
#Gear – What to pack for a day hike!
I will preface this list with saying, this is an ever evolving list. As I learn and gain more experience I every so slightly change what I am carrying. This list also changes with the weather and area we are hiking.
DAY HIKING LIST:
Day Pack:
- Osprey Mira 26L Pack
- I like these packs because:
- The frames keep your back cool and the weight off your back!
- The hip pockets are large enough for the essentials like a snack
- They came with a 3L Osprey bladder!
- The only con I have with this pack is that when you are going on a trip (like a flight) they do not fold or fit in another bag easily. These winds up being my carry on item if we fly with them.
- I like these packs because:

Hydration:
- 3L Bladder
- If it is a long hike it will likely has the water filter setup on it.
- 1 or 2 Electrolyte packets (Especially in the summer!)

Food:
- 3-5 Snacks (This depends on the length of the hike)
- My snacks normally include:
- 1 or 2 Cliff Bars
- Granola Bar
- Peanut Butter/Nut Butter Packet
- Zipblock with Nuts/Seeds
- Fruit Snack/Candy
- Kids Squeeze Apple Sauce <– Zack does NOT agree with this choice, he thinks they are too heavy for their energy, but they make me happy so I carry 1!
- For longer day hikes I will bring Tuna and a Tortilla or Chips/Cracker
- My snacks normally include:
Safety/Comfort:
- Matches and or Igniter
- Drugs: Benadryl, Advil, Musinex, Pepto
- Sunscreen Packet
- Bug Spray
- Paracord
- Toilet Paper/Tissues
- Tampons (because you never know!)
- Floss (I get agitated when I get something stuck in my teeth, I don’t want that on a 14 miles hike)
- Aluminium Bivy Sack
- I carry a 2 person one because I usually hike with at least 1 human or large dog. I will even carry this in the summer.
- Head Lamp – Even for a day hike, because you again never know what will happen

Clothing:
- Wearing (Head to Toe):
- Baseball Hat
- Sports Bra
- Quick Dry T-Shirt
- Quick Dry Long Sleeve – I am a fan of the quarter zip, allows for a little flexibly
- Quick Dry Undies
- Either Leggings or Hiking Pants
- Wool Socks – Either Smart Wool or Darn Tough
- Oboz Boots
- Carrying:
- Wool Hat (like this one from Coal)
- Sunglasses
- Packed — Buff
- Fleece Vest (Weather Dependent)
- Rain Jacket
- Pack-able Down Jacket – I carry this on any hike with elevation
Misc:
- Hiking Poles
- Knife
- Cook Setup, Cups, Spork – If we think we will want a hot meal or hot drink on the hike!
PS. I will say that I lean on the side of caution. If you have read any of my hike posts, you will see things can go wrong when you least expect them to. I am happy to be in the camp that carries something 100 times and never needs it, instead of having an emergency and not having what I need to stay safe.

