Hiking what should i bring

I always carry an extra pair of socks, and two empty sliced bread bags. If your feet and boots get soaked, stop and dry off your feet. Put on your dry socks, and then put each foot in a bread bag before putting on your boots. It will keep your dry socks from absorbing moisture from your boots, and keep your feet dry.

All this does not add too much added weight to my pack. Like your list, but because I hike alone frequently I include some items that would help if I had to be out overnight injury etc. I include a good puffy, a lightweight tarp and a bothy bag or space blanket. I also wear an emergency whistle, and carry my cell phone and a firesteel. I leave a note in my truck saying where and when I left and any other pertinent details. I also carry vehicle emergency stuff, a change of clothes, a sleeping bag, and food and water for three days.

Great list! I would add a couple of safety or emergency items, such as a whistle, signaling mirror just in case you get hurt or lost on the trail. Nice blog. It will surely help beginners update their knowledge. The efforts you have put in to create the posts are quite interesting. Looking forward to seeing you soon in a new post.

We have a hiking packing list of essential items written down below that you will need to keep them with you for going on a hike. You never know which one is going to come handy for emergency purposes. Nothing to make fire with in the event you are lost? How do you keep from getting hypothermia, especially in rain or snow? I bring a couple items that are less remembered including lip chap, as having chapped lips at a higher elevation is really painful.

My nose tends to run like a facet the higher I go in elevation and most of the washroom facilities are out out toilet paper. I think essentials vary quite a bit from location to location and depend on time of day.

We generally hike in Texas with water and snacks being the most important to carry. A ziplock bag is a great option for keeping the trash you pick up along the trail separate from the rest of your gear.

Level up by including a pair of disposable gloves to use when picking up less-pleasant litter. Your gift makes you part of a growing hiking community helping to protect the places you love to hike. AHS prepares the next generation of trail stewards and advocates from local parks to Capitol Hill.

AHS keeps you informed and gives you the tools to take action and make your voice heard! The Ten Essentials of Hiking. Jasper Van Der Meij. The Ten Essentials. Appropriate Footwear Happy feet make for pleasant hiking.

Food Pack calorie-dense foods to help fuel your hike, and carry an extra portion in case you are out longer than expected. Safety Items light , fire, and a whistle Have means to start an emergency fire , signal for help, and see the trail and your map in the dark.

If you have any allergies to food or medication, let your hiking partners know beforehand and tell them how to help in case of a serious reaction. BUG SPRAY — Insects can often overwhelm you in the backcountry, so bring some effective bug repellent if you anticipate pesky insects on your day hike.

Be sure to pack a tube of long-lasting, UV-rated chapstick — especially on dry and sunny hikes — and your lips will thank you later. Always use hand sanitizer before you eat to neutralize any bacteria, parasites, or viruses that you may have encountered along the trail. Dig a hole at least six inches deep — feet from any water sources, trails, and campsites — and bury your waste entirely, letting it compost naturally into the earth below.

And always pack out your TP and avoid burying it at all costs. Many brands of toilet paper have harmful chemicals that will be released into the earth when buried. Hikers and backpackers tend to opt for lightweight and durable photography gear that can withstand the rigors of the trail.

CAMERA — While smartphones are the simple solution to capturing photos during your day hike, a packable camera can take your backcountry photography to the next level. Mirrorless cameras are popular among hikers and backpackers because they are compact and capture high-quality photographs. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing epic landscapes, whereas zoom lenses are better for long-distance photos of wildlife.

TRIPOD — Bringing a lightweight and compact tripod on your hike will make you a more versatile photographer in the wilderness. Tripods will allow you to snap stunning backcountry portraits and also help stabilize the camera, capturing more clear and vivid photos. You can use a Ziploc or a simple rolltop dry bag to give your photography gear the extra layer of protection it needs. Consider using a silicon lens cover to prevent lenses from fogging and accumulating water during especially humid conditions.

If you have serious allergies, leave an allergy information card in your wallet, as it will alert medics to any medications or food to avoid. Hiking is about preparation, diligence, and respect for mother nature. Day hikes, both big and small, deserve thoughtful preparation. So, get ready for your next day hike the right way. Utilize my extensive checklist, get your hands on the proper gear, and hit the trail relaxed and full of confidence.

Are there any day hiking essentials that should have made my list? What essential hiking advice would you give to a beginner? What piece of gear do you bring on every single day hike? Let me know by leaving some feedback in the comments below! Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In winter, start with warm, non-cotton baselayers, fleece or wool midlayers, and waterproof outer layers. Something to keep warm if you stop moving and rain gear should always be in your pack.

For cooler days or summits, consider a hat and gloves. Make sure it has fresh batteries or is fully charged before setting out. A small flashlight works fine too. Basic first aid supplies are crucial so you can treat yourself or your hiking partners in case of an injury. At the very least, carry bandages, an elastic wrap to use in case of a sprained ankle, and pain medication like ibuprofen.

Also carry hand sanitizer and something to clean wounds, like alcohol prep pads. Again, carrying a full-blown camping shelter is rarely necessary on dayhikes, but protection from the elements can offer peace of mind, especially on longer, challenging hikes. Consider packing a compact space blanket find them for a couple bucks at any big box store , emergency bivy, or even a small tarp for longer excursions. This tenth essential is most important for winter and overnight hikes.

A lighter, matches, or a camp stove can be used for purifying water, staying warm, or even signaling for help in an emergency. Your phone serves as everything from a map to a camera, as well as a way to call for help if something goes wrong.

For rainy hikes or those that require stream crossings, store your phone in a plastic bag or waterproof case. While certainly not necessary, some hikers may prefer using poles for balance and to relieve pressure on the knees while hiking. Consider collapsible poles you can store in or on your pack when not in use.