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What To Pack On A Day Hike

  • Brian
  • Jan 18
  • 4 min read

Hiking is a great way to experience nature, get exercise, and socialize with friends. Without the proper equipment, that experience can turn into a nightmare pretty quickly. Luckily, for most day hikes, there's not a lot you really need to bring with you. After going on hundreds of day hikes, I've compiled a list of what I bring. Take a look and decide what works for you.



What To Bring: The Bare Minimum

Whenever I go on day hikes, even if they are just for a few hours, I always have a few necessities with me. There are some things I keep on me (ie: in pants pockets), while others I made sure are in my backpack and ready in case they are needed.


  • Backpack

  • Recco Tag – Allows you to be found more easily by Search & Rescue teams.

  • First Aid Kit

  • Water Bottle

  • Solar Charger

  • Food or Snacks

    • I typically bring things like energy bars or stroopwaffles that are small, lightweight, and easily shared.

  • Proper Hiking Shoes

    • Nothing can ruin a hike more easily than having the wrong shoes. Do yourself a favor and buy a good pair of hiking shoes. Everyone has their favorites, so ask around, or take a look at my favorites here.

    • My favorite: Salomon X-Ultra Mid Goretex

      • You may be tempted to save money by buying non-Goretex shoes. But all it takes is one part of the trail that's wet, or getting a little spring rain, and you'll soon regret that decision. Spend the extra money and get Goretex shoes.

  • Proper Hiking Socks

    • Having the shoes is one element, but also having the proper socks can make your hiking experience even better. Look for ones that are moisture wicking, quick dry, and have merino wool in them.

  • Multi-Tool

    • Lots of great options from both Leatherman and Gerber, as well as many other brands.

  • Compass

  • Hair Ties – not only great for hair, these can also be used for small tieing needs.

  • Fire Steel


You may also want to consider putting on sunscreen before your hike. You may be beneath the trees a lot, but there's still sunlight.


If you have kids with you, I suggest you also take a look at the extras section for more that could enhance your trip.


Extras

Before each trip I'll decide if I need to bring any extras with me. This could be due to the length of a hike, how difficult it is, trail dangers, or other factors.


  • Life Straw

  • Walkie Talkies with Ranger Station capability

  • Emergency Shelter

  • Waterproof Rain Poncho

  • Waterproof Backpack Cover

    • Also a great idea if you are near waterfalls and want to really experience them up-close. Make sure to get the right size for your pack, as they are typically made in 3 sizes.

  • Survival Whistles

  • Wilderness Wipes (ie: Toilet Paper)

  • Baby/Dog Poop Bags

    • Also great for general waste, not only if you have an infant or dog with you.

  • Climbing Carabiners (x3)

  • 64' Survival Rope

  • Flashlights (x2)

  • Compact Towel

  • Collapsible Plates, Bowls, and/or Cups

  • Silicone Straws

  • Bee Sting Sticks

  • Tide To-Go Pen (x2)

  • Compact Towel

  • Pen with Glass Breaker

  • Nail Clippers

    • You may be thinking, "seriously?," but I can't tell you how many times this has come in handy. Yes, you may be able to use your multi-tool if you get the right one. So just use some judgement of your own based on the other tools you have.

  • Foldable Toothbrushes and Travel Toothpaste

    • Just think: you get lost on a trail and are there overnight. You'll thank me later.


Bug Repellants

If you are hiking in a lot of areas of the country, or seem to be prone to bugbites, like me, then here's my suggestions for what to bring with you and apply before each hike.



Protection

Depending on where you are hiking and for how long, bringing a bit of protection could be an important element. With any luck, whatever you pack won't be used. Whenever I hike in areas that could have animals such as bears, wild boars, cougars, wolves, and more, I typically bring a few extra things with me just in case the worst were to happen.


Before bringing any of these, please make sure to check local and park laws and comply with them. If any are banned, don't bring them. Also, if you have never used one of these before, I highly suggest you avoid them for your safety and the safety of everyone around you. Mistakes can be deadly. But, if you have enough experience and have some training, you may want to consider these items.


  • Gun

    • My choice: Springfield Hellcat 9mm

  • Knife

    • Pocket: Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox

    • Hunting: Gerber Fixed Blade Hunting Knife

      • Only bring for longer or overnight hikes, or if you're in a particularly dangerous area.


Links

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