What to bring on a day trip
(spring summer fall)
*NOTE: winter activities require different gear and preparation. Where you are and what winter is where you live will dictate what preparation you need to do. I will be expanding on winter soon.
You are headed out hiking. Shoes on your feet and sunscreen. Lets go right? It can be that easy, but if you want to have a good time consider this list:
Get yourself a comfy little day pack. Small but big enough to hold a jacket.
In that pack always have the following
1. a water bottle
2. a hat or a buff. if you are in the mountains consider a toque. (knit cap for you americans)
3. a layer: windbreaker, rain coat or something similar in case of weather.
4. Food. Hiking is no time to diet so bring high calorie nutrient dense food.
Jerky, trail mix, power bars, cheese, nuts, chocolate.
5. extra socks
In that pack always have the following
1. a water bottle
2. a hat or a buff. if you are in the mountains consider a toque. (knit cap for you americans)
3. a layer: windbreaker, rain coat or something similar in case of weather.
4. Food. Hiking is no time to diet so bring high calorie nutrient dense food.
Jerky, trail mix, power bars, cheese, nuts, chocolate.
5. extra socks
Also here are some non essentials, but things that I find pretty awesome.
A map you wont always need this but if you are unsure or your are on a network path with lots of options bring a map!
Sandals (left in the car) oh the joys of removing your shoes at the end of a hike, they will likely swell a bit so the freedom can feel amazing.
A treat for the summit my husband and I like to bring our tiny camp stove and a pot so we can make tea at the summit. Especially on a cold day! Also a little chocolate goes a long way after a big hike
Water purification tablets or some other way to purify water. Especially on a longer hike where you know there are water sources. That way you can carry less water or just not worry about running out if you are sweating more than you expected to.
Camera (your phone) turn in to airplane mode and just use it to track the steps and take some awesome photos
Hiking poles i hate going without them, something to lean on, extra balance. What a difference these made in confidence for me.
A towel you are going to sweat my friend, and a fat hiker will have rolls. heat and darkness breeds bacteria so bringing a towel can help you keep dry, and avoid chaffing and pain.
First Aid Kit basic kit with some blister care, stomach meds, bandaids, wound cleaner, (of course you can get much more complicated with first aid kits but for a day hike less than 10 km from a trail head in a busy area the most likely thing you need is blister care)
Sandals (left in the car) oh the joys of removing your shoes at the end of a hike, they will likely swell a bit so the freedom can feel amazing.
A treat for the summit my husband and I like to bring our tiny camp stove and a pot so we can make tea at the summit. Especially on a cold day! Also a little chocolate goes a long way after a big hike
Water purification tablets or some other way to purify water. Especially on a longer hike where you know there are water sources. That way you can carry less water or just not worry about running out if you are sweating more than you expected to.
Camera (your phone) turn in to airplane mode and just use it to track the steps and take some awesome photos
Hiking poles i hate going without them, something to lean on, extra balance. What a difference these made in confidence for me.
A towel you are going to sweat my friend, and a fat hiker will have rolls. heat and darkness breeds bacteria so bringing a towel can help you keep dry, and avoid chaffing and pain.
First Aid Kit basic kit with some blister care, stomach meds, bandaids, wound cleaner, (of course you can get much more complicated with first aid kits but for a day hike less than 10 km from a trail head in a busy area the most likely thing you need is blister care)