You may think that a quick walk in the woods for a couple of hours means you don’t need to be prepared. But this is farther from the truth. Even if you’re taking a short walk on a trail, there are things you need to pack for day hikes.
We like to keep it light. Nobody wants to be lugging around a heavy backpack on a short walk. It just takes the joy out of stepping on natural ground when you’ve got another 5+ lbs of weight over your shoulders.
So we keep to just the essentials! With Fall just around the corner, you may want to head outdoors to enjoy the leaves. Here’s our little handy list of things to pack for day hikes for a FUN and safe time.
Water
The number one thing to have with you is some sort of hydration. Whether you’re using a stainless steel water bottle or a collapsible one, chill it a few hours before you head out or add some ice cubes to make it cool. Even on a short walk, you can work up a sweat. Taking a sip occasionally will cool you off and keep you from heat stroke on hot days.
Snacks
Like with a water bottle, you may get a bit hungry after an hour or two of walking. We like to pack an energy bar or some trail mix, or a piece of fruit like an apple. Just be sure to take any wrappers with you when you’re on the trail. We like to keep a scrunched-up bag for trash in our backpack.
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Mini First Aid Kit
Rocky trails with many tree roots are an accident waiting to happen if you’re not paying attention. And that can happen more often than you think. You look up at the trees or ahead on the trail and take one wrong step and voila… a twisted ankle, scrapped hands from falling etc. We carry a small first aid kit with some bandages, antiseptic wipes and a tensor bandage.
Map & Compass
When you’re on a trail, the markers can help you figure out where you are. However, there are some trails that aren’t well marked. Having a map is very important. Why we keep a compass with us, is for the days when we get lost on a trail, and a map doesn’t help. And the day is overcast. A compass will help you figure out the general direction of where you need to go.
| Related: What Is Every Day Carry?
Fire and Light
What happens when you accidentally get lost and it’s getting dark? Having something that will help you light a fire and a flashlight is so important. It will keep you warm and help others find you.
Extra Clothing/Rain Gear
A plastic poncho can be scrunched up to be super small, and on a day when the rain comes upon you, it can keep you fairly dry. We also like to keep a light sweater in our backpacks for layering if the temperature changes.
You may also want to keep sunscreen in your backpack, as even on a winter day, the sun can cause some damage to the skin. The most important thing to bring with you is a good attitude and desire to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible!
QUESTION: What do you pack for day hikes? What are your must-haves in your backpack?
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