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Interested in knowing what we pack for a day hike? Look no further! We have listed out everything we pack, from Must Haves to Nice to Haves in our post below. You can download this complete list HERE on our Free Resources page.
Gear Must Haves
Hiking Backpack. We are big advocates of buying a backpack specific to hiking that has a built in water bladder. It makes it much easier to stay hydrated as you hike. See the one Liz uses HERE and the one Steve has HERE.
Hiking Shoes/Boots. The extra support and extra grip that are provided from hiking specific shoes/boots makes the investment worth it. Tip: spend the extra dollars and purchase ones that come waterproofed. Worth every extra dollar to keep your feet drier! Liz wears Merrell Shoes and Steve wears Columbia Shoes.
Wool Socks. Yes, seriously even when it’s 100 degrees outside. These socks are made to never rub so you can say good-bye to blisters from socks rubbing!
Full water bladder / water bottles. If your hiking pack has a water bladder, be sure to fill it with more water than you think you need. If you don’t have a water bladder, we’d recommend Nalgene water bottles. They are extremely durable and can hold up to 32oz of water in each bottle.
First Aid Kit. This is one thing you hope you never need, but if you do need it, you will be glad you have one!
Sunscreen. Sunburns HURT and the higher in elevation you go, the more exposed your skin will be. Protect your skin by coating up before you begin your hike, and re-coat as needed.
Chapstick with sunscreen. Sunburned lips are zero fun. This also helps protect them from windburn.
Hat with sun-visor. Help your face out and wear something that provides some shade.
Sunglasses.
Raincoat. Unless there is a zero point zero percent chance of rain, we always pack raincoats. And even then, we probably still have them in our packs as weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Check out these two coats - MEN’S and WOMEN’S. They both fold into one of their pockets. Major space saver!
Necessary medicine, like an inhaler, that is not included in your first aid kit.
Trail snacks. We typically carry Clif Bars and some sort of sandwich for the day. If it’s super hot out, we will carry something salty to munch on as well.
Warmer outer layer - time of year and time of day/night depending. If we are doing a sunrise or sunset hike, we will for sure have a warmer layer with us
Cell Phone. Not only to call for help if needed, but to take photos of the day if you don’t want to carry a larger camera.
Gear Nice to Haves
If you have extra room in your pack, these are great add-in options that we like to take!
Bug spray. Especially if you are going to be near water.
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipes - we use these to wipe our hands off prior to eating and to also clean up our legs if we get caked in dirt/mud on the hike.
Gum / mints.
Kleenex / tissues
Trash Bag. Help keep nature natural and pick up trash as you hike. Or just put your own in it.
Sandals. Ever get to a lake or river and wish you had sandals to put on for a while? Worth bringing if you know you’re going to end up at a lake or river.
Extra socks
Collapsible trail stool. We recently added these to our hiking gear and what a game changer they are! You have a place to sit wherever you go - no more looking for a decent rock or dry ground to perch on.
Carry something that we don’t? Let us know in the comments!
Happy Trails!
~ Liz
