Pre-Departure Checklist

A sequenced checklist to run through before leaving home. Do this the night before, not the morning of. Morning-of decisions made under time pressure are where things get forgotten.

72 hrs out

• Check weather forecast for the entire trip window — not just the first day — look at overnight lows
• Check trail/site conditions — recent rain, closures, fire restrictions, permit requirements
• Confirm campsite reservation or permit — print or download confirmation offline
• File a trip plan with someone at home — location, expected return date, what to do if you don’t check in
• Check gear for any items needing repair or replacement — tarp, tent seams, sleeping pad, stove igniter
• Order any missing items — last chance for shipping before the trip

Night before

• Charge all devices — headlamp, Anker pack, phone, camera, GPS watch
• Pre-pack dry bags by category — sleep layer sealed, electronics sealed, clothing sorted
• Pack the backpack completely — weigh it if uncertain — know your actual load
• Load the truck kit — table, chairs, tarp, kitchen bin, power bin, hygiene bin
• Prepare food for day 1 — trail snacks accessible without unpacking, not buried in the food bag
• Fill water bottles — start hydrated, not catching up on the road
• Print or download offline maps — both phone and paper — phone GPS works offline, but paper doesn’t die
• Set weather alert on phone — especially for lightning — check the morning forecast before leaving
• Lay out worn-to-trailhead clothes — hiking shirt 1, hiking pants, wool socks, underwear — on the chair, ready
• Set two alarms — departure time buffer — being rushed in the morning causes forgotten items

Morning of

• Final weather check — anything changed overnight — lightning, flash flood watch, trail closures
• Headlamp — verify it is on and working — not just charged — turned on and functional
• Stove igniter — test it — one click at home beats discovering it’s dead at camp
• Medications taken / packed — daily meds taken, full supply in kit for trip length plus one day
• Phone fully charged and offline maps confirmed — open the map app and verify the trail is cached
• Truck fueled — don’t assume — access roads to trailheads sometimes add 30+ miles
• Ice in cooler, cooler loaded — pre-chill the night before if possible
• Tell someone your exact plan — trailhead name, campsite, expected return — not just “going camping”

At the trailhead

• Park legally and safely — read posted signs — some lots require permits or have time limits
• Leave no valuables visible in truck — bear boxes or locked compartments for food if required
• Register at trailhead if required — sign the register — search and rescue uses it
• Confirm pack weight is manageable — put it on, walk 50 yards — address problems now, not at mile 2
• Trekking poles assembled and adjusted — if using them — wrist straps set correctly
• Rain jacket accessible — top of pack or hip belt pocket — not buried
• First water source identified — know where your first filter opportunity is on the trail
• Start time noted — helps with pacing and turnaround decisions later