If you are here reading this, you are likely not the ultimate hard-core backpacker that has already hiked the Appalachian Trail for weeks on end, or does 3 day hiking through trips as a common occurence! We are just normal humans, enjoying God’s creation and the beauty of the outdoors! Providing this resource will help you become that outdoor adventurer you want to be! This backpacking checklist will cover all the essentials you need for a day hike.
Most of us are not going to be doing overnight hikes, or hikes that last several days without coming back to wherever our “home base” is, so this is the comprehensive backpacking checklist for us mere mortals who only do day hikes!
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DAY HIKING CHECKLIST
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Backpacking Checklist for a Day Hike
1. Map/Compass/GPS
First, make sure you either have someone that you are travelling with, or have told someone your route and when you will leave/be back. This is super important. You can also consider getting a GPS tracker, but apart from that, these are the following bare minimum essentials for your backpacking checklist.
You need to be able to navigate your way around, especially if you do get lost. We HIGHLY recommend getting some sort of paper map for where you will be hiking. We believe our maps are the best, and can assist you in becoming the adventurer you truly want to be, by providing not only directions, but 2D and 3D maps for the “map-ically challenged!” But, if you choose not to use ours, then please get some sort of paper map, or guide book. GPS is an excellent tool, and extremely useful, but more often than not, you won’t be able to obtain a good enough signal. To be perfectly frank, we don’t think you should count on it, or rely on it. Ever. The one time that you will absolutely need to find your way out – Murphy’s Law will kick in, and that will be the EXACT time you don’t have a signal. Don’t risk it. Get a paper map, and then get a Compass. More importantly, learn to use that compass BEFORE you go.
2. Footwear
Of course, you won’t be barefoot. But if you are going to plan a day hike that will be more than a casual stroll, you need to put some thought into this. It’s really important. Blisters are horrible, and even worse are ill-fitting shoes that are horrible to wear. Don’t worry! We’ve done the legwork for you already and spelled it all out in our post about whether or not you should get hiking boots (shoes) or use trail running shoes.
3. Sunscreen/Sunglasses/Bug Spray
At high altitudes, it can seem cooler, and therefore many people simply forget to put on sunscreen. This is so important because you can truly get burned (and ruin the rest of your trip!) We are highly vocal about how we feel about sunscreen that is mass produced today. There is serious concern now among experts that the store-bought chemical sunscreen ingredients can permeate the skin and cause hormone disruption and allergic reactions. Because of this, many dermatologists recommend using mineral sunscreens instead of chemical sunscreens, and so do we. These natural sunscreens are super easy to find, even on Etsy, and other places. Please take the time to educate yourself about this subject, and always wear sunscreen! Also, always wear sunglasses, because you’ll look cool. Just kidding, its good for your eyes. (And also to look cool.)
Bug Spray is really important. You don’t those ticks or mosquitoes making meal of you. Wondering which one is the best? We’ve done the work on that for you too. We’ve got you covered.
4. Water
Bring water. A bit more than you need. Because you should be drinking this stuff constantly. It’s crazy important to stay hydrated, and they say that the minute you feel thirsty, you’re already behind. We highly suggest getting the LifeStraw Universal Water Filter Bottle Adapter Kit. If you happen to run out of water, or if you get lost and for some reason have to stay out all night, this bottle will allow you to collect water from any source you can find, and the replaceable microbiological filter removes 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria, and 99.999% of waterborne protozoan parasites (up to 1,000 gallons).
5. Food
You will need to calculate how much food you need for your day hike (how many hours, etc.) but you need to make sure to pack extra. A few extra nutritional bars, and food that you pack could mean a world of difference, if you get lost, or hurt. Also, consider putting that food into a bear canister. You need to seriously be thinking about the wildlife that you may encounter. Read our article to prepare and stay safe!
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6. Safety Items
Flashlight/Headlamp
You need a flashlight, and more than you what you have on your cell phone. A headlamp is a good idea as well, in case you are planning to be out past dusk. You never know what might happen, better to be safe than sorry. Include extra batteries. Just do it. You have no idea how long those batteries have been in there, and you know it.
Whistle/Signaling Mirror
Both of these are an essential for the backpacking checklist. I know, you might think this is overkill. It’s not. You can get a whistle and use it along the path to alert wildlife, and also call for help. A signaling mirror will do just that as well. If you are stranded, hurt, or injured badly, you may only be able to use this to signal those from far off to know your location.
Fire
If you are caught overnight for any reason, you will likely need to make a fire. Bring matches, or a lighter, and if you have room, then bring some sort of fire starter. The product above is amazing. Seriously, watch the video!
It BURNS ANYWHERE and is naturally insulated to burn directly on top of water, sleet, snow, ice or anywhere else. Once lit, will sustain winds up to 30 mph and burns up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. And, it has a LONG burn time, 25 minutes per pouch. There are NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS, unlike cubes or fuel-based lighters, this lighter is made from recycled wood, volcanic rock, and a new, patented blend of food-grade paraffin wax. And get this, the leftover ash serves as a natural fertilizer. No lighter fluids or starters needed. Boom. Done and done.
Remember to put this all into a waterproof bag!
7. Extra Clothes
Not just for fashion, you need some extra clothes in case you get wet. Especially socks! Definitely bring an extra pair of socks. Even if it’s not an emergency, if you step in a large puddle, or walk through a stream and get your feet wet, you will be miserable. Just throw an extra pair of socks into a ziplock bag. Consider bringing an extra shirt and pants, and jacket. You should be dressing in layers anyway!! These things are really important in case you get lost, or hurt. Consider a hat and gloves as well depending on the temperature and season.
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8. First Aid Kit
This backpacking checklist goes without saying that you need one of these, but I’m going to harp on it anyway. You HAVE to bring a first aid kit. Make sure it has the essentials like bandaids and neosporine, etc. But also, that it contains butterfly bandages, gauze pads and adhesive tape, ibuprofin, bee sting and/or snake bike kit, antihistamine, tweezers, safety pins, ziploc bags, eye pad, liquid bandage, splints, hand sanitizer, aloe vera gel, aspirin, antacid, eye drops, poison oak treatment, cotton balls, q-tips, duct tape, and small pliers.
Last but not at all least, you need a MULTI-TOOL KNIFE. That last one is super important. Make sure you research this, and find an excellent knife. We like the one above. We feel like this is THE BEST 15-IN-1 MULTITOOL! This premium multitool set includes all these important tools in one handy pocket knife – wire cutter, needle nose pliers, regular pliers, double-sided nail file, hook remover, can opener, folding saw, sharp knife, bottle opener, small, medium, and big screwdrivers, Philips screwdriver, fish scaler, & a ruler.
And get this – they have a 300% “DOUBLE-YOUR-MONEY-BACK” GUARANTEE: According to them: Our mission at Pro-Masters is to provide you with over-the-top value. Never pay for a product that you don’t absolutely love. Buy with complete confidence as your purchase is backed by Pro-Master lifetime product warranty and a 90-day, “double your money back” guarantee. No question asked. We’ll let you keep your 15-in-1Multi-Purpose Tool, + a replacement or your money back.
Not too shabby.
9. Last Item for your Backpacking Checklist –Trash Bag
Yes, a trash bag. It can provide a cover for your backpack if it starts to rain. The trash bag can also serve the environment well if you pick up trash you see along the way. It can provide some shelter if you get hit by a rain shower. If you have the room, I would include a Emergency Bivy. Hopefully you never, ever need it. But if you do, you’ll be so glad you have it.
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*FREE*
DAY HIKING CHECKLIST
Subscribe and get this FREE Day Hiking Checklist to make SURE you have everything you need for your day hike!
(Plus, get access to the Adieu Crew Vault FULL of FREE goodies!)
What items do you feel are the most important to bring along on a day hike? Have we missed anything? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or get in contact with us, and say Hey You! [email protected]
Adieu for now!
Hi, thanks for the comprehensive day packing post:) And, I agree – ticks suck!
One question though: You suggest we consider using a bear canister for a day hike. I live and hike in grizzly country and bear canisters aren’t used around here at all – for day hikes or overnighters… so I’m really not familiar with these canisters. On day hikes, and even for overnight trips, we just pack our food into our packs. I’ve heard that canisters are required in some locations for overnight storage of food… are they required at all times? Anyhow, just curious, thank you:)
P.S. we do always carry bear spray on our hikes.
Hi Jenn! I’m so glad you liked the post! I’m going to be including a day packing post checklist in the Van Adieu Vault this week, in case you would like to get one for free! 🙂 (You just have to provide your email!) Also, regarding bear cannisters – here is the low down. There are some places that require it – I found a list here https://blog.outdoorherbivore.com/camp-tips/where-bear-canisters-are-mandatory-in-the-us-parks-forest/ However, I really think (just my opinion) that you can never be too safe! These cannisters prevent bears from smelling yummy food, and its just one more level of protection against even letting bears (or even other animals) know you are there. I’ve seen CRAZY videos of what a bear is capable of, and so its always better to err on the side of caution! I know they are not required everywhere, but check the link above for the places they are required. In fact, you’ve given me a GREAT idea to do another post on this, and break it down for people who are interested! Thanks for the awesome comment!!!! I appreciate it! 🙂