If you plan on going hiking for the day, it is important that you carry the right gear, accessories, and clothing with you to maintain proper safety. What follows is a day hike checklist that provides you the essential elements of your adventure.
Basics
Your day hiking essentials will need to include the following for all weather and terrain conditions.
– Insulation (Summer): Shirt, Pants, Hat, & Jacket or Blanket
– Insulation (Winter): Jacket, Pants, Vest, Gloves, Hat, & Long Underwear
– Fire: Lighter or Matches, Fire Starter, Waterproof Container
– First Aid Kit
– Food: One Day Extra Supply of Food
– Lighting: Larger Flashlight, Small or Keychain Flashlight, & Extra Batteries
– Navigational Aids: Compass, Protected Map, & GPS (optional)
– Shelter: Tent, Tarp, or Reflective Blanket
– Sun Protection: Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
– Tools: Multi-Tool Kit, Knife, Kits for Mattress and Stove, & Duct Tape
– Water: Water Bottles & Water Filter
All of these are essential for your hiking adventure, even if you only plan to be gone for a few hours. By carrying this equipment, you can be prepared for the unexpected. Many people who go hiking for a day or the weekend will have packed their backpacks with these items already and add what other items they need for the trip just to save time.
Important Items
The following list consists of items that are important, but not necessarily essential to your day hike checklist. Most people will take some, but not all of these items with them on their trip.
- Binoculars
- Cups
- Daypack
- Energy Beverages
- Extra Clothes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Insect Repellent
- Lunch
- Poles for Trekking
- Sanitation Trowel
- Snacks
- Toilet Paper
- Small Towel
- Trash Bag
- Whistle or Noisemaker
If you are only going for a few hours along familiar trails, then most of these items will not be all that important. However, there is a selected number that you might want to have handy anyway, such as the whistle to get people’s attention or the insect repellent for summer trips.
Electronic Devices
Most of the following items will help you record your adventure which makes it even more fun. However, there are a few that may help save your life in case of an emergency.
- Camera
- Helmet Camera
- Multi-Function Watch
- Personal Locator Beacon
- Satellite or Cell Phone
- Two-Way Radio
This day hiking gear list is important in case you need to call for help. Most cell phones are useless out in the wilderness, so a satellite phone is better.
Hiking During Warm Weather
You’ll still want to protect yourself from the two elements that offer the biggest challenges, sunlight, and insects.
- Hat with Brim
- Insulated Fleece Jacket
- Long Sleeve Shirt
- Mosquito Net Clothing
- Quick Drying Pants or Shorts
- Wicking T-shirt and Underwear
The main danger apart from the sun and insects is overheating, so bring along plenty of water.
Hiking During Cold Weather
- Protection from the cold is your primary goal.
- Insulated Boots
- Gloves
- Hat
- Rain Jacket & Pants
- Warm Jacket
- Wicking Shirt & Underwear
With these items, you’ll be fully prepared for your next adventure out in the wilderness.
