Hiking is one of my favorite things in the world. Nothing relaxes and calms the mind like a stroll along a trail, taking in the sunshine and surroundings. Or strolling through a dripping rainforest. You don’t have to visit a National Park or faraway place to enjoy a hike; chances are, there’s a nice forest preserve near you. No matter where I’ve lived, I’ve always incorporated hiking into my hobbies, from hiking near Chicago to the best hikes in Tucson. Now, hiking is one of my favorite things to do in Park City Utah in the summer!
This post contains affiliate links. Buying through these links will not cost you extra, but I will earn a small commission.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker, contemplating your first hike, or wondering what to get a hiker on your gift list, I’ve got the perfect list of hiking essentials with everything you need to pack for a day hike. You don’t need a ton of gear to hit the trail, but there are some things you should always carry for safety and other things you can bring along for comfort. (This is my list of day hiking gear; for overnight backpack essentials, check out my backpacking gear list.)
Hikers’ Ten Essentials
The first thing you should prepare when building your backpack is the ten essentials. These are ten safety items you should always have when hiking, even if you’re just going for a short stroll near home. This may seem like a lot, but really most of these items pack down very small into your day hiking pack. Many items also serve multiple purposes.
Navigation
I’ll be honest, I’ve tried a few times and never really learned how to use a map and compass properly. I carry a simple compass/thermometer/whistle keychain that hooks onto my backpack. I don’t recommend this type of compass for off-trail navigation, but I can use it to orient myself in a general direction. I also generally run a phone app like AllTrails, but I know not to rely solely on my cell phone for navigation.
I do recommend throwing a small, portable power bank in your backpack as a backup power source. If you run trail apps like I do (AllTrails) then you can really drain your battery quickly. Again, it’s hardly any weight and a nice peace of mind. (Don’t forget a power cord as well!)
Sun Protection
Polarized sunglasses make a huge difference in outdoor adventures. I started wearing polarized glasses for kayaking and rafting, and they are great for hiking, too. They can be expensive, and of course, sunglasses get beat up when hiking or paddling. That’s why I love Knockarounds. Their shades start at $10 a pair and come in all kinds of fun designs. They sent me two pairs for a social media campaign, but I’m definitely going to buy a few backups to have around.
A good hat is also really important for anyone hiking in the sun, especially in the desert. I alternate between baseball caps and my Tilley hat, depending on the weather, but if you are light-skinned, keeping your ears and the back of your neck covered is very important. (Or, if you color your hair, protecting it from the sun will help the color last longer!) I love my Tilley hat – they are pricy, but very durable and machine washable.
Insulating Clothing
Even a hot summer day can turn cold and wet quickly, especially in the mountains. I have a Patagonia Houdini Jacket that never leaves my backpack. It’s basically a wind shirt that adds an extra layer of wind and water protection if I need it. Depending on the weather, I will usually throw in my Mammut Rain Jacket and/or a fleece jacket. A warm hat and gloves are always good to have on hand, too!
Light Source
My headlamp is another hiking tool that never leaves my backpack. Although, I do check the batteries every time I leave, just in case they’ve gone dead! I use a Vitchelo model that has red and white bulbs.
First-Aid Kit & Repair Kit
I was once Wilderness First Aid certified, so I may go a bit overboard in this department, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. I carry basic items such as bandaids, tweezers, and a comb for cactus, Neosporin, and a few drugs like aspirin, Benadryl, and Pepto-Bismol tabs. I recommend starting with a basic kit, and then adding or removing items as needed. You can even build your own from scratch using a Ziploc container. The repair kit can be as simple as a travel-size sewing kit. Needle, thread, duct tape, some safety pins, and maybe an extra shoelace.
Fire Source
Again, this can be pretty simple. A waterproof container and some matches, or some fire-starter cotton balls in an old prescription bottle.
Food
It’s never a bad idea to have a few energy bars in your pack for emergencies. And then I throw in whatever I feel hungry for that day. Clementines and almonds are always good, and my favorite lunch on the trail is the frozen PB&J sandwiches from Smuckers. They are so good, especially when they’re still cold on a hot day!
Water / Hydration
This category includes several items. First, drinking water. I recommend bringing more than you think you’ll need. Second, something to drink out of. I resisted using a water bladder for the longest time, but they really are essential for hikers, especially in the desert where it’s so easy to get dehydrated. Being able to sip water continuously throughout a hike, rather than stopping to drink from a bottle, is key. For years, I used a Blue Camelback, but could always taste plastic, and had a hard time opening the cap and ensuring a good seal. This year, I switched to a Platypus Big Zip Bladder and I love it. No plastic taste, and no weird lid to pry off for refills.
I have always carried Gatorade powder on backpacking trips, as I get sick of water after a while. Especially warm water. After a recent discussion with some of my Tucson hiking pals, I’ve now added electrolyte tablets to my First Aid kit. I don’t generally have issues with electrolytes, but again, better safe than sorry and it’s barely any extra weight to carry a tube of Nuun tablets.
Emergency Shelter
I’m pretty much a fair-weather hiker, so I just carry an emergency rescue blanket. I use the kind that you get at the end of a marathon (not that I would know!) It tucks neatly into my First-Aid Kit and doesn’t take up any space or weight.
Non-Essential Things to Bring on a Dayhike
Ok, those are just the essential hiking items, which means it is the bare minimum you should carry on any hike! Now for the optional hiking essentials.
Backpacks for Hiking and Travel
Of course, you’ll need something to carry all of these items! While you could fit the ten hiking essentials into a fanny pack, a lightweight pack is just as comfy. My favorite backpack for day hikes is my REI Flash 22. It is very light, has a bladder sleeve, and compacts nicely for travel. I have had more rigid and structured day packs but found they were not comfortable unless packed very full. The Flash 22 is comfortable to wear, whether it’s full or practically empty. I don’t typically use a backpack as my carry-on, so I like that this is compact and doesn’t take up any suitcase space. The best part is, it’s one of the most affordable hiking packs you can buy!
For more serious day hikes, if you want an internal frame pack, you can’t go wrong with Osprey. I used an Osprey pack for my Switzerland hiking trip, and it was perfect. They are pricy, though, so I don’t think it’s necessary for casual day hikes.
Optional Hiking Essentials
Seat Cushion
Full disclosure: I bought this as a sleeping pad for my Airedale, but it’s way too small. I’ve seen a lot of people carry little sit pads to use on hikes, so I decided to add this to my hiking pack. It’s really nice to have when we stop for a snack break, especially on rocky, prickly, or uneven surfaces. It’s more of a luxury item than an essential, but at two ounces, it’s totally worth it.
Check ThermaRest Z-Pad Price at REI
Trekking Poles
This is a personal preference, but on steep terrain, hiking poles can be very helpful. When choosing a trekking pole, I recommend getting the most expensive ones you can afford, as they will be lighter, more durable, and more comfortable to carry. If you often hike on vacations that involve flights, having collapsible poles makes packing them much easier. My Black Diamond poles served me well in Switzerland.
Hiking Gaiters
This is probably the piece of gear I am most often asked about and is one of my favorite pieces of hiking gear. These beauties keep rocks, sticks, and sand from getting into my shoes. Plus, they come in a ton of fun colors and patterns. As an added bonus, my hiking shoes, the Altra Lone Peak trail shoes, have built-in velcro and a toe loop that work perfectly with the gaiters!
Bandanas are cheap and have so many practical uses while hiking. Mainly, I tie mine to my backpack strap and if it’s hot out, I’ll drip it in a stream and cool my neck or head. They can be used as a handkerchief, headscarf, or even a bandage if needed. Bandanas are a great stocking stuffer for outdoor adventurists. (Tip: wash them a few times before use – I once had a cold on a backpacking trip and my brand-new bandana was not very soft for my nose!) Buffs are also great and offer UV protection.
What to Wear Hiking
My usual hiking outfit is a pair of lightweight Prana hiking shorts and a quick-dry shirt. I really don’t like long hiking pants, but in cooler weather, I have some Eddie Bauer capri pants I really like. Even in warm weather, I usually tie a long-sleeve shirt or fleece around my waist. You just never know! The basic rule of hiking clothes is to avoid cotton. Once cotton gets wet, whether from rain or sweat, it gets cold and heavy. Even cotton underwear can be super uncomfortable when hiking on a hot day.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are a very personal preference. If you can, try some on at the store and walk around a bit. Many people recommend buying up a 1/2 size and/or replacing the inserts that come in your shoes. In Arizona, I hiked in Chaco sandals 70% of the time. Otherwise, I wear Altra Lone Peak trail shoes, which have a wide toe box that allows my toes to spread out.
Injinji Socks
I can’t leave out my favorite socks in the world. I have never had the normal blister issues that many hikers have. However, I get blisters between my pinky toe and the next one. My Haute Route hike in Switzerland really did a number on my feet, so I pretty much only hike in Injinji socks now. They are the best, and I can change into flip-flops after a hike, without removing my socks, ha!
Are you a hiker? What would you add to the list?
Having a huge DUH moment right now… I’m all my hiking life, how have I never thought of a seat cushion?!? Thanks for the tip!
What a great list. I would never think of Electrolytes. I am also not much of a hiker but maybe this list will inspire me!
I’ve never heard of gaiters before! What a great idea 🙂 Lots of lovely inspiration for more comfortable hikes, thank you!
I have also not heard of these gaiters before, I love their purpose and these ones have such pretty colors. Gotta give these some serious consideration!