What to Pack for a Day Hike

Written by: Cassidy Lavender, Product Content Writer  |  February 2nd, 2023

Whether you're new to traversing the outdoors and curious about what to pack for a day hike, or you're a seasoned trekker looking to refresh on some day hike essentials, we've got you covered with some good info below. Deciding to spend your day putting one foot in front of the other just to see what happens is a delightfully rewarding way to immerse yourself in nature. The network of trails that unfold wherever you go can be pleasantly surprising, and the more you zoom into one specific place, the more the world unfolds. Once you get walking, you’ll uncover newfound respect and gratitude for trail builders…paving the way to those pristine places is no light work! So, don't forget to glance at your trusty day hike checklist before you go, and always do your best to respect the land you’re in because as wild and uninhibited as it sometimes appears, there are delicate processes at play everywhere you step. 

First things first - whether you’re traveling to the end of the earth to check off a bucket list hike, or hitting a local hotspot for the first time, let’s run through some of the basic hiking essentials that you can solidify as a general checklist in your noggin when xplorin’ soaring peaks and glistening glades. Sure, you might not need all of these items while you're trekking. We HOPE you don't have to bust out the first aid kit, but being a prepared person rarely backfires. It’s only when sh*t hits the fan that you wish you never strayed from the essentials. Some of these items could literally save your life, so take notes.

Day Hiking Checklist

• Navigation: maps, a compass, maybe a GPS device. Whether it's specific to your location or a general wayfinder, having an idea of the geography is not only excellent information to know but could seriously help you out in a pinch. It’s also nice to know some logistics about where you’re going and what you can expect to encounter, so look up reviews of the trail or talk to your pals. Being prepared only sets you up for success. 

• Adequate clothing: layering is key! The weather can take a quick turn throughout the day, especially when you are trekking through varying elevations, so being prepared for rough conditions helps you level up. Think moisture-wicking base layers, a light, packable puffy, and something waterproof to deflect any unexpected rain showers. To sum it up, if you get cold or wet early in the hike, you might be screwed. Light gloves and even an extra pair of wool or synthetic socks can save the day. The type of layers you need will vary based on your climate, so check out some average yearly temps and pack accordingly. 

• Food: some protein-rich snacks never hurt. Maybe an electrolyte or two? The only thing you’re doing other than taking in some mind-boggling views is burning calories like it’s your job. But remember, it’s not necessarily the time for gourmet apres, so some protein bars, energy gels, and a nice summit pb&j with a Snickers bar for tradition/as a reward will hit just right.

• Water: we can't stress this one enough. You can survive hunger and sunburn, but when you go without water, each step can feel ten times as daunting as the one before. A good rule of thumb is about ½ a liter of water for every hour you plan to hike. Add about 3-5 hours of in-case-of-emergency water. That amount goes up if you’re in a warmer climate with steeper terrain, too, so keep the specifics in mind. Browse some of our favorite hiking packs that help you prioritize hydration.

• Shoes: good kicks are a game changer. Owning a pair of comfortable shoes with good traction will take you far. Don't fully trust your ankles? Above-the-ankle boots keep everything stable and secure so that you can excel on scrambles and unstable terrain filled with camouflaged roots, rocks, and ruts. DO NOT go on a long hike with brand new shoes straight out of the box. They might fit nicely in the store, but things can change after a few hours. Break those bad boys in before you take them out for the long haul. Here are some of our favorite trail slayers for men and women.

• Multi-tool: a sleek little pocket-knife type jawn can work wonders and barely adds any weight to your loaded backpack. 

• First-Aid Kit - a medical kit filled with the basics is a great fail-safe. Packing supplies based on your specific needs is a great idea if you're allergic to bees, for example, or plan to be in an environment with tics. Some general essentials are: 
  • Assorted adhesive bandages
  • Gauze
  • Blister treatments
  • Adhesive tape
  • Ibuprofen
  • Tweezers (if they aren't in your multi-tool) 
  • Blunt tip scissors
  • Antiseptic towelettes
  • Disinfecting ointment
  • A whistle 

• Sun Protection: some sunblock, your favorite hat, sunglasses, and even sun-protection clothing can make a huge difference when you’re exposed to the sun for hours on end. Exposure to UV rays can be extremely dangerous over time, so protect yourself where you can. 

• Headlamp: whether you're hitting the trail before the sun has stretched its rays or need some light in an emergency, a good headlamp will work wonders to light the path ahead. 

• Extras: you can always make some room for additional items you would love to have along for the ride. A camera to click breathtaking pics is a priority for many, so whatever you think is essential for summiting with, stuff it in. Some hiking areas are also home to bears, so reading up on the landscape can help you understand if bear spray is necessary. Finally, it's worth mentioning that some people love hiking poles, and others prefer to go hands-free, so find your flow and pack accordingly!

Daypack vs Backpack: what's the difference? 

After solidifying your checklist of essentials, you’re gonna have to pack everything nice ‘n neat so your gear is comfortable to carry and easy to access. Figuring out what kind of pack you need can be tough when you run into information overload, so let’s cover daypack vs backpack: what's the difference? 

Simply put, size is your main differentiator, and daypacks usually have a carrying capacity of about 15L – 35L. Daypacks are made to be:

• Lightweight
• Usually include a hydration reservoir
• Don't have an internal frame or much padding

For overnight backpacking trips, backpacking backpacks are made to be: 

• Technical and burly
• Able to efficiently store more gear
• Full of support features that help you manage carrying extra weight for longer distances.

How to Pack a Daypack

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Really, anything you can complete in one day. It could be a little stroll on your lunch break or an 8-hour hike to Torres Del Paine in Patagonia. If you can get it done between dawn and dusk, it's a day hike well done. 

• It depends on what kind of shape you're in and the elevation you will gain, but 3-10 miles is what most people would consider an average day hike. 

• On average, 8-10 miles should be the maximum distance you should plan to hike for your first time. However, depending on the type of terrain and difficulty level, starting at 2-4 miles can be a great way to assess your ability level and preferences. 

• Leave no trace! It's hard work to create and maintain convenient access to trail systems, so conducting yourself in a respectful manner and leaving the space just as you found it lets other people enjoy the scenery the way you were able to. Remember, we are just visitors in these wild spaces. There are delicate ecosystems surviving and thriving all around you. 

• Leave all the valuables behind. Jewelry, money, and gadgets know no place in the outdoors, so leave them safe and sound at home. Likewise, any cotton clothing should be left behind as it doesn't perform well when working up a sweat or trying to stay warm. 

• You would be surprised how many miles you could put away in a day, but it's best to start shorter and take on more challenging routes as you discover your limits and see what kind of hiking you enjoy most. 

• You can rest as often as you would like or need, but it's helpful to keep most breaks between 10-15 minutes so you don't lose your flow or end up taking much longer than you accounted for. It's best to start hikes early in the day so you don't run out of sunlight if your hike takes longer than you planned. 

• Plan your hike, be prepared, check the conditions, and ALWAYS tell someone else where you are going and when you plan to be back even if you are hiking with others.

Learn More With Our Other Camping Guides:

• Camping - What to Bring Camping & Checklist
• Sleeping Bags - How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Bags - How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
• Tents - How to Choose a Tent for Camping
• Stoves - How to Choose a Camping Stove
• Sleeping Pads - How to Choose a Sleeping Pad
• What to Pack for a Day Hike

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• The Best Headlamps Camping Blankets
• The Best Daypacks
• The Best Duffel Bags

This is evo. We are a ski, snowboard, wake, skate, bike, surf, camp, and clothing online retailer with physical stores in Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, Whistler, Snoqualmie Pass, and Hood River. Our goal is to provide you with great information to make both your purchase and upkeep easy.

evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides and mountain bike trail guides.

Still have questions? Please call our customer care team at 1.866.386.1590 during Customer Care Hours. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs.

Learn More With Our Other Ski Guides:

Discover Our Favorite Gear:

This is evo. We are a ski, snowboard, wake, skate, bike, surf, camp, and clothing online retailer with physical stores in Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, Whistler, Snoqualmie Pass, and Hood River. Our goal is to provide you with great information to make both your purchase and upkeep easy.

evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides and mountain bike trail guides.

Still have questions? Please call our customer care team at 1.866.386.1590 during Customer Care Hours. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs.