__Cellular Phone - Having some form of way to call for help is a must. Things just happen sometimes. Even though sometimes you loose signal it's still something you should have with you. You could also use the built in camera to capture the sights and memories in stead of carrying an extra camera.

__Camera - If you want to take better pictures than what your cellular phone can do bring a good camera. You just never know what you will come across in the wild.

__Sunscreen - You really should apply this before you head out, but sometimes we forget. After a few hours of sweating on the trail you may have to reapply the sunscreen. I have had several skin cancer surgeries and they are no fun.

__Sun Glasses - You gotta look cool, right? Even though you can be protected from the sun in the forest, when break free of the trees on the summit it can be quite bright.

__Lip Balm - Wind and cold can dry out your lips quick.

__Insect Repellant - Early summer brings out those nasty mosquitoes in huge swarms. Be prepared.

__Hat - Any hat will do but a wide brimmed hat works the best.

__Jacket - A wind proof jacket is a must. Even hot days can turn cold fast in the mountains.

__Gloves - If your hands touch the hand rims these are a must. They not only protect you from dirt, but other sharp objects that catch in you tire (i.e. rocks, thorns, etc.). They also keep your hands warm when the weather turns cold.

__Headlamp or Flashlight - Sometimes you miss judge your time on the trail and end up coming back in the dark. A headlamp/flashlight has save my life a couple of times. I carry both everyday and I use them everyday.

__Snacks - A little pick me up is always welcome. Make sure your blood sugar doesn't get too low. There is a thing call "hitting the wall" the people who run marathons experience if they a not careful. It's when you have exhausted all your carbohydrates and your body switches over to protein. It becomes extremely difficult to move. It sucks, trust me. This probably will not happen to you if you pace yourself but a snack is a great idea anyway.

__Medication - Take all medications that you might need for the day. I have asthma. It took me just one time to have an attack in the wild to realize just how important this is.

__A Dog - Because everything is better with a dog by your side. Check local regulations. If you have a service dog you should be fine. Only in rare circumstances are they not allowed.

__Map - A map of the trail and nearby trails comes in very handy. Sometimes you come to a fork in the trail and knowing which way to go can be the difference of having a good day or having an epic adventure (in a bad way).

__Compass - It's really easy to loose your way in the forest. Sometimes a trail can disappear momentarily and resume around a corner. A compass helps take a little guess work out of your hike.

__GPS - (optional) A GPS unit can be great if you know how to use it. Setting way points back to your car is great. The only draw back is sometime you loose signal amongst the trees.

__Insect Repellant - Early summer brings out those nasty mosquitoes in huge swarms. Be prepared.

__Rain Gear - You could use your jacket as part of your rain gear, but I prefer to have layers. That extra layer of clothing could save you if you get in a bad situation .

__Poncho - You could also just use a poncho for your rain gear. A poncho has several purposes for me. It's extra rain gear, emergency shelter, and can provide a cover for me when nature calls. Hey, you drink a lot of water on the trail.

__Extra Batteries - You can't be too careful.

__First Aid Kit - Things happen. Sometimes you get a cut or a headache. Being prepared is always good.

__Matches or Lighter - You may not need this for a short day hike, but if you are on a long hike they are good to have. If you get stranded you can start a fire for warmth or make a signal fire, but be careful.

__Emergency Whistle - This a very loud whistle to signal people should something go wrong.

__Emergency Blanket - This is a great addition to your kit. It has multiple uses in an emergency.

__Multi-tool - It's a very helpful tool. They generally have the basic tools you will need for a little trailside wheelchair maintenance.

__Tire Repair Kit - Thorns a sneaky little things They attack at the worst possible moment, generally when you are the farthest from you car.

__Bike Chain Repair Kit - If you using a hand cycle or hiking chair this is indispensable. I have, so far, broken a chain, but I won't go out without this.
-