Heading out for a day hike but still not sure on what to pack? You're in luck! We have shortlisted the "must-bring essentials" for a day hike so you can escape the hurdles and enjoy your next hiking adventure.

Regardless of where we are going for a day hike, there are a few essentials we always bring with us! This list helps ensure that we are well prepared to prevent any chaos out in the wilderness. Don’t worry…this guide is useful for both first-time hikers and experienced hikers alike.

Before we get into the list, it is important to always keep these three things in mind…

•  Pack light

• Only carry the essentials

• Don’t forget safety gear

Now, time to dive into the 7 “must-have” items for your next day hike:

1. Backpack

A comfortable daypack is absolutely key, as it will be strapped to your back throughout the whole hike. Choose a backpack with interior pockets, hydration pack, hip belt, as well as the sternum strap (keeps the pack sturdy).

Instead of picking fancy or fashionable packs, opt for a lightweight daypack between 20 to 30 liters where you can place water, food, gear, and extra clothing. If the backpack comes with built-in water protection it's quite impressive! This feature helps to keep all your gear safe in case of rain and all your items inside the backpack will remain dry.

2. Sturdy Footwear

Durable shoes or footwear is the second priority on our list. So go out there and get the one that work for you! Blisters are the last thing you want to deal with. Lightweight trail shoes are a good option, as they protect your ankles on any kind of tough terrain and challenging surfaces with tricky ups and downs.

To combat the cold conditions and rough rocks, wear hiking socks to keep your feet comfortable. Hiking boots are recommended on longer hikes as they offer great stability and grip for uphill climbing and downhill descents. One thing to note, you should always try to pick waterproof footwear when possible.

3. Water and Energizing Foods

Proper hydration and nutrition are key factors for a successful hike! Make sure to pack at least one water bottle or CamelBak. Packing extra water and filters will leave your mind at ease. It is very important to drink half a liter of water every hour (especially during hot weather) as it helps replenish your body and keeps you safe on your excursion.

Another important item to pack is nutritious and energetic food. Ahh yes, our favorite part... You should look for nutrition-rich foods like nuts, pistachios, raisins, fruits, veggies, peanuts, and energy bars. It is always wise to bring some extra food to keep you fueled. Ready-to-eat foods will keep you active and energetic throughout the day.

4. Sun Protection

The sun is much stronger and can be more damaging to the skin at high altitudes. To protect yourself from the sun rays, make sure to apply sunscreen before your hike and toss some extra in your backpack to reapply along the way. When choosing a good sunscreen, consider the SPF level and the type of ingredients it contains. Dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 30 to block 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. It’s also best to bring a physical sunscreen with skin-safe ingredients that don’t leave a sticky feeling on the skin. Otherwise, you’re going to be sweating heaps throughout your hike.

Other than sunscreen, you can take a good pair of polarized sunglasses, hat, and SPF lip balm. Lips tend to dry out quickly due to sun and wind exposure, so don’t forget to apply lip balm to avoid cracked lips. A hat always does a good job at keeping the sun away from your eyes (and sometimes your neck, depending on the hat).

5. Map or Navigational Tools

Most hikes are well marked but on the off chance that you find yourself lost, it is a good idea to pack a compass and a map. You are likely to lose cell phone service at some point on your trip and it is important to familiarize yourself with the area in case of an emergency. You can also use a detailed topographical map to help guide you under any circumstances.

6. Safety Items (Light, Whistle)

Whenever you head out into the woods or mountains, it is a good idea to have a source of light that can guide you in the dark. If you are ever in the middle of the forest at night and don't have any idea of what's around you, use a thermal monocular. By sensing heat radiation it helps keep you away from dangerous animals and is seriously one of the best life-saving devices.

Flashlights, headlamps are also highly recommended to secure a spot in your backpack. These tools can signal to rescuers for help if you’re lost or injured. A whistle is the perfect tool for signaling distress. It may sound like a no brainer but even this simple tool can save a life.

7. First Aid Kit

Nobody can predict Mother Nature. First aid supplies can help you in the case of an emergency. Pack the basic items that don't add much weight to your bag. Band-Aids, insect repellent, ankle/knee wrap, blister protection bandages and bear spray are must-to bring essentials.

Bear spray is very important when venturing into the wilderness. Bears are very common and often searching for food at campsites. This little tool can help save you from an aggressive bear.

Be ready to snap great views on your daring hike

Most of us have love for photography! Although a camera is not a must-bring essential, you can still enjoy capturing photos or videos of your outdoor adventure. You can also get a lot of joy by sharing photos of your journey with friends and family. An iPhone is always a good option for a small, powerful camera to use on your hike.

What to pack for a day hike in the cold season

Winter hiking can be quite risky and challenging for hikers, but as we said before anything is possible with a proper checklist. Pack extra gloves, ear band, hand warmers, neck warmer, sturdy crampons etc. to stay warm and calm on your hike.

We personally recommend that new hikers wear lightweight gloves to mask the icy conditions. Take a headband and make sure to cover your ears to stay warm. This might help to regulate your body temperature. Remember to keep the legs dry and wear sturdy boots or shoes.

Go mountain biking

One of the best things about hiking is that you get to explore nature. The farther you go, the better! However, time may not be in your favor. For example, you want to cover a greater distance but only have a day or two to spare. In this case, you might want to go mountain biking. There is not much difference between the two. Besides the fun, both can positively contribute to your physical health and mental well-being. If you want and have the time, you can hike and bike at the same time. Interested? Add a lightweight but sturdy e-bike to your list.

Key Takeaways

Most outdoor explorers love to spend their valuable time with nature by camping, hiking, mountaineering or participating in nature walks. Sometimes packing for these excursions can feel like a pain. We hope this list helps make your next hike a breeze! Get out and there explore!

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