Day Hike Packing List: The Basics

Hiking is one of the most accessible outdoor activities, but you still need a few supplies! This day hike packing list covers some essential items to bring along with you on short hikes.

You likely already have the basics of what you need for a day hike lying around your house. I suggest starting with what you already have and then upgrading as you figure out what you like and what features are important to you.

You can also find a quick guide to getting started hiking in my post Hiking for Beginners: 4 Tips for Getting Started!

Gear

First, we will cover the main hiking gear you will need. The basics here are a backpack and a good pair of hiking shoes.

– Daypack

Although for short hikes, you can use any backpack you have around the house, I find that a hiking daypack with a waist strap and molded back makes hiking so much more comfortable. Hiking backpacks are measured in liters, and a good size for a general daypack is around 20-35L.

Hiking backpacks come in different sizes, so you might want to try some on and see what feels comfortable to you. For example, packs marked as “women’s” are generally made to fit shorter torsos and narrower shoulders than packs marked as “men’s.” Packs may also have small/medium/large sizing, so check the product specifications before you buy.

My current daypack is the Thule Stir 35L in the women’s size. This pack has adjustable sizing and comes with a rain cover in case you run into bad weather. I took this pack all over Central America for six months, and it’s held up great so far!

– Hiking boots or trail-running shoes

Hiking boots provide a lot of support on the trail, especially for your ankles. A Gore-Tex bottom is durable and keeps you from slipping in wet weather. My current pair is by Scarpa. I’ve had the same ones for several years now, and I’m very happy with them!

Trail-running shoes are a great option if you prefer greater ankle mobility and less weight. These are similar to normal running sneakers, but they tend to have a bit more stiffness and grip to help you navigate uneven terrain. I have an old style from Solomon, but the newer styles have great reviews as well!

Clothing

I have two main rules for clothing on a hike: dress in layers and avoid cotton. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust your outfit as your core temperature changes. Cotton is not an ideal material for hiking because it doesn’t hold heat when wet and dries slowly. This means that if you sweat a lot or get caught in the rain, your cotton clothing will be useless in keeping you warm.

For more specific winter hiking tips, check out this guide on how to layer for cold-weather hiking.

– Wool socks

Wool is an essential material for hiking socks because, unlike cotton, it holds heat even when it gets wet. There are plenty of brands making high-quality wool socks, but I love my Smartwool pairs. I wear them on a daily basis now, even when I’m not hiking.

– Rain gear

Especially if you are in an area where the weather changes fast, it’s always best to bring some rain gear with you just in case. I also like to layer my raincoat over a fleece as a windbreaker.

Accessories

Don’t forget these hiking essentials! They are vital for trail safety.

– Reusable water bottle or water bladder

Hydration is essential when out on the trail, and it can be dangerous to get caught without water. I personally bring my trusty Nalgene water bottle on all of my hikes. If you prefer to use a water bladder, Camelbak is a popular choice.

– Snacks

Even if you are going on a short hike, it’s a really good idea to at least throw a granola bar or two in your backpack. There have been plenty of times when I’ve thought that I’d eaten enough before hiking, only to start struggling halfway through my hike. Now, I like to keep some energy bars in my bag at all times and just replace them as I go through them.

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This post listed the basics of a day hike packing list. Be sure to also consider any gear you might need for the specific conditions of your hike – for example, cold, rainy, or very hot weather. Planning ahead and being prepared are important parts of hiking safety!

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