Essentials To Bring On Your Day Hike
Posted by Alpinistas on Mar 31, 2021
The essential items to bring on a day hike can really vary depending on the destination, how long you expect to hike, the time of year and what the weather forecast says.
For shorter hikes, you can be a bit more flexible than the typical 10 systems suggested for backpacking and remote backcountry travel. Ultimately, it is up to you to be prepared for the wilderness.
Short, Local Day Hikes:
Here is a quick list of what you will need for hitting the local trailhead where you will only be a few miles or hours out on the trail.
- Proper footwear - hiking boots, trail running sneakers or something sturdy with good grip.
- Clothing - choose clothing appropriate for the weather. Pack extra layers in case you get cold or the weather turns bad. For higher elevations, smart to bring a hat and gloves.
- Backpack
- Navigation - GPS maps on your phone and / or map and compass
- Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sunblock, chapstick
- Food - lunch or snacks
- Water
Full Day Hikes, Wilderness:
Here is a quick list of what you will need for a full day hike out where you might be on the trail for most of the day.
- Proper footwear - hiking boots, trail running sneakers or something sturdy with good grip.
- Clothing - choose clothing appropriate for the weather. Pack extra layers in case you get cold or the weather turns bad. For higher elevations, smart to bring a hat and gloves.
- Backpack
- Navigation - GPS maps on your phone and / or map and compass, personal locator beacon or satellite navigation
- Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sunblock, chapstick
- Food - lunch, snacks, something extra just in case
- Water or water filtration (if streams / lakes around)
- First Aid Kit, insect repellent, moleskin or other foot care items
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Knife or multi-tool
- Matches, lighter or fire starter
- Super lightweight emergency foil blanket or bivy