What's the best way to check for ticks after a hike?

[RustyPine17]

I love spending weekends hiking in the woods, but I always worry about ticks. What's your routine for checking yourself and your gear after a long hike?

 

[brianpa59]

I check every square inch of myself while taking a shower. And shake out my clothes and gear on a flat surface so I can see any critters to kill.