Make sure you are prepared for eventualities while also not overburdening yourself with too heavy of a pack
A backpack is preferable to a shoulder bag to distribute your load evenly
Items to consider:
Packed lunch – The group may or may not decide to stop somewhere where lunch can be purchased; make sure you have adequate food to fuel you.
Water bottle(s) – 2 liters or more for a full day, especially if it’s hot!
Snacks and treats – Shareable snacks/treats are great to fuel your walk, and to fuel new friendships.
Pack of tissues or small roll of toilet paper
Shoes that are comfortable for long walks – beware of shoes that are brand new and not yet broken in, or too snug as your feet will spread/swell over a long day of walking. Consider waterproof ones just in case!
Fresh pair of socks
Seasonably appropriate layered clothing – you may get hot while walking, cold while staying put. Check the weather forecast & be ready for surprises
Long pants/sleeves for brambles, nettles, poison ivy etc…
Raingear
Medication / first aid supplies – band-aids for scrapes, tape and moleskin for blisters, gold bond friction defense for chafing, anything else that you might need
Index card with personal info – In-case-of-emergency contact information & allergies or health specifications easily findable in your pocket
Extra face masks
Notebook & pens
Camera (non-phone)
Smart phone – with map of philadelphia pre-downloaded for wayfinding help, GPS-tracker apps, emergency calls
Chargers and/or backup batteries for aforementioned devices