10 Things Day Hikers Need to Pack for Comfort and Fun

There is a definate strategy for packing for day hikes. The best advice I ever heard is to pack twice. First, gather everything you think you’ll need and pack it, with most used items in easy-to-reach spots, and less used in the bottom.


All done? Now unpack the bag, and as you replace each item, ask yourself, “After I have hiked 5 miles, will I still wish I had brought this?” This bit of advice becomes much more meaningful after you have taken your first 10 mile or better hike- the kind where you jettison your belongings rather than keep carrying them on your back. In backpack-packing, weight is your primary concern.


Pick a pack that is both comfortable and light. If you’re day hiking, a day pack (bigger than a fanny pack, and better looking, usually with water bottle holders) may be enough, particularly if there are 2 hiker. Note: if you are hiking together, each person needs their own pack. One sure way to hiker discontent is for one person to be stuck carrying the whole load.


Hint: think of exchanging pack contents- if you have the other person’s contents in your pack, and they have your contents in their pack, you can each just turn around and easily reach what you need. Otherwise you either have to take off your pack or explain to your companion where to find the item, as in “it’s in the bottom outside zipper- no not that bottom, the one above it…”

1. Water gets lighter as you hike because you are drinking it. Go for a pull top or bottle with a strap to hold the top so you won’t be chasing it as it rolls down the hill, then wiping it with your bandana to get the dirt off. It’s not going to stay cold for long, so don’t bother about insulated bottles. They’ll add weight but not much value.
   
   
   


2. Sunblock should go on before you leave the house. Remember the back of your neck. Bring a small container in one person’s pack and share it.
   
   
   


3. First aid,  Band-Aids and tape and gauze are an absolute must. A&D ointment doubles as lip balm and hand salve, in addition to helping with dirty cuts. You may also wish you had more water if anyone is injured.