#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.

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

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.