Pack Essentials

The secret to a great visit - staying safe!

Plan Around Pack Essentials

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Pack Essentials Details

The following "Pack Essentials" are suggestions to help you enjoy your hike. Be realistic about your abilities and those of your group. Sign in and out on hiker rosters, so someone knows where you are in case of an emergency. Sudden extreme weather changes can and do occur any time of the day/year. Check the weather ahead of time and establish a backup plan as well as a turn-around time. It often will take as long to hike down as it did to hike up! * A map and compass, if you know how to use them, can be very helpful when weather obscures the view. * A minimum of at least 2 quarts of water per person. Remember the only water available in the Park is from untreated and unreliable natural water sources. We recommend treating all water before drinking it. * Extra high energy food - pbj's, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, etc. Food is the energy our body needs to keep going. * One flashlight per person with extra batteries for the unexpected (carrying a flashlight is one of the Baxter State Park regulations.) * Extra clothing for warmth and sudden weather changes. Cotton won't keep you warm when it gets wet. Instead use synthetic clothing, fleece or wool, a rain jacket, gloves or mittens, extra socks (they also work great as mittens), and a hat. * First Aid kit for yourself and in case you need to help others. Blisters are one of the most common problems when hiking and can get infected quickly. * Sunglasses, sunscreen and bug repellent. * A signal whistle, which can be heard better than yelling when it is windy. * Matches in a waterproof container and a fire starter in case of an emergency. * A folding pocket knife. * A litter bag. * Common sense - the most important thing to carry with you! Rest, hydrate and snack often. No matter what the temperature, you need water and energy to keep going.

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