NH48 preparedness guide
The 10 Essentials
For Northeast hikes, these ten systems are the baseline for survival, comfort, and good decisions when weather, daylight, terrain, or group pace changes.
Preparedness standard
Navigation, warmth, light, medical supplies, emergency shelter, fire, repair tools, food, water, and sun protection.
Carry these ten systems
Each row links to a structured spoke page with GearCatalog item stats and practical use notes.
01
Navigation
Topographic map, compass, and a downloaded GPS track with backup battery.
02
Insulation
Extra clothing layers for the coldest possible weather, not just the forecast.
03
Illumination
Headlamp with spare batteries.
04
First Aid Supplies
Blister care, personal medications, and enough supplies to stabilize common trail injuries.
05
Emergency Shelter
Emergency bivy, space blanket, or other compact shelter for forced stops.
06
Fire
Waterproof matches, lighter, and fire starter.
07
Repair Kit & Tools
Multi-tool, duct tape, and small repair supplies for field fixes.
08
Nutrition
Extra high-calorie food beyond what you expect to need.
09
Hydration
Sufficient water and a way to purify more.
10
Sun Protection
Sunglasses and sunscreen, with snow blindness considered in winter.
Navigation
Topographic map, compass, and a downloaded GPS track with backup battery.
02
Insulation
Extra clothing layers for the coldest possible weather, not just the forecast.
03
Illumination
Headlamp with spare batteries.
04
First Aid Supplies
Blister care, personal medications, and enough supplies to stabilize common trail injuries.
05
Emergency Shelter
Emergency bivy, space blanket, or other compact shelter for forced stops.
06
Fire
Waterproof matches, lighter, and fire starter.
07
Repair Kit & Tools
Multi-tool, duct tape, and small repair supplies for field fixes.
08
Nutrition
Extra high-calorie food beyond what you expect to need.
09
Hydration
Sufficient water and a way to purify more.
10
Sun Protection
Sunglasses and sunscreen, with snow blindness considered in winter.
From the PeakList GearCatalog
50 more useful gear ideas
This is an idea library, not a pack-everything checklist. Choose the items that match your route, season, group, experience, and the day’s conditions.
Navigation
Explore the guide-
01
Topographic Map
Navigation · 40 g
Provides complete topography; durable; waterproof.
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02
Route Cue Sheet / Guidebook
Navigation · 60 g
Concise directions; easy to follow; quick reference.
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03
Baseplate Compass
Navigation · 35 g
Lightweight; simple; durable.
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04
Mirror Compass
Navigation · 65 g
Accurate sighting; adjustable declination; built‑in mirror useful for self‑care/emergency.
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05
Smartphone with Offline Maps
Navigation · 200 g
Multi‑function; ubiquitous; easy to use; large screen.
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06
GPS Unit
Navigation · 150 g
Dedicated device; long battery life; robust; accurate GPS.
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07
Satellite Messenger
Navigation · 115 g
SOS and two‑way messaging; independent of cell coverage; long standby life.
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08
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Navigation · 125 g
Reliable SOS; no subscription; long battery life.
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09
Small Power Bank (5 000 mAh)
Navigation · 100 g
Light; enough capacity to recharge smartphone once; inexpensive.
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10
Large Power Bank (20 000 mAh)
Navigation · 380 g
High capacity; can recharge multiple devices; robust.
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11
Charging Cable & Adapter
Navigation · 20 g
Minimal weight; essential for charging; low cost.
Insulation
Explore the guide
Illumination
Explore the guide-
15
UL Rechargeable Headlamp
Illumination · 32 g
excellent weight‑to‑utility ratio; hands‑free; sufficient for pre‑dawn starts.
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16
Stormworthy All‑Weather Headlamp
Illumination · 88 g
strong weather protection; long runtime; high output.
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17
AAA Battery Headlamp
Illumination · 78 g
field‑replaceable batteries; excellent cold performance; reliable conservative choice.
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18
Micro Backup Flashlight
Illumination · 16 g
extremely low weight; easy to justify as backup; good redundancy.
First Aid Supplies
Explore the guide-
19
Minimalist First Aid Kit
First Aid Supplies · 70 g
Light; covers minor injuries; easy to customize.
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20
Standard First Aid Kit
First Aid Supplies · 250 g
Comprehensive for most injuries; customizable; group use.
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21
Personal Prescription Medications
First Aid Supplies · 10 g
Essential; ensures health management; personalized to user.
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22
Over‑the‑Counter Pain Reliever
First Aid Supplies · 5 g
Treats pain; improves comfort; small and light.
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23
Allergy/Anaphylaxis Kit
First Aid Supplies · 20 g
Prevents allergic reactions; life‑saving; easy to carry.
Emergency Shelter
Explore the guide-
24
Space Blanket
Emergency Shelter · 60 g
Extremely lightweight; inexpensive; can double as signal reflector.
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25
Emergency Bivy Sack
Emergency Shelter · 110 g
Provides wind and rain protection; retains body heat; reusable.
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26
Survival Tarp
Emergency Shelter · 220 g
Provides both shelter and warmth; durable; can be used as tarp for planned shelter.
Fire
Explore the guide-
27
Butane Lighter
Fire · 20 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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28
Waterproof Matches & Striker
Fire · 10 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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29
Ferrocerium Rod & Striker
Fire · 40 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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30
Fire Starter Cubes
Fire · 60 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
Repair Kit & Tools
Explore the guide-
31
Multi-Tool
Repair Kit & Tools · 200 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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32
Duct Tape
Repair Kit & Tools · 50 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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33
Repair Patches
Repair Kit & Tools · 30 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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34
Sewing Kit
Repair Kit & Tools · 40 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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35
Cord & Buckle Set
Repair Kit & Tools · 60 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
Nutrition
Explore the guide-
36
Energy Bar
Nutrition · 50 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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37
Trail Mix
Nutrition · 100 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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38
Calorie Drink Mix
Nutrition · 60 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
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39
Energy Gel
Nutrition · 40 g
A useful option when it matches the route and conditions.
Hydration
Explore the guide-
40
Rigid Water Bottle
Hydration · 90 g
Durable; easy to drink from; stands up when set down.
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41
Hydration Bladder
Hydration · 140 g
Hands‑free drinking; distributes weight evenly; high capacity.
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42
Collapsible Water Bottle
Hydration · 40 g
Very light; collapses when empty to save space; inexpensive.
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43
Insulated Bottle
Hydration · 300 g
Keeps beverages hot or cold; durable.
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44
Squeeze Filter
Hydration · 60 g
Fast flow rate; simple operation; reliable for most bacteria & protozoa.
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45
Pump Filter
Hydration · 220 g
High output; works in silty water; suitable for groups.
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46
Chemical Drops/Tablets
Hydration · 25 g
Extremely lightweight; treats viruses; long shelf life.
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47
UV Purifier
Hydration · 110 g
Fast virus treatment; simple operation; no taste change.
