It can be a very overwhelming process trying to find the right piece of gear for your next adventure. Here we will share with items that we have used and like. Hopefully, this will be helpful in your search.

This is a list of items you should take on a long hike. If you are just going on a short hike this would possibly be more than you need. Use your judgement but understand in the mountains the weather can be very unpredictable. Always have at the very least you cellular phone, water, a camera, a hat and a jacket. In my everyday bag I also carry a headlamp and a flashlight.

Wheelchair Adaptions

The FreeWheel Wheelchair Attachment and Sun Wheels Off Road wheels are great add ons to everyday wheelchair for hiking. Sumo All Terrain wheels are another option. Before ordering the FreeWheel make sure it is compatible with your wheelchair. It attaches to the footrest on most wheelchairs, but not all. When you use off-road wheels on your everyday wheelchair you will probably going to next longer axles with a spacer. The off-road wheels are much wider than your regular wheels so they will have to be pushed out a bit to avoid rubbing. These add ons you can leave in your vehicle all the time so you are ready with an adventure presents itself.

Backpack

The Maxpedition Duality backpack works great for me. I'm very hard on gear and this has definitely stood up to my abuse.

Headlamp or Flashlight

The Petzl Zipka is a small lightweight headlamp with a retractible head strap. It great for close work and around the campsite. The flashlight I like best is the Nitecore EA11. It has a very bright light and can be clipped to the brim of your hat. This small lightweight flashlight works great for everything.

Water Bottle

I use the Camelback Chute and Nalgene 32 oz bottles. They are near indestructible and easy to clean. The wide mouth bottle I like a lot because they are not only easier to clean, but you can add ice to your water.

Camera

You could use the camera in your cellular phone or get a stand alone camera. I prefer the GoPro Hero 5. The GoPro cameras are small, lightweight, water resistant and take awesome videos and pictures. The Hero 5 also has voice command. If you want a more sophisticated camera with more options; the Canon Rebel EOS T6 Digital camera works great as well.

Sunscreen

When you going to be out in the sun for long periods of time, especially in high altitudes, sunblock is essential. We often forget it when it's cold and rainy, but you really should use it year round. We've used a lot of different ones over the years. The one we coming back to is Sawyer Stay Put Sunscreen. It's not greasy, easy to apply and dries fast.

Hat

Any hat generally will work, but a wide brimmed hat is the best. The two that I have used extensively are the Scala Classico Crushable Hat and the Outback Trading Grizzly Hat. I've used the Scala hat for years and I will probably use it for a very long time. I've worn it on very cold rainy days and very hot days. Even though it's a wool hat it works great in all temperatures. I use the Grizzly hat more just on windy days because of the chin cord. Both of these hats are water resistant.

Jacket

I lightweight windproof jacket is another essential item. Even a warm day can turn cold rapidly high in the mountains. If you have a favorite jacket use it, but please take it with you. Two great options are the Columbia Ascender Jacket and the Columbia Ballistic III Windproof Jacket. We suggest wearing layers, they can be added or removed as the weather changes. I have cross country skied in near blizzard conditions and been overheated.

Rain Gear

A rain shell jacket and pants are another important item. These lightweight jacket and pants can be quickly put on over your windproof jacket when needed. The Sierra Designs Microlight Jacket and the Sierra Designs Microlight Pants are what we use. Get a size that is bigger than normal to fit over your other layers.

Poncho

A poncho has two functions for the wheelchair adventurer. The first is rainy protection and the second is they provide a cover over if you need to heed the call of nature while on the trail. Just throw it over you and do you business. Hey, you're staying hydrated right? The AdirMed Wheelchair Poncho or the CareActive Wheelchair Poncho will be good options.

Gloves

The Petzl Cordex Belay/Repel Gloves I have found to be the best gloves for wheelchair hiking. They are comfortable and extra leather in the areas where you need it.

Compass

The Suunto A-10 compass and the Silva Trekker 420 compass is another great option. I, generally, do not do a lot of complicated navigation, but I have used a compass on occasion to quickly orientate myself. In the forest (especially when it's snowing) you can get disoriented quickly. Knowing what direction you need to go is invaluable. If you don't know how to use a compass, you should really take a class on it's use or have a friend show you.

GPS

Most hiking trails you will find here you really do not need GPS, but getting to them you might. The unit I really like is the Garmin Inreach Explorer. It is a bit expensive compared to others but there is a very good reason. With the Inreach you can send out text messages to let people know that you are alright or, more importantly, that you need HELP! It does not need cellular service, it uses the iridium satellite system. You can reach anyone from anywhere in the world. If you get in serious trouble you can send out a SOS signal that is monitored 24/7. You will then be contacted by text and they will send out a rescue team, but understand this is for life or death situations. In some places you will be billed for the costs of your rescue, so be very prudent when using the SOS function. You must sign up for service plan, but there are several to choose from. One plan lets you just sign up for the months that you might need it more. The service plans are only if you need the communication function. The regular GPS functions you do not need a plan.

First Aid Kit

As careful as you try to be things happen. It's a very good idea to have some sort of first aid kit available. The old rule of thumb is "if you have you won't need it and if you don't have it you will". Be prepared. The Surviveware Small first aid kit and the Adventure Medical Ultralight Kit are great options for your piece of mind.

Emergency Whistle

An emergency whistle is a very load signaling device. If you need to be found this is a way to call for assistance. They are much louder than you can scream. The UST JetScream whistle and the Storm All Weather Safety whistle are the loudest available.

Emergency Blanket

This is a great addition to your kit. It has multiple uses in an emergency. Not only will keep you warn, it makes you very visible to people looking for you. There are many available but we like the SOL Emergency Blanket.

Multi-tool

A multi-tool is a great way to carry some basic tools with you should something rattle loose will on the trail. The Leatherman Wave is a very popular tool. It has plenty of tool options and it's lightweight. If you need more tool try the Leatherman Surge. It's a bit heavier than the Wave, but if you think you need the additional tools this another good option.

Tire Repair Kit

Thorns are sneaky little things They attack at the worst possible moment, generally when you are the farthest from you car. Prevention is the key. All our off road tires are lined with Thorn Busters Tire Liners and we use Sunlight Thorn Resistant Bike Tubes. In addition, we use Slime Tire Sealant in the tire tubes. Slime will seal up punctures up 1/8 inches. You can't be too careful.

Bike Multi-Tool Kit

If you using a hand cycle or geared hiking chair this is indispensable. They have the essential tools for a quick fix on the trail including a chain repair tool. The Crank Brothers Multi 17 or the Park MT-30 are great options. I have, so far, not broken a chain, but I won't go out without one.