Bearfoot Theory / Gear / Outdoor Gear

Day Hiking Essentials: What I Bring on Every Hike

ByKristen Bor

This is all of the gear I bring with me on every day hike…nothing more, nothing less.

Kristen Bor looking out at mountains and fall colors in Telluride, Colorado while hiking the Wasatch Connector Trail

What I love about day hiking is it doesn’t require a huge upfront investment in gear. A backpack, some good hiking shoes, extra layers, food, water, and a few safety items are really all you need.

Maybe you’ve heard of the Ten Essentials for Hiking? This is a list of recommended items you bring on every hike that was invented waaaayyyy back in the 1930s. Obviously, the hiking world (and gear) has changed a lot since then, so what you’ll find here is my practical, modern version of the Ten Essentials for Hiking.

I suggest you take this day hiking packing list and adjust it based on how far you are hiking, how remote the trail is, and the weather conditions. For more beginner hiking tips, check out my Hiking 101 Article.

This post may contain affiliate links.

1. A Daypack

The first thing you’ll need for your day hike is a good hiking daypack. You can get away with using an old JanSport from your closet if you’re not going too far, but if you are serious about hiking and want to be comfortable on the trail, you’ll want something a little more robust.

For size, a typical day hiking pack ranges from 20-35 liters. This is enough to hold my extra layers and all of the other day hiking essentials that I talk about below.

Other features I look for when choosing a day pack are:

  • Interior pocket or sleeve for a hydration reservoir (which makes drinking water while hiking easier)
  • Hip belt that will place the load on your hips rather than your shoulders
  • Sternum strap to prevent the pack from shifting when you are hiking
  • Pockets so I can keep all of my gear organized

Daypack Recommendation

  • Gregory Jade 28: The Gregory Jade is a great all-around day pack that I’ve been using for years. I like that the main pocket has zippered access rather than a lid with clips and a drawstring, which makes getting into the pack easier. It’s got plenty of room for all of my day hiking essentials with lots of pockets to keep things tidy. The external hydration sleeve (reservoir not included) makes it easy to take your water reservoir in and out when you need to fill it. Finally, the back panel is made of mesh, and I find that it is very breathable on hot, sweaty days. The men’s version is the Gregory Citro. My partner uses this and loves it too.

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2. Proper Hiking Layers

Some of the most important day hiking gear is the kind that you wear! No matter what season you’re hiking in, bringing layers along on the trail is important for both comfort and safety reasons. I’ll share some details below, but for more recommendations, check out these posts:

Layer Recommendations

For all of your layers, I suggest wearing synethic materials (my preference) or wool. Both are designed to wick sweat, dry quickly, and regulate your temperature.

  • Base Layer Top: Choose a sweat-wicking shirt that’s breathable and regulates your body temperature. I personally like long-sleeves for added sun protection.
  • Mid-Layer Top: If it’s chilly out, I like to pack a mid-weight layer that I can wear while hiking to cut the wind and provide a little extra warmth.
  • Insulating Layer: I always pack a fleece or insulated jacket, just in case. Especially in the mountains, the weather can change rapidly, and you always want to be prepared. Read about my go-to jacket in my review of the Patagonia Nano Puff
  • Shorts/Pants: If it’s really windy or buggy, I’ll wear a lightweight pair of hiking pants. On warm, pleasant days, I wear hiking shorts.
  • Rain Gear: It’s smart to bring a lightweight rain jacket that you can stuff in your pack for that unexpected storm.
  • Accessories: Sunglasses, a sun hat or beanie, gloves, and a Buff are things that you can typically find in my pack
  • Hiking Boots: Wear a pair of sturdy hiking boots and wool socks (Darn Tough are my fav) that can handle whatever kind of terrain you’re hiking in.
Kristen Bor smiling in a golden yellow Patagonia Nano Puff and cap while holding her baby on a beach in Washington at Olympic National Park
Keeping warm on my hike in my Patagonia Nano Puff insulated jacket

3. Sun Protection

Too much sun exposure can lead to sun burns, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. With summer temps getting hotter every year, adequate sun protection is a important day hiking essential.

To shield your skin from the sun while you’re hiking, bring:

Learn more tips for protecting your skin from the sun with my guide to sun protection for hikers.

Kristen Bor standing at lookout on trail in Colorado with both arms raised above her head

4. Map / Navigational Tools

Back when the Ten Essentials list was invented, smart phones didn’t exist, so the recommendation was to carry a paper map and compass. While I highly recommend that for backpacking trips and more remote areas, a hiking or navigation app on your phone is usually enough to suffice on most day hikes where the trail is well-defined.

The two apps I use most are AllTrails (for finding trails) and Gaia (for navigation). Both of these offer paid plans that allow you to download the trail map to your phone so you can use it when you don’t have service. If you sign up for Gaia at this link, you get 20% off your first year.

If you are going to rely on your phone, it’s critical that you have a full battery when you leave the trailhead. If you’re worried about your phone running out of battery, consider bringing a lightweight, portable power bank.

5. Plenty of Water

The number of people I’ve seen hiking lately without any water has been shocking. Your body needs water to function at its very best, and running out is a quick way to end up in an emergency situation.

I hike with a 3 liter hydration reservoir in my backpack, and I make a good habit of filling it up before I leave my house, even if the hike is short. That way I have extra in case I’m out there longer than expected or someone else in my group runs out.

If the trail is longer than 8-10 miles or it’s extremely hot out, I’ll also bring my water filter so I can refill on the trail if needed.

I prefer a hydration reservoir because it makes it so easy to drink water on the go

6. Energizing Snacks

It’s important to bring enough food for the day to stay full and keep your energy up. The best hiking snacks are packed with nutrients, so grab some energy bars, nuts, trail mix, and dried fruit. I love these Bobo’s Oat Bars for a quick breakfast on the go and Honeystinger Waffles and energy chews for treats.

Sturdy fruits and veggies like apples, oranges, or carrots that won’t get squished in your bag are also great options. Or you can always pack one of the classic trail snacks: a good ol’ peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

It’s important always to make sure you have enough food, but the point of having extra is really in case of an emergency. It’s better to bring a little extra rather than not have enough. Plus you’ll be burning more calories than you might be used to, so don’t skimp on snacks and nutrition.

A woman sitting on a rock smiles down at her Stasher Bag with tortilla and tuna packets as a hiking snack inside
If I’m going to be out all day, plenty of snacks and lunch are day hiking essentials

7. Emergency / Safety Supplies

While an emergency is unlikely on a day hike, things can and do happen, so you want to be prepared. What being prepared looks like depends on the type of trail you are hiking.

If you are hiking on a shorter, well-marked trail where there is cell service and a ton of people, you may not need some of these supplies. But if you are headed to a remote area that doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic and the trailhead is far from help, then you’ll need a more robust emergency kit.

Here are the emergency supplies I throw in my day pack for challenging, remote hikes:

  • First Aid Kit: The easiest thing to do is to buy a pre-made first aid kit that has the basics for dealing with minor injuries. If you go this route, make sure you are familiar with what’s in it, and adapt the kit to your personal medical needs as necessary. Another option is to build your own hiking first aid kid.
  • Lighter / Waterproof matches: I also recommend throwing a lighter and waterproof matches into your first aid kit in case you get caught after dark and need to build a fire, as well as a small whistle that you can use to garner attention in an emergency.
  • Headlamp: In case you get caught on the trail after dark, you’ll want a headlamp to help you find your way back to the trailhead. This can make the difference between finding your car and having to sleep outside on the trail. Don’t rely on your phone’s flashlight since that will drain your battery quickly.
  • Bear Spray: If I’m hiking in grizzly bear territory, I always carry bear spray and make sure its easily accessible.
  • Garmin Mini: I also recommend packing an emergency satellite communication device, like the Garmin InReach Mini 2. It can be used for navigation, but more importantly, it allows you to send text messages or call for help when you are out of cell service (note that you also need a monthly Garmin Membership to use the inReach).
  • Emergency Shelter: This can be an emergency blanket or emergency bivvy. These weigh 2.5-3.5 ounces and don’t take up much room in your pack. This is a smart piece of gear to pack for longer day hikes, especially in the shoulder season when the days are shorter.
Kristen smiling for photo while on a hike in high alpine terrain wearing hiking gear and a Garmin communication device attached to backpack strap
I always have my Garmin InReach handy on hikes

8. Trekking Poles

Trekking poles aren’t on the list of the Ten Essentials, but I consider them a must on my day hikes.

Trekking poles take the pressure off your knees on the downhills, give you more power on the ups, and help maintain a rhythm while you’re hiking. They also provide stability when crossing streams.

Kristen Bor hiking on high alpine trail in Colorado using trekking poles and wearing hiking gear

9. Bathroom Kit or Pee Rag

This also is not on the original Ten Essentials list, but with how many people are getting outside today, having the right supplies to go to the bathroom while following Leave No Trace is important for protecting the environment. It also helps maintain proper backcountry hygiene.

First, brush up on Leave No Trace principles and make sure you know how to properly poop outside – just in case!

  • Going pee: I always have my Kula Cloth anti-microbial pee rag attached to my daypack. It’s far better than drip drying and easier to deal with than toilet paper. To learn more about the Kula Cloth and how to use one, see my Kula Cloth review.
  • Going poop: If there’s any chance you might have to go #2 on the trail, bring a lightweight trowel for digging a hole, some toilet paper, and a ziplock bag for packing out the used TP. I also like to pack some hand sanitizer to clean my hands afterwards.
Kristen Bor holding Kula Cloth pee rag featuring a bear next to a lake with a cosmic mountain scene
I bring my Kula Cloth on all hikes

10. A Multi-Tool / Knife

I’ll admit I don’t typically bring a multi-tool on day hikes, but this is on the Ten Essentials list, so I wanted to include it here. A multi-tool with a knife can come in handy for making lunch, repairing your trekking poles, cutting blister pads, or pulling out splinters. With that said, I think they are more useful on overnight backpacking trips.

Other Considerations

If you are hiking with kids or bringing your dogs on the hiking trail, this list is going to look different.

For babies/toddlers, you will need things like a baby carrier, diapers, snacks that they can consume while in the backpack, extra water, and a change of clothes in case they have an accident.

For dogs, don’t forget a collapsible water bowl, some treats, poop bags, and a leash/harness.

What are your day hiking essentials? Do you carry everything I listed above on your day hikes? Share in the comments below.

Beginner Hiker Tips

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Kristen Bor hiking at Alta Ski area in summer with a gray backpack on. Text reads What to Pack on a day hike
Kristen Bor hiking at Alta Ski area in summer with a gray backpack on. Text reads What I bring on every hike.
Kristen Bor standing on a rock looking out at a mountain in fall. Text reads 10 day hiking essentials
Portrait of woman at sunset on the Trans-Catalina Trail

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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24 Comments

  1. Maybe if you are relying on your phone, consider a power bank in case your battery drains – especially if it’s cold. When I went to Iceland in the winter my battery drained in about half an hour due to the cold. I need to get myself a first aid kit. I’m lucky if I have plasters at the moment but having just done a fieldwork first aid course, I really do need to get one.

    Reply

  2. A really great trick I learned is duct tape. Wrap it around (and around and around!) your hiking poles. You can peel off pieces as you need them – good emergency bandages, tent repair, clothing repair…it’s pretty useful.

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  4. I always carry an extra pair of socks, and two empty sliced bread bags. Why? It’s an old Boy Scout trick. If your feet and boots get soaked, stop and dry off your feet. Put on your dry socks, and then put each foot in a bread bag before putting on your boots. It will keep your dry socks from absorbing moisture from your boots, and keep your feet dry.

    Reply

  5. In addition to the items listed in the article, I always take a 3X5 signal mirror w/retro reflective aimer , a pealess whistle, and a handheld amateur radio. All this does not add too much added weight to my pack.

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  6. Like your list, but because I hike alone frequently I include some items that would help if I had to be out overnight (injury etc.)
    I include a good puffy, a lightweight tarp and a bothy bag or space blanket.

    Reply

  7. I always carry a LifeStraw filter, a single wall stainless steel water bottle, an empty Platypus bag, 10 feet of good paracord, an emergency bivy sack, a large trash bag, a first aid kit, a headlamp, a lighter, waterproof matches with two fuel tabs, lip balm, sunscreen & bug spray in summer, snacks, a wide saw, a map, a compass and a warm layer in a waterproof bag.

    On my person, I wear layered appropriate clothing with boots & gaiters, either a warm or Sun hat, a belt, a belt knife, bear spray and sometimes my gun. I also wear an emergency whistle, and carry my cell phone and a firesteel.

    I leave a note in my truck saying where and when I left and any other pertinent details. I also carry vehicle emergency stuff, a change of clothes, a sleeping bag, and food and water for three days.

    I also carry a measure tape in my pack and have plaster and stuff for casting in my truck 🙂

    Reply

  8. Great list! I would add a couple of safety or emergency items, such as a whistle, signaling mirror just in case you get hurt or lost on the trail.

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  9. Nice blog. It will surely help beginners update their knowledge. The efforts you have put in to create the posts are quite interesting. Looking forward to seeing you soon in a new post.

    We have a hiking packing list of essential items written down below that you will need to keep them with you for going on a hike. You never know which one is going to come handy for emergency purposes.

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  10. Nothing to make fire with in the event you are lost ? How do you keep from getting hypothermia, especially in rain or snow?

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    1. That’s a great suggestion, Wesley. We tend to focus more on having the right navigational tools like a map and a GPS/communication device in case of emergencies, but a lighter or some matches are always useful to carry just in case.

      Reply

  11. I bring a couple items that are less remembered including lip chap, as having chapped lips at a higher elevation is really painful. I also bring Kleenex/tissue/toilet paper. My nose tends to run like a facet the higher I go in elevation and most of the washroom facilities are out out toilet paper.

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  12. I think essentials vary quite a bit from location to location and depend on time of day. We generally hike in Texas with water and snacks being the most important to carry. Of course, we use sunscreen most of the year when shade in not abundant. Most of the year layers and backpacks are too bothersome. I’ve been using an adventure vest to hold water bottles and other items. When full it weighs only a few pounds and is hardly noticeable because it’s designed for runners. However, I have been wanting to try one of the osprey packs which pushes away from the lower back allowing constant airflow.

    We move at a very brisk pace because we hike with our dog and I’ve never tried to use poles or sticks. I can’t see how those would do anything but slow us down.

    I do carry a headlamp now because we have been caught on the trails at sunset before. I also carry my binoculars because I’ve been at multiple scenic viewpoints without them only to wonder why I did not have them with me. Surprisingly, we almost never encounter snakes out here, but boots are the best way to go in case we do step near one. That and most trails are full of tripping hazards like rocks or tree roots.

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  13. Even on short hikes, I carry pretty much everything you mentioned, but have also started including a few snack size zippered bags, some toilet paper, and vinyl gloves & hand sanitizer ‘just in case.’ Longer hikes and/or cooler weather sees a space blanket and fire starter (like fatwood) tossed in the pack too.

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  14. Agree with the others, whistle, mirror signalling, space blanket or bivvy, firelighting headlamp and water purification system.

    Also let someone know where you’ve gone, your route and when you’ll be back, so they can help direct rescue if needed.

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    1. Hi Ian, these are all great items to bring on a hike – thanks for the suggestions! We added in a note about checking in with someone to let them know of your plans/expected return. Happy hiking!

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  16. I often hike in the desert and will usually bring a smaller water bottle with electrolyte drinks (scratch labs has some great options) in addition to my main water bladder. Also, I bought a Gamin hand-held GPS because I have seen too many times where my phone was not able to connect to GPS when I needed it. Lastly I always leave my music and drones at home so I do not impact other people trying to enjoy themselves.

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    1. Hi Matt, great tips! I also like carrying a soft 1L bottle for electrolytes on long and/or hot hikes. Thanks for sharing these tips.

      Reply