Whether walking two miles to a local creek or trekking 20 miles to summit a local peak, the essentials to pack for day hiking are the same. Layers of clothing, amount of water, and amount of food are the main variables dependent on the season, elevation, location, and miles.
Yes, day hiking sounds simple, but preparation is still key. We’ve seen too many people start a full-day hike carrying their gear in a plastic grocery bag, or running out of water early.
Utilize this list for a confident and safe day hike.
Required Items
Backpack (15-30L)
Have an old backpack from school? Use it! Whether intended for hiking or not, any backpack is better than none when it comes to day hiking. Ready to invest in a go-to pack to keep gear stored and prepared for the next adventure?
Look for these features:
- Mesh/elastic external water bottle holders
- Internal water bladder & straw holder
- Chest and waist straw
- Multiple zippered compartments
- Breathable, well-ventilated backrest
For simple, affordable, lightweight, and packable for travel, the REI Flashpack 18L will get the job done. For more pockets, features, clips, and back ventilation, the Deuter Speed Lite 24 is a reliable choice.
Water Bottle/Bladder/Reservoir
For water bottles, a Hyrdo Flask will keep water cold, but a Nalgene is lighter weight. Both are highly durable and have loops to secure to a backpack with external clips.
For hydration packs, choose one with 3L capacity, like this Platypus or Camelback. A water bladder stays cooler than a bottle since it is inside the pack, and you’ll hydrate more regularly since the straw is always accessible.
Rule of thumb for how much water to bring: 3L for a full day hike (approximately 8 hours from car to car). Always bring more water than needed. Be sure everyone in the group has packed enough water. If one person packs the right amount, and another does not pack any, the group is at risk for dehydration.
Food/Snacks
Never begin a day hike without food packed! Like water, the amount of food will depend on the number of hours on the trail, and how challenging the hike is. For longer hikes, pack a lunch to enjoy at the midway point.
Ideal food and snacks for day hiking:
- Any type of bar
- Trail mix
- Apples
- Dried fruit
- Avocado with tortillas
- Bagged tuna fish
- String cheese
- Of course– the classic PB&J
Leave No Trace
An empty zip lock bag is needed for all trash, including but not limited to avocado pits, banana peels, apple pits, and toilet paper. Don’t be the reason someone else sees trash on their favorite trail.
Assume mother nature will call while exploring the great outdoors. Expect it! Prepare for it. Don’t bring an entire roll of toilet paper. With a small bottle of antibacterial gel, spin the TP around the bottle (loosely), and the bottle acts as the cardboard roll of the TP, plus allows for handwashing after the deed is done.
Store this in a ziplock bag, which will also act as the trash bag if/when the TP is used. Or reuse a dried fruit or granola zip lock bag.
A trowel/shovel is optional but not necessary. A sharp rock can be used as a trowel to dig the six-inch deep hole when needed.
Ladies – bring a Kula Cloth or a bandana to use a pee rag. Both should be attached to the outside of the backpack after use to air dry and then washed at home.
Sun Protection
Choose a hat that is soft and breathable. Sunglasses should have UV protection and be polarized. Sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Chapstick must have SPF in it, as well.
Even on an overcast day, it is easy to have too much sun exposure when you spend a few hours outside.
Safety Essentials
Trip Planning Materials
Even though many day hiking trails are well marked, carrying a map with distances, intersections, elevation, and landmarks assist in navigation to the destination and back to the trailhead, without getting lost. Buy a topographic map of the local area from the local ranger station, or of a favorite park, like Yosemite Day Hikes.
Another option is to download an offline map of the day hike and enable GPS tracking, using an App like Avenza Maps.
Before walking out the door, check the weather. Always prepare for both cold and hot temperatures, but know the forecast to guide the amount of water and clothing needed. Also, rain can cause flash floods in dry river beds that seem safe but can quickly turn deadly. Thunder and lightning can make being on top of a pass, mountain peak, or ridgeline unsafe.
Emergency Preparedness
Here is a complete list of everything that can go into a Backcountry First Aid Kit. For a short day hike, not all of the first aid items on that list will be necessary, but having a few basics along is a good plan.
Without supplies or knowledge of wilderness first aid, ability to communicate to first responders in case of an emergency is necessary. Do not rely on cell phone reception as it is usually not available on trails.
Telling a friend the trail, parking lot, length, and the number of hours of the hike is one safety precaution. If it’s too late to text a friend, leave a note on the vehicle dashboard with the details and an emergency contact.
Always pack a headlamp or a flashlight charged or have fresh batteries, even when expecting to complete a hike before the sun goes down. Getting lost, taking longer than expected, starting the trail later than planned, or if there is an emergency, will all create the need for a headlamp.
Hiking Wallet
If an emergency does happen, and the day either ends in a full-blown rescue or even at the hospital, having proper identification, insurance, and evacuation coverage (ex. CareFlight) will make the whole process smoother and more affordable. A simple trip on a rock can leave one incapacitated, and these items will allow someone else to help.
Keep your hiking ID wallet in your day pack at all times so you never forget it.
Clothing Essentials
Footwear
As a beginner, any walking or running shoes will suffice. For more comfort, fewer injuries, and the ability to hike longer distances, finding the best hiking shoe will prove its benefits.
Main features to consider:
- Ankle support
- Foot protection
- Waterproof or not
- Durability
Everyone’s feet and bodies are different, and therefore different elements will be more important to each individual.
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (includes Women’s Wide sizes) is waterproof and lightweight compared to most other boots. For an even lighter option, some hikers prefer to wear trail runners instead. The Hoka One One Speedgoat is a favorite among those who like to be on the trail for long distances, and move fast. It also comes in a mid-version for more ankle support.
Wool socks are best for hiking. To reduce blisters, wear a liner sock under wool socks. This increases breathability and decreases rubbing.
Clothing
If nothing else, yoga pants or basketball shorts with any old t-shirt will suffice. For longer hikes, more comfort, less chafing, less sweat, and more versatility, invest in clothes that are non-cotton, stretchy, breathable, and quick-drying.
Don’t feel limited to the results from a “hiking shorts” web search. Hikers wear running shorts, and can find that shorts and pants meant for climbing are more lightweight and stretchy.
For shirts, consider the pack straps, and sun exposure when choosing sleeve length. Buy one size up than normal, to allow for more comfort, movement, and airflow.
For undergarments, wear something that can double as a bathing suit for those gorgeous and enticing lakes and rivers along the trail on a hot day. For women, Patagonia’s Barely Sports Bra and Barely Hipster Underwear are perfect for the occasion.
Layering
Even on a hot day or if only hiking for an hour, there is always a chance the temperature will drop, or the wind will pick up. At a minimum, bring a hoodie, puffy, or fleece. Having a warm layer that packs down, and is lightweight allows for hours of comfort on the trail, regardless of weather surprises.
The Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie or the Patagonia Nano-Air are amazing mid-layers that will last for many years and end up being a go-to jacket. Packing a warm layer that is synthetic and not down, like both of these options, leaves both dry and warm even if a little precipitation does fall.
To fully protect against wind and rain, pack a trustworthy, lightweight, and waterproof rain jacket.
Optional Items
Trekking Poles
Features to consider – cork handles and stow size.
These Leki Trekking Poles are a top choice to reduce sweaty palms and stow the poles completely inside a pack when not in use. Not only are they great for day hiking, but also traveling, and backcountry snowboarding.
Wind-Blocking Gloves
Lightweight, wind-blocking gloves, like Manzella Women’s Silkweight Windstopper Ultra Touch Gloves, will keep the hands warm without needing to shove them into jacket pockets.
Bug Spray
Mosquitos, no-see-ums, and gnats can turn a day hike from pleasant to wanting to run back to the car. Don’t let them ruin a day out in nature! A spray with 30% DEET is enough to keep the bites away while being safe and tolerable. Don’t be the person that carries around 100% DEET and then never uses it! Avon Skin-So-Soft Sunscreen/BugSpray Lotion protects from UV rays and the bugs while also smelling and feeling wonderful.
Trail Runner/Boot Gaiters
For dry, dusty trails, wear trail running gaiters to keep dust and small pebbles from getting inside shoes.
For wet seasons or locations (ex. Seattle and New Zealand), boot gaiters provide a carefree day hiking experience of tromping through snow or rain.
Photography by Daniel Deemer.
Publication: GearJunkie
Publication Date: n/a
Date of Completion: July 8, 2020