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Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Prices are for a typical adult size; sizes vary. Break them in before you need them.
72-hour kit: Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
How to use it: Layering Clothes for Changing Weather
ShoestringOzark Trail Meadows 2.0 waterproof mid hiking boots~$54.98 check size · WalmartSize options vary. Trail-TestedColumbia Transverse Hike waterproof shoe~$69.99 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Top ShelfDanner Trail 2650 GTX Mid~$199.95 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Knit hat and gloves
Most body heat escapes from your head and hands.
72-hour kit: Starter · Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
How to use it: Layering Clothes for Changing Weather · Setting Up a Tent and a Warm Sleep System
ShoestringGeorge Men's Waffle Knit Beanie, black (gloves not priced)~$4.58 check size · Walmart Trail-TestedCarhartt A18 watch cap + Force liner gloves~$41.98 · Amazon
Top ShelfSmartwool + Outdoor Research merino beanie + Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor gloves~$85.66 · Amazon
Layer 1: base layer (top and bottom)
Layering: a base layer moves sweat off your skin, a mid layer holds heat, and a shell keeps rain and wind out.
72-hour kit: Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
How to use it: Layering Clothes for Changing Weather
ShoestringAmazon Essentials thermal top + bottom set~$17.80 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Trail-TestedCarhartt Force midweight base layer crew (top)~$20.99 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Top ShelfSmartwool Classic Thermal merino base layer crew~$125.00 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Layer 2: warm mid layer (fleece or puffy)
Holds body heat; add or remove it as you warm up or cool down.
72-hour kit: Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
How to use it: Layering Clothes for Changing Weather
ShoestringAmazon Essentials full-zip polar fleece jacket~$24.40 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Trail-TestedColumbia Steens Mountain full-zip fleece 2.0~$36.40 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Top ShelfPatagonia Better Sweater fleece jacket (women's)~$169.00 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Layer 3: rain jacket + rain pants (waterproof shell)
Keeps rain and wind out. Replaces the poncho in this kit.
72-hour kit: Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
How to use it: Layering Clothes for Changing Weather
ShoestringFrogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 rain suit (jacket + pants)~$22.74 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Trail-TestedColumbia Watertight II jacket + Rebel Roamer II pants~$130.00 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Top ShelfOutdoor Research + Columbia Foray 3L jacket + Columbia Rebel Roamer II pants~$319.95 check size · AmazonSize options vary. Rain poncho
Wet clothes pull heat from you fast.
72-hour kit: Starter
How to use it: Layering Clothes for Changing Weather
ShoestringOzark Trail Clear Emergency Poncho (2-pack listing)~$5.96 (2 per pack) · Walmart
Trail-TestedFrogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 waterproof poncho~$21.99 · AmazonReusable, breathable.
Top ShelfColumbia Men's Watertight II rain jacket~$70.00 check size · AmazonSize/color variants vary in price. Spare underwear, 3 pairs
A clean change for three days.
72-hour kit: Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
ShoestringNo-name brand Boxer briefs, 6-pack (Walmart)~$23.98 check size (2 per pack) · WalmartSize options vary. Trail-TestedHanes performance boxer briefs pack~$33.47 check size (2 per pack) · AmazonSize options vary. Top ShelfHanes performance boxer briefs pack~$33.47 check size (2 per pack) · AmazonSize options vary. Sun hat or bandana
Shade and sun cover on long days outside.
72-hour kit: Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
How to use it: Layering Clothes for Changing Weather
ShoestringOzark Trail boonie hat~$14.98 check size · Walmart Trail-TestedColumbia Bora Bora booney hat~$31.99 · Amazon
Top ShelfColumbia Bora Bora booney hat~$31.99 · AmazonSame as Trail-Tested.
Wool-blend socks, 2 pairs
Dry socks prevent blisters and cold feet.
72-hour kit: Starter · Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
How to use it: Layering Clothes for Changing Weather · Setting Up a Tent and a Warm Sleep System
ShoestringLoritta men's wool-blend boot socks, 6 pairs~$12.99 check size (3 per pack) · Walmart Trail-TestedCarhartt heavyweight synthetic-wool blend boot sock, 2-pack~$19.99 check size · Amazon Top ShelfDarn Tough Hiker Micro Crew socks, 2 pairs~$51.90 · AmazonLifetime guarantee.
Work gloves
Protects hands while you clean up debris.
72-hour kit: Trail-Ready · Fully Loaded
How to use it: Knife and Hatchet Safety and Sharpening · Shutting Off Gas, Water, and Power
ShoestringHyper Tough cowhide leather work gloves~$10.48 · Walmart
Trail-TestedWells Lamont cowhide leather work gloves~$14.85 check size · Amazon Top ShelfMechanix Wear M-Pact touchscreen work gloves~$22.92 · Amazon
