gear: whistle, knife, matches, duct tape, GPS/Spot, water purifier, map etc
Optional
  • Binoculars
  • Bungee cord to strap snowshoes onto pack
  • Gaiters 
  • Scarf/Buff
  • GPS
  • Carabiners to strap extras on