What to Pack for a Day Hike
Welcome fellow adventurer! if you’re here, I’m assuming it’s because you’re a curious explorer like me and are ready to jump headfirst into the world of adventure travel!
Or maybe you’d rather wade in. No judgement. All that matters is that you’re ready to get your feet wet.
While I strongly suggest trying out multi-day backpacking trips, I understand if new backpackers might be a little nervous about the whole going-out-into-the-wild-overnight-and-peeing-in-a-bush thing.
If that’s the case, day hikes are the best place to start. They help you get comfortable with being on the trail, navigating, eating trail food, and being prepared for the unexpected.
But what should you pack for a day hike? Surely not a huge pack with multiple days of food ‘just in case’? Do you even need a pack?
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie breaking in their boots for the first time (spoiler alert you’re gonna want to bring some extra blister bandages) these are the things that should always make it into your pack.
And they all fit into 15L.
1. BANDANA
Bandanas are the Swiss-army knife of backpacking. Well second to an actual Swiss army knife.
They can be used as a makeshift plate, headband, coolpack, splint, tiny bag, and a face mask. Super tiny. Super useful.
2. SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY
The weather is unpredictable. And getting a sunburn is never fun. Neither is getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
Plus, avoiding Lime Disease, the West Nile Virus and permanent skin damage are all pluses.
3. HAND SANITIZER
There’s no running water in the woods but that doesn’t mean you should be digging into your trail mix with dirty hands. Bring a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer and avoid putting half the germs on the trail into your mouth.
4. JACK KNIFE / SWISS ARMY KNIFE
Not 100% necessary, but incredibly useful. In addition to helping out in an emergency when you need to cut bandages or wood, jack knives are a useful tool when it comes to digging into your wilderness snacks. (like cheese, apples, a candy bar you have to split with your sibling, etc)
5. COMPASS
I know it’s 2020 and it sounds like I’m telling you to prepare for a voyage in the 1700s, but a compass is an essential survival tool.
Even though your phone has GPS and you swear you won’t stray from the trail, if you get lost, this little piece of plastic and metal is going to be your very best friend.
Just make sure it’s for the right hemisphere.
6. EMERGENCY BLANKET
The king of all survival tools, the emergency blanket is a $3.00, 1 oz investment that has literally saved lives.
One of the easiest ways to die in the woods is by getting way too cold. Name another life-saving device that costs less than a cup of coffee.
7. TRAIL MAP (HARD COPY)
If you know the trail like the back of your hand, then yes, you can forgo this item. If you don’t a trail map is essential.
Even if the trails are super well marked, taking a wrong turn could end up as a five-hour detour and leave you in the woods after dark.
If you can’t get your hands on a paper map, then at least take a picture of the map at the trail head with your phone.
If there’s no map at the trailhead, and you don’t have a hard map, maybe pick a different trail.
8. HEADLAMP
Nope. You don’t plan on being out after dark, but if hiking for years has taught me anything, it’s that things don’t always go to plan.
Whether someone sprained an ankle, the detour to see the waterfall took longer than planned, or the trail was a little steeper than advertised, there are many reasons you might end up stuck on the trail after dark.
Headlamp to the rescue. While a flashlight works okay, a headlamp leaves your hands free for scrambling, snacking, or catching yourself from a fall.
9. CELL PHONE
Even though service isn’t guaranteed, a cell phone is still a great safety backup. (In addition to making calls, the GPS system can be used to track you if you’re lost) Plus, it works as an extra flashlight.
If you’re headed out, make sure your phone is fully charged and put it on airplane mode to save battery.
10. BACKUP POWER / SOLAR POWER
If you’re a little paranoid like me, you might want to throw a solar-powered backup charger in your bag, as an extra measure just in case your phone runs out of battery.
11. CHARGING CORD
To connect the aforementioned battery pack to your phone
12. FIRST AID KIT
Of course you don’t plan on getting hurt, but if you do, you’ll be mighty glad to have this with you.
I have a whole post on how to build your backpacking first aid kit you can check out here.
13. WATERPROOF LAYER
Again with the whole weather is unpredictable thing. Mother nature just doesn’t like to cooperate sometimes. A raincoat is essential no matter where you plan on hiking. (Yes, even in the desert).
14. EXTRA WARM LAYER
Yep. Say it with me “the weather is crazy”. An extra layer can keep you comfortable if the temperature drops suddenly, and could keep you alive if you get stuck out at night.
My favorite material for this layer is merino wool because it’s compact, lightweight, stays warm even when wet (you smell like a damp sheep but who cares), and can even be worn as a sun protective layer.
15. WATER
At least 2L (64oz) per person per day.
If you KNOW your hike is less than two hours, you can get away with around a liter per person.
If you’re hiking in a super hot climate, like the desert in July, BRING MORE WATER.
16. SNACKS. ALL THE SNACKS.
Just kidding. Some of the snacks. My favorites are granola bars and peanut M&Ms, (they’re the tastier version of trail mix don’t @ me).
If you’re bringing trail mix or similar, I recommend buying the biggest bag practical and then dishing out smaller amounts into reusable containers for your day hike. (If you need some suggestions, check out my zero waste snacks post)
Whatever snacks you decide on, make sure you’ve got upwards of 500 calories for each person and that the snacks contain proteins, fats, carbs, and electrolytes!
Just because it’s a day hike doesn’t mean it’s not serious. In fact, most people who get lost outdoors were on ‘short’ hikes they thought they could handle.
If you stick to the trail and follow your gut (and the general rules of the outdoors) there’s a very high chance you’ll be totally fine, but these are some things you should still bring along!
Any of these on your packing list? Something you think I forgot? Comment below!