Happy May 1! This is my favorite time of year. The days are getting warmer and longer. The wildflowers are in bloom, and everyone seems so eager to get out and enjoy the sun and become more active.
Since we moved to California, we have been day hiking almost every weekend for the past four months. Through comprehensive research and trial and error, we have found what is best to bring with us on day hikes. Some ultralight day hikers might tell you to bring only the bare minimum, but we like to be prepared for anything.
A few weeks ago, my husband and I ventured onto a new trail that was longer than expected. The reviews we read online for the trail said it was an easy 8-mile trip. It turned out to be 12-miles and quite challenging, even for us.
We normally have our oldest carry a daypack while we carry the little ones in frame carriers. That weekend she was away on a retreat, and we were left to only small compartments in the frame carriers to carry the essentials. Some things had to be left behind because the two frame carriers combined did not have the same amount of storage space as our day hike pack. Boy, did we ever realize how much we depended on that daypack when we were out there in the heat of the day.
Here is a comprehensive checklist for new and experienced day hikers to help you have the most enjoyable outdoor excursion. This list will help you remember the important items to bring with you.
1. Navigation
- Map and compass (with protective case)
- GPS (I use Map My Hike)
- Interpretive field guide(s)
- Cell phone
2. Outdoor protection
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
3. Clothes and Shoes
- Quick-drying pants/shorts and shirt
- Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun)
- Sun-shielding hat
- Insulating fleece jacket or vest
- Bandana
- Gloves or mittens
- Poncho
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
4. Trekking
- Daypack
- Trekking Poles
/Hiking stick
- Camera
5. First-aid and Sanitation Supplies
- First-aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Bag for collecting trash
- Quick-dry towel
6. Light and Fire
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Lighter
- Firestarter (a roll of toilet paper works great)
7. Repair kit and tools
- Multi-tool
- Duct tape strips
8. Nutrition
- Nutrient dense foods (bars, gels, chews, trail mix, MREs)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes (single packs work great)
9. Hydration
- Water bottles
- Hydration Pack
This makes me want to get out there and do some hiking for sure. I think your supply list is really thorough and well done.
Liz Mays recently posted…The Ultimate Vacation – I Want to Go RVing!
I was looking for this list and all I found around were bits and pieces. You are a godsend!
On to day hiking!
coolchillmom recently posted…Disney’s Tomorrowland Awaits Your Questions #Tomorrowland #TomorrowlandEvent
That is a lot to carry for a hike.but you definitely need to be prepared.
Amanda McMahon recently posted…Chemicals we avoid: Polysorbate 80
Hiking is such a great way to stay in shape. It also allows you to enjoy some beautiful scenery at the same time.
toughcookiemommy recently posted…I Have My Eye On The #AMDFX APU HP Envy Touchsmart Laptop At @BestBuy #Ad
It is good to be prepared. It is especially good when you come across an incident like your trail being a lot longer than anticipated!
Nothing beats hiking in California! This list is great, I wont forget anything next time we go hiking.
We just went on a hike last week and we loved it!
Katherine recently posted…Who Doesn’t Love Free Refills All Summer? #ad
Great list. I almost want to go hiking. :) So that’s pretty darned good.
Holley recently posted…maps & lottery tickets: #MondayBlogs