What to bring for a day hike!
What to Bring Day Hiking
So you are ready to hit the trails. Preparing for a hike can be overwhelming as you try to remember everything you might need. I prepared this list to give you an idea of the things I have in my backpack. even with my checklist, I forget something when I don’t prepare in advance. I normally have my backpack ready to go two days before my hike. I am the worst with last-minute packing and hate adding unnecessary stress. Ladies, we need a few extra things because, well, we’re ladies!
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
Hiking backpack
Trekking poles aka hiking sticks
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes (if you like water but hate muddy, wet feet, get waterproof)
Plenty of food (snacks for days!)
Plenty of water (lots and lots of water but not too heavy)
First-aid kit (necessary but hoping I don’t need it)
Knife or multi-tool ( I’m extra)
Headlamp: plus extra batteries (just in case it gets dark while I’m out)
Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes, and sunscreen
Gloves and bandana (because grabbing trees and sweating)
Toiletries and Feminine products (because I’m a woman and things happen)
Bags (the plastic shopping bags under the sink)
BACKPACK
Backpacks are a personal preference and range in colors, sizes, cost, and functionality. A backpack is the primary piece of gear for day hiking. One that holds 11–20 liters of gear is about right for short, simple hikes. Carrying anything bigger will weigh you down. I have two and alternate based on how I am feeling and what I know I will be carrying.
When selecting a backpack think about your key essentials, water, snacks, and your first aid kit. Both of my bags have a space for my water bladder and/or water bottles. Let’s talk water while we’re here.
FOOD AND WATER
For water, some experts suggest you start with about two liters per person for the day, but adjust the amount depending on length and intensity of the hike, weather conditions, your age, sweat rate and body type. I typically fill my water bladder and pack a bottle of water in one of my side pockets. Hydration is key!
I love SNACKS!
Pack snacks like energy bars, jerky, and nuts that you can eat easily on the trail. Some people like to bring a sandwich for lunch, too. My snacks have to fill me up and give me energy because getting tired three miles from the car is not a good look. I pack peanut butter and crackers, fruit, energy bars, nuts, jerky, and that one time I packed some sardines and crackers…soooo good!
SHOES
The right shoe is very important for your hike.
For footwear, determine what to wear based on the terrain. On gentle hikes on smooth trails, hiking shoes or trail runners are sufficient. For treks on rocky, rugged trails, boots will provide more support.
I always wear a waterproof hiking boot. I hate wet socks and don’t want to fall sloshing through the mud. I am currently searching for a new boot to get me through the summer months. I will let you know what I find.
THE EXTRA STUFF
Experience is a good teacher. Here are a few things men don’t think to post when ladies are preparing for a hiking trip. I learned the hard way and sharing with you so you don’t have too.
TISSUE, WIPES AND BAGS!
If you’re reading this, think about how much tissue you use when you have to relieve yourself. Now go in the bathroom, get that same amount and put it inside one of the 50 million grocery shopping bags you have. After you put the tissue inside your bag, get another bag and put it in there with your wipes. Why?
If you have to pee, you might have to squat it out! Take your tissue out of the bag, handle your business, clean yourself up and use the extra bag for trash. You have to carry everything out with you. There is no tossing trash on the trail. We don’t do that!
There are plenty of other methods to try but for me, this works best, IF, I have to go.
The point of a day hike is to get out and enjoy nature. To relax. To forget about all the things stressing you out and disconnect. This list is a quick starter to make sure you set yourself up for the best hiking experience.
I covered a few of the essentials because those were the things that caught me off guard before. If you have questions or suggestions, share them below. I would love to hear from you and learn more about day hiking best practices.
Signing off so I can double-check my bag and charge my extra charger now.
