This is the practical stuff we at Bearfoot Theory actually bring on an average day hike. Nothing more and nothing less. For size, a typical day hiking pack ranges from liters. This is enough to hold your extra layers and all of the other day hiking essentials that we talk about below.
Some of the most important day hiking gear is the kind that you wear! Check out our guide to what to wear hiking for more. So try to steer clear of this material if you can.
I personally wear a lightweight weat-wicking shirt on warm summer days long-sleeved for extra sun protection. Always pack a lightweight raincoat that you can stuff in your pack and a hat and gloves if you think it might get chilly. I usually also wear a buff , which is a lightweight layer that goes around your neck. It works well for wiping off sweat, protecting you from the sun or wind, or keeping your neck warm if it gets cold. Also, pack a breathable brimmed hat and sturdy sunglasses to protect your eyes and face.
During winter hikes, the sun reflects off the snow and sends some pretty strong rays back at you. Sun protection is a day hiking essential that will help you to prevent injury. Here are some of our favorite essentials for sun protection:. There are a lot of great websites and apps for finding trails. We highly encourage you to have a few of these downloaded on your phone. For navigation, Gaia is one of our favorite GPS apps that allows you to see your location in real-time on your phone.
In the outdoors, there are plenty of places where there is no WiFi connection or cell reception and unlike a map or a compass, the battery on your phone can die. If you happen to get lost and find yourself with a dead smartphone, that could be a real safety concern. If you want to opt for a navigational tool like a handheld GPS, then go for it!
There are a lot of great options out there, like the Garmin InReach my go-to , which is sturdy enough to take with you and also serves as a backcountry communication device. Your body needs water to function at its very best. In any weather, staying well hydrated can help you avoid dehydration or even altitude sickness , but moreover, it simply helps you feel good and have fun.
It was an era before helicopter evacuations and satellite beacons; the ten essentials were designed to help folks stay alive outside. Today the ten essentials still hold true at their core, but can be improved upon with the help of new gear and technology. If you just want to see the gear that I use, you can see a complete, current list here. Today technology has made hiking much easier.
Smartphones allow you to map and overlay weather in real time. LED bulbs are bright and last thousands of hours. That is, until it fails. So when I pack the ten essentials, I generally include two options, a high-tech version that works great, and an old-school version that works if the high tech version fails.
The small size and low weight of hiking gear today makes this possible. Navigation and maps might be the most important hiking essential. If you know where you are, you should know how to get home. In this case I actually use several devices. This is pretty straightforward. Use sunscreen and SPF protected clothing to avoid sunburn and sun poisoning. I also carry a tarp and cord in my pack so I can erect a shade shelter if need be. Snow blindness, or photokeratitis, is sun-burn for your eyes, and can happen without snow.
I always bring extra layers in my pack. An easy way to do this is to get pants that convert to shorts. Snacks will prevent everyone in your group from becoming hangry and will make for the perfect treat when you stop to take in the stunning natural sights. Compare policies at TravelInsurance.
Believe it or not, a lot can go wrong on a quick day hike. Be prepared for blisters, splinters, cuts, and other blunders with a well-stocked first aid kit. Keep this lightweight kit in your daypack so you can whip it out in case of emergency. Three bursts will help people distinguish your whistling from the hoots and calls of birds in the area. Repeat your three-toot call every so often to signal your need for help! A bandana is a multi-use hiking must-have. They serve double or triple duty by moonlighting as headbands, face masks, napkins for snacks, and more.
This one comes in many different colors, so you and your friends can all match. In case this happens, you should always have a headlamp in your pack to guide your way back. This one is fun to wear and shines super bright. For maximum cushion and temperature control, always hike in wool socks. These ones are my tried and true favorite wool socks, and come in a variety of colors.
Give back to the earth by picking up trash during your hike! I always like to bring a reusable bag with me in case I come along any litter. Bug repellent often has an unpleasant smell and can be full of dangerous chemicals. These mosquito bracelets are the perfect solution. They are DEET-free and use plan-based oils to keep the mosquitos away. Pack calorie-dense foods to help fuel your hike, and carry an extra portion in case you are out longer than expected.
The weatherman is not always right. Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Wear moisture-wicking items and carry a warm hat. Have means to start an emergency fire , signal for help, and see the trail and your map in the dark. Supplies to treat illness or injury are only as helpful as your knowledge of how to use them. Take a class to gain the skills needed to administer first aid and CPR.
With countless uses, a multi-tool can help with gear repair and first aid. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing should be used in every season regardless of temperature or cloud cover.
Protection from the elements in the event you are injured or stranded is necessary. A lightweight, inexpensive space blanket is a great option.
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