Adventure How To: Checklist for a Day Hike

Whether you’re going to hike for an hour or all day, follow this gear checklist so you are prepared for whatever your adventure brings.

The following checklist is by no means exhaustive, but these are the items I ALWAYS carry with me when I head out for a hike. You might initially think this is a lot of stuff, but it’s pretty minimal when you consider that you could easily be spending the night if you get lost or injured.

Leave No Trace‘s #1 Principle is PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE for a reason. With this checklist, you will at least have the basics covered.

Below are some affiliate links, for which commissions are paid (at no additional cost to you) these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.

Essentials


1️⃣ Day Pack

A day pack is anywhere from 10 litres to 30 litres depending on what you need to carry.

Check out Osprey Daylite 13L BackpackOsprey Talon 22L Backpack or Arc’Teryx Altra 33L Women Backpack


2️⃣ Water & Food

2-4 litres per person and more in hot weather or for longer hikes. I prefer water bladders for easy access but Nalgene’s are great too.

Trail snacks such a cereal bars, trail mix, fruit etc. and take a lunch if out longer than 3 hours. Having a stash of high energy snacks can be helpful if you end up being out longer.


3️⃣ Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

Sturdy soles with 3-4mm lugs for traction, waterproof recommended.

Check out my reviews of hiking boots here.


4️⃣ Appropriate Clothing

Dress for the weather and ALWAYS take a dry, warm layer and wind/waterproof jacket. 

Packable Weather Resistant Jacket

5️⃣ Flashlight/headlamp

With extra batteries.


6️⃣ Lighter & Firestarter

Dryer lint, or other easy to light materials in waterproof container/bag.


7️⃣ Pocket Knife

Useful in so many ways! A small knife takes no space but can be a huge asset.


8️⃣ Whistle & Communication Device

A simple yet very effective way to communitcate that you need help. Blast 3 times, pause, blast 3 times, repeat. For emergency only.

➡️ Fox 40’s are the best. Fox 40 Pearl Pealess Whistle – Buy Here

➡️ Stainless steel whistle will last forever! Buy here.

You should also carry a cell phone, SPOT, Garmin InReach or Satellite phone, depending on your remoteness so you will be able to call for help if the need arises.


9️⃣ Map and Compass

It’s important to stay found! Get a good topographical map of the local area. Perhaps bring a GPS if you have one and are familiar with its use.


🔟 First Aid Kit

Size depends on the number of people in your group. Be familiar with how to use each item in your kit.

A 1-2 person kit is available at our store, Adventure Sport Outfitters, for less than $15.

Optional Items


Tarp, Rope or Emergency Shelter

An emergency shelter can keep you warm and dry in any situation, especially if you spend an unplanned night in the woods.

Gaiters

A simple upgrade to take any low cut boot or shoe into a snow-proof, dirt-proof adventure boot!

Hiking Poles

Reduce the impact on lower joints as well as add upper body cardio to your hike!

Sunscreen and bug repellent

Protect your skin from UV and black flies!

Binoculars

Helpful for wildlife viewing or route scouting.

Camera

Capture the experience and share with us!

#outdoorsandonthego #gearevolution


What does your Day Hike Checklist include?

Anything you would add?

Comment below!

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