Daypack
What's in my Pack?
New to hiking and camping? Completing a day hike is a low-risk, rewarding way to get all the benefits of the outdoors without overcommitting. Below are some tips on how to safely prepare for a day hike for a guaranteed good time!
If you enjoy your day hike experience, you can always scale up to an overnight trip, then build your way to a week-long adventure–or longer! No pressure: The important thing is that you are getting outside and getting moving!
I’ve been on many day hikes in my time, starting when I was young and my family hiked around north Manitou Island. I learned from a young age the essentials every hiker should always have on them. My dayback is a great starter kit for day hikes–whether through a National Park, or just a local nature preserve near you.
Keep in mind: What you need to enjoy a day hike varies and depends heavily on the conditions of where you are hiking. A hike through a desert landscape may require different supplies than a hike through a forest, for example.
Below are some basic suggestions to get you started. Happy hiking!
The 5 essentials
No matter how long your hike, it’s always vital to bring the following five essentials for a day hike.
Navigation - Make sure you have maps, a compass, or some other source of navigation for the area you are hiking. Don’t rely on your phone, as there may not always be cell service where you are going. It’s also important to make sure you have your permits if that’s required!
Sun protection - Sunscreen, a sun shirt, a hat, etc. More on this in the “main gear” section below.
First-aid supplies - You may be thinking, “it’s just a day hike, I won’t get hurt.” To that I say: It’s best to be prepared! You will want to pack at the very last some bandaids, moleskin, antiseptic wipes, and any medicine you may need during your hike.
Nutrition - Snacks! You don’t want to be stranded up a creek without a paddle, and you don’t want to be stranded on a hike without any food! Make sure you pack some lightweight, easy foods, like granola bars and nuts, to keep you sustained on your hike.
Hydration - Of all the things you need to bring on a hike, water is by far the most important. I have more suggestions below on the type of water bottle to bring specifically.
Main gear
Start with the bag
To start, what kind of bag do you need to keep all your items in for your day hike? I prefer a light bag, the size of a small backpack. I also like a bag with pockets on the sides and all around the bag to separate items as needed (for example, so I can keep my map in a separate compartment so I can access it easily). The Daybreak Ultralight Daypack I’ve selected here fits all of these needs.
Water bottle
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You should always take a water bottle with you, no matter the length of the hike or the difficulty of the terrain. Staying hydrated is the most important thing to ensure a safe, fulfilling hike. I like to take a water bottle with a handle, so I can clip it to my bag instead of putting it inside and risking any spilling. The 32 oz Chute Mag Renew Water Bottle selected here would work well.
Sun protection
I always have multiple items in my daypack related to sun protection, namely: A pair of sunglasses, a hat and a bottle of sunscreen. You can get sunburned even on cloudy or colder days, so it’s recommended to apply before you start hiking and every 2 hours afterwards. If possible, I would also recommend purchasing sunscreen that has zinc in it, as this is dermatologist recommended and proven to be most effective against harmful UV rays. The Mineral SPF sunscreen I’ve selected here has zinc in its contents.
I also keep bug spray in my bag, as well as lip balm, to ensure comfort on my hikes. One tip: The higher the DEET content, the more effective the spray at repelling our little mosquito friends. I’ve selected a bug spray here with 98% DEET content. In some places (like the desert) this item may not be needed. Again, always check the conditions of where you are hiking before selecting items for your pack.
Snacks and safety
Not included in my pack but something to definitely bring along: snacks! The best trail snacks are high in protein and calories, to keep you going when you’re burning calories quickly. I prefer snacks like beef jerky, granola bars or mixed nuts.
To ensure my safety, I also always bring a small first aid kit, including items like moleskin and band aids. Moleskin has been my saving grace more than once when I’ve gotten a nasty blister on the trail.The day hike first aid kit I’ve selected here has everything you should need and is compact enough to fit in a small daypack. I’d also recommend bringing a small pocket knife to cut the moleskin to fit your blisters as needed.
The last but most certainly not least component of your daypack is a physical map of the space you are hiking. You will need it, as cell service varies greatly depending on where you are hiking and you don’t want to rely on your phone to get you around. Additionally, there’s often nowhere to charge your phone if it runs out of battery on the trail.
What I'm wearing
Don’t underestimate the importance of what you wear for a successful hiking experience. In order to dress for success, always keep an eye on the weather where you are hiking. Dress according to the conditions and terrain of your destination.
Below are tips to keep in mind when choosing what to wear for a day hike.
Foot Protection
Arguably one of the most important components of your wardrobe, good hiking shoes can truly make or break a trip. I have always gotten my hiking boots from REI, and I prefer to visit my local store and try them on in-person to make sure I’ve got the right fit. I look for shoes with ankle support, arch support, and adjustable laces so I can tighten or loosen as needed.
Another important but often overlooked piece of your hiking wardrobe is socks. I recommend buying moisture-wicking, comfortable socks to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. I’ve had more than my fair share of blisters on the trail and I can tell you, you want to do everything in your power to avoid them!
Shirt, shorts and more
Often, the temperatures where you are hiking, especially if you’re in the mountains or hiking in the spring or fall, vary dramatically during the day. I’d recommend starting with a T-shirt, comfortable athletic pants (shorts if it’s warm, or water resistant if you’ll be wading through rivers), a sweatshirt or hoodie you can take off once you warm up, and a hat and sunglasses if needed (mentioned above).
You don’t need to buy name-brand clothes to enjoy a day hike: Any comfortable clothes that breathe (no jeans) and that you don’t mind sweating in will do!
With these items in your pack and on your person, you’re well prepared for a fun day hike wherever you choose to go!
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