Packing for a Dayhike

Heading out for your first day hike is an adventure waiting to happen, and packing right is your first step to a great experience.

If you’re new to hiking and feeling overwhelmed by the variety of gear available, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the essentials you need for a day on the trails, ensuring you’re prepared without being overburdened.

Daypack

A daypack is crucial for comfortably carrying all your essentials during a hike, from water and food to extra layers and safety gear. It allows for organized storage and easy access to your items, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation without being weighed down.

Our reccomendations:

• Osprey Sportlight 20 - premium option
• Esup 15L Lightweight Daypack - value option

Boots / Footwear

A good pair of hiking boots is a valuable investment for hikers because they offer essential ankle support, grip, and protection against rough terrain, ensuring comfort and safety on any trail.

Our reccomendation:

• Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Water Bottle

Carrying a water bottle is essential on any hike, ensuring you stay hydrated and energized throughout your journey. It’s not only a healthier choice for you but also for the environment, reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

A general guideline is to drink about half a liter (17 ounces) of water per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures. Double the rate for especially hot or strenuous hikes.

Our reccomendation: CamelBak 50oz

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles provide valuable support and stability on uneven terrain, reducing the impact on your joints and aiding in balance. If you’re not ready to invest in a pair, grabbing a sturdy stick from the woods can serve a similar purpose, and leaving it by the trailhead afterward is a nice way to pay it forward for the next hiker.

Our reccomendation: Trekology Hiking Poles

Knife

A knife is an incredibly useful tool on a hike, serving multiple purposes from preparing snacks to cutting bandages in a first-aid situation, or even aiding in making repairs to gear. Its versatility makes it an essential item for any hiker’s pack, providing a sense of preparedness for a variety of outdoor scenarios.

Our reccomendation: Gerber Gear 22-48445N Paraframe Knife

First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is essential for any hike, providing the necessary supplies to handle minor injuries or emergencies on the trail, ensuring you can safely address issues from cuts and scrapes to blisters or allergic reactions.

I have added benedryl to my first aid kit for dealing with poison ivy and other allergic reactions.

Our recomendation: Protect Life First Aid Kit

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have for hikers, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and preventing sunburn, which can significantly impact your comfort and health during and after a day on the trail.

Our recomendation: Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen

Bug Repellent

Bug repellent is essential for hikers, particularly in regions where ticks are prevalent, as it helps prevent bites and the risk of Lyme disease, alongside offering protection against other pests, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience.

Our recomendation: Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (No DEET)

A Note on Clothes

Moisture wicking athletic materials are preferable to cotton becuse they retain their insulating properties even when they are wet, and they help move moisture away from the body.

For beginner hikes in good weather, you might find cotton garments are suitable. When climate conditions are less-than-ideal, consider more specialized materials.

Pack at least one layer more than you expect to need in case weather conditions change.

Other preparations

Before setting out on a hike, non-gear preparations are just as crucial as packing your backpack. These steps help ensure your safety and peace of mind during your adventure:

1. Inform someone of your plans: Always let a friend or family member know your hiking route, destination, and expected return time. This is vital for your safety, as it ensures someone knows where you are in case of an emergency.
2. Check the weather forecast: Understanding the day’s weather conditions can help you prepare appropriately, whether that means packing extra sun protection, waterproof gear, or additional layers for cold weather.
3. Review the trail information: Familiarize yourself with the trail’s length, difficulty level, and any potential hazards. Knowing what to expect can help you assess whether the hike is suitable for your skill level and what specific preparations you might need.
4. Plan your transportation: Ensure you know how to get to the trailhead and back. If the hike is a loop or ends at a different location, you may need to arrange for a pickup or spot a second car.
5. Pack food and snacks: Even if you plan to be back before mealtime, having enough high-energy foods like nuts, fruits, and energy bars can help maintain your energy levels, especially on longer or more strenuous hikes.
6. Stay hydrated: Begin your hike well-hydrated and carry sufficient water for the trail, adjusting the amount based on the weather, intensity, and duration of the hike.

Taking these steps can significantly enhance your hiking experience, making it safer and more enjoyable.