Spring has sprung, and it’s time to shake off any lingering Winter blah’s and get ready to hit those hiking trails in ernest! In order to be totally prepared for a day hike, I have compiled a DAY HIKING CHECKLIST, below. If you would like information on how to prepare for an overnight or even longer hiking trip, please refer to my article HOW TO PACK YOUR HIKING BACKPACK CORRECTLY, listed on my front page, under Nettie’s Posts.

 

DAY HIKING CHECKLIST

 

 

FOOTWEAR & CLOTHING:

• HIKING OR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

• HIKING SOCKS + AN EXTRA PAIR

• HIKING PANTS OR SHORTS

• BASELAYER AND HIKING SHIRT

• WINDBREAKER / RAIN JACKET

• SYNTHETIC OR DOWN JACKET

EQUIPMENT:

• DAYPACK

• WATER BOTTLE OR HYDRATION RESERVOIR

• WATER TREATMENT

• TREKKING POLES

• FIRST AID KIT

• NAVIGATION DEVICE

• HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT

PERSONAL ITEMS & EXTRAS:

• CAMERA

• HAT

• SUNGLASSES

• SUNSCREEN

• LIP BALM

• INSECT REPELLENT

• BEAR SPRAY

• TOILET PAPER & TROWEL

• SWISS ARMY KNIFE OR MULTITOOL

• LIGHTER OR WATERPROOF MATCHES

• EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION DEVICE

• WHISTLE

• EMERGENCY BLANKET & SHELTER

• REPAIR KIT

 

 

 

For a hike that will not include an overnight stay in nature, all that will be required to hold our necessities is a day pack. The appropriate size for a good day pack is about 20 liters, as we just need to carry the absolute necessities such as food, water, a couple of layers of clothes, a first aid kit, a headlamp, and a few more small items. Pack only the items you feel like you can’t live without, but please don’t leave out any emergency or possible life-saving equipment! You really never know what could happen anywhere in this world these days, and it is much better to be prepared for any unfortunate events. Check out these awesome day packs from Amazon!

 

 

As An Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

As we all know by now, if our feet are not happy, then our hiking adventure is off to a tragic beginning. We simply must invest in a great pair of hiking shoes or boots. With warmer weather just around the corner, it may be a good idea to look for a pair of lighter weight hiking shoes that offer excellent moisture- wicking ability, great ankle support, and has very good traction to give us more stability when walking on uneven or wet terrain. Along with the proper hiking shoe comes the proper hiking sock. Your best socks would be made from Merino Wool, which will whisk moisture and any odor away from your feet, keeping them cool, odor-free, and ready to go the distance.

 

As far as clothing goes, it is entirely your preference if you want to wear hiking pants or shorts. Just keep in mind that long pants WILL protect your legs from being scratched from rough terrain, low hanging trees, and thorns, and also from being bitten or stung by insects. You always have the option of wearing convertible hiking pants with zippers, which will turn them into shorts in a flash! Also, you can even purchase hiking clothes and hats that are insect repellent, which may prove to be well worth the investment!

 

 

 

We all know the weather can turn on a dime, so it is always a good idea to pack a rain jacket or rain suit. Also, just in case you get caught on the trail longer than you anticipated, just enjoying the hike, taking a well-deserved break, or maybe watching a gorgeous sunset, a warm jacket may come in very handy.

 

 

Please be sure to carry along plenty of water! The minimum amount of water you will need is no less than 2 liters for a day hike. A pack with a water bladder and a hydrating hose is a perfect choice. If you prefer to use natural watering holes such as creeks, ponds, or rivers, bring along some type of water filtration and/or water purification items.

 

As far as food goes, energy bars, fruit, nuts, cheese, even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are great! You want something that is high in carbohydrates, calories, and protein to give you that extra little kick to keep your energy levels performing at their highest.

 

 

A day hiking first aid kit should be something for a “quick fixer-upper”, and really doesn’t need to be extensive or too heavy. You could make a simple first aid kit using a Ziploc bag and adding some hand sanitizer, medical tape, gauze, antibiotic ointment, band aids, moleskin for blisters and hot spots, Ibuprofen, Benedryl in case of an allergic reaction, scissors, tweezers, and a few safety pins.

 

 

You can tie in a navigation device and a camera by simply carrying your cell phone and a portable charger. Install an app such as AllTrails on your cell phone, and you have the perfect navigation device. You can download your hike beforehand, and even when you are in an area with no service, this will keep you right on track. You can even send real-time updates to your loved ones to keep everyone informed of your progress!

 

Even on a short day hike, you may want to take along your trekking poles. They will give your whole body a much better workout, keep you pushing forward, help protect your joints, and give you more stability on any trail.

 

 

Now that you have an idea of how to prepare for an awesome day hike, you only have to pick out your trail, load up your new day pack, and set off on your exciting hiking expedition! Please be sure to always inform your loved ones of your intended route, the time you plan on heading out, and your approximate return time, then download your trail information and coordinates on your cell phone along with your Lifeline contacts, and you are ready to go!

 

 

LET’S GO CONQUER SOME TRAILS!!!