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Day Hiking Gear Recommendations
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items Hiking gear for people who aren't weird about it. You, or someone you know, likes hiking. During the day. And it's not an obsession. But you still want to have fun and be comfortable. Here are my suggestions for the essentials.
If you're curious, here is what the National Park Service recommends: nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm
Check out my state and national park trails lists here: https://benable.com/NotSoLastMinuteGifts/best-day-hike-trails-and-state-parks-per-state
Disclaimer: Please note that this list may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I genuinely believe in and think ...
If you're curious, here is what the National Park Service recommends: nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm
Check out my state and national park trails lists here: https://benable.com/NotSoLastMinuteGifts/best-day-hike-trails-and-state-parks-per-state
Disclaimer: Please note that this list may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I genuinely believe in and think ...
Sections
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Top-Rated Hydration Backpacks for Hikers
Backpack Hiking Kit
What to Wear Hiking: A Guide to Comfort & Performance
Extras!
Baby and Kid Gear
Dog Hiking Essentials
Top-Rated Hydration Backpacks for Hikers
Hiking without a backpack is nearly impossible! Choosing the right hydration pack for your day hikes can significantly impact your comfort and enjoyment on the trail. This list features a few top-rated backpack recommendations, each with its own uniq...
I'm partial to CamelBaks, since they were what I started out hiking with. I've had the same one for the last 6 years.
CamelBak H.A.W.G. Pro 20 Hydration Pack
A handy companion for a busy weekend or a spontaneous hike, the Gregory Nano 18 H2O hydration pack hauls all of your must-haves - and 3 liters of water.
Gregory Nano 18 H2O Hydration Pack
Load up for an afternoon of switchbacks, sunshine and epic views. The women's CamelBak Rim Runner X20 hydration pack has ample room for a day's worth of gear and 1.5 liters of water.
Women's CamelBak Rim Runner X20 Hydration Pack
With ample room for a day's worth of gear and 1.5 liters of water, the men's CamelBak Rim Runner X22 hydration pack helps you load up for adventures full of switchbacks, sunshine and epic views.
Men's CamelBak Rim Runner X22 Hydration Pack
Made to go the distance on big hiking adventures, the women-specific Osprey Mira 22 hydration pack has loads of storage and organization and features highly ventilated AirSpeed™ suspension.
Women's Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack
A no-frills, all-essentials hydration pack with a little room for layers and snacks, the men's Osprey Skarab 22 prioritizes comfort to make stretching your legs quick and easy.
Men's Osprey Skarab 22 Hydration Pack
Balancing Price and Performance: hydration backpack for day hikes.
Mid: Hydration Backpack - TETON Sports Oasis 18 L
This hydration backpack only weighs 2 lbs. with plenty of space for storage. And at a really decent price, you can't go wrong with this one.
Value: Hydration Backpack, 3-Liter Reservoir, Green, Unisex
Take your water to go with the men's Gregory Citro 24 H2O hydration pack. Its magnetic sternum strap buckle and hose clip keeps your H2O handy for on-the-move sipping while you charge up the trails.
Men's Gregory Citro 24 H2O Hydration Pack
Big enough to stash your gear for a full-day trail loop, the women's Juno 24 H2O hydration pack comes with a 3 L reservoir and a ventilated back panel so you can stay cool and hydrated on the move.
Women's Gregory Juno 24 H2O Hydration Pack
Backpack Hiking Kit
Besides the backpack itself, these are all items that will easily fit inside your pack. You won't even notice they are in there, but you'll appreciate them being there if you need them.
Clean your water bladder unless you like drinking mold.
Water Bladder Cleaner Set - 3 Brushes, Collapsible Hanger, 12 Cleaning Tablets & Carry Pouch
Don't regret not having it when you need it. In fact, get two. One for your backpack and another for your car.
HART Outdoor Day Hike First-Aid Kit | REI Co-op
Carabiners: No, you're not using these to climb a mountain. You're going to use them to secure your car keys in your backpack, keep the water tube from your hydro pack out of the way, and also have a handy place to clip your hat when you don't need i...
Nite Ize SlideLock Carabiners - Set of 3 | REI Co-op
You're going on a day hike. But, maybe you need it when you get back to your car. Or, stay out a little later than you thought. Or, come across a cool little cave on your hike. Either way, have one.
Black Diamond Cosmo 350 Headlamp | REI Co-op
Value Headlamp: Have one in your backpack and another in your car. You never know when you'll need it, and these are great.
Kobalt 450-Lumen LED Headlamp with Batteries Included
It's super small and has a ton of functions. Keep one in your pack in case you need it.
Leatherman Sidekick Multi-Tool | REI Co-op
Value Multi-Tool: Grab two. One for your backpack and another for your car. They weigh next to nothing, and you never know when you'll need it.
Gerber Gear Suspension Multi-Tool
Multi-Tool with a nice clip for easy accessability.
Gerber Stake Out Multi-Tool | REI Co-op
If you need a whistle, you'll regret not having it stuffed at the bottom of your bag.
Coghlan's Four Function Whistle
Ziplock Freezer Bags: Is it going to rain? Maybe. Is your phone waterproof? They claim it is. How about your wallet? Or anything else that you're carrying? Have 5 or so of these thicker freezer bags in your pack.
Ziploc Slider Freezer Gallon Bags with Power Shield Technology - 24ct
Do yourself a favor and use one of those ziplock bags to bring a roll of toilet paper on your hike. Smash it flat so it takes up less space. But just have it with you. If anyone asks, you need it just in case your allergies act up. But, it's there wh...
Scott Comfort Plus Toilet Paper - 12 Rolls
Use sunscreen. Even if it's not sunny!
Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen Face Lotion, SPF 70 - 2.5 fl oz
Stupid bugs. Keep them away with this bug spray.
OFF! Familycare Smooth & Dry Bug Spray - 4oz
Clif bars are my absolute favorite. Chewy, tasty, and filling. I'm partial to the chocolate chip, especially if you are bringing extra for friends. But blueberry and nuts & seeds are good ones too.
CLIF Bar Chocolate Chip - 24oz/10pk
I like to carry a pair of mechanics gloves in my backpack. They don't take up any room. If the wind is bad, they will keep your hands warm enough. And, if you decide to do a little rock scrambling, they keep your hands from being torn up.
Mechanics Gloves - Medium - CRAFTSMAN Goatskin Mechanical Repair Gloves, (1-Pair)
Toss a pair of mechanic's gloves in your pack – seriously! They pack tiny, beat wind chill on chilly days, and save your hands from scrapes when you're scrambling over rocks. Backpacking MVP.
Mechanics Gloves - Large - CRAFTSMAN Goatskin Mechanical Repair Gloves, (1-Pair)
What to Wear Hiking: A Guide to Comfort & Performance
Stay comfortable and perform your best on the trail with the right clothing. This list features essential gear for day hikers, including moisture-wicking fabrics, breathable layers, and comfortable footwear. Explore the list and find the perfect outf...
Men's Merrell Boots. Nice and grippy, regardless of the surface.
Merrell Men's Accentor 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots
Step into the outdoors with confidence and out-of-the-box comfort in the men's Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof hiking shoes. This generation is even softer, grippier and more supportive than the last.
Men's | Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Women's Merrell hiking boots. Great grip, no matter the surface.
Merrell Women's Siren 4 GORE-TEX Mid Hiking Shoes
Women's Merrell low top waterproof hiking shoes. They are built to last.
Merrell Women's Moab 3 Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes
Men's Socks. You need good socks. Seriously. And have an extra pair in your backpack, just in case.
Darn Tough Men's Lightweight Micro Crew Hiking Socks
Women's Hiking Socks. If you don't like blisters, then these are the way to go. And have an extra pair in your pack.
Darn Tough Women's Light Hiker Micro Crew Sock
Men's Thermal: Keep it rolled up in your pack or car.
Men's Eddie's Favorite Ultrasoft Thermal Henley
Value Men's Thermal Shirt. Buy a few and keep them available.
Fruit of The Loom Men's Waffle Thermal Crew Top, Sizes M-2XL - Walmart.com
Women's Thermal: Stay warm. Keep one rolled up in your pack. And another in your car.
Women's Long-Sleeve Everyday Thermal Crew
Value: Women's Thermal Shirt. Get a bunch! They are cheap and effective.
Fruit of the Loom Women's Recycled Waffle Thermal Top, Sizes XS-XXL - Walmart.com
Men's Hiking Pants. You can turn them into shorts. And they are sturdy.
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Men's | REI Co-op
Women's Hiking Pants. They keep you comfortable and can be unzipped into shorts.
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Women's | REI Co-op
Bring a hat. I don't care if you bring this one. Just have one that can be rolled up and available when you need it.
REI Co-op Vented Trailsmith Hat | REI Co-op
Value hat that can be stashed in your bag when you need it later.
Kanut Sports Foraker Washed Cotton Sun Hat
Light, rainproof jacket for Men. Easily packable.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket - Men's | REI Co-op
Easily packable, rainproof jacket for women.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket - Women's | REI Co-op
Great for a day on the hill or a day around town, the REI Co-op Lightweight Logo beanie wraps your skull in the soft, breathable warmth of a stretchy acrylic-wool blend fabric.
Beanie
Fairly inexpensive, because you’ll probably lose them or break them.
Tifosi Seek FC 2.0 Sunglasses | REI Co-op
Extras!
Here are some items that are nice to have for your day hike, but not crucial. More preference and circumstantial kind of things.
I don't use poles, but these are great if you need them.
REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles - Pair | REI Co-op
I like adding some flavor to my Camelbak water. I prefer the powder so it's easy to add and lasts a long time when it's stored.
Gatorade Thirst Quencher Lemon Lime Drink Mix Powder, 51 oz Canister
If you have to have the Yeti brand, this one is good to fit in the car.
YETI Roadie 24 Charcoal 22 qt Hard Cooler
A cheaper cooler, similar to a Yeti.
RTIC Outdoors 20qt Ultra Tough Hard-Sided Cooler - White
Pricey, but best reviewed. Download your maps!
Garmin GPSMAP 67i | REI Co-op
Value GPS Version. Download the maps before hiking.
Garmin eTrex 32x | REI Co-op
What's that over there? Wish I had something rugged to see far!
Waterproof Binoculars - Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 | REI Co-op
I don't know where you're hiking, but if it's somewhere that could possibly have bears, you should have this spray on you.
Bear Deterrent Spray | Counter Assault 8.1 fl. oz. | REI Co-op
This is for the toilet paper above in the essentials section.
PACT Outdoors Shovel | REI Co-op
Unisex showshoes. Did you know REI offers snowshoes for rent? Before spending the money, rent them and see if you actually like it.
MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes | REI Co-op
Battery Pack in case you take a lot of pictures.
Skullcandy Fat Stash 2 Portable Battery Pack | REI Co-op
12 PACK PREMIUM EMERGENCY BLANKETS- Our durable advanced aluminized Mylar blankets are perfect for civilian bug out bags, go-bags, and home/auto emergency kits.
Space Blanket: (12-Pack)
The Let's Wander™ National Parks Water Bottle comes engraved with all 63 National Parks Of The USA, as well as matching stickers for you to stick on to commemorate each time you visit a new National Park.
Let's Wander™ National Parks Water Bottle
Hiked 'til you dropped? 😂 Now your mystery muscles are screaming! Theragun Relief to the rescue! Blasts away post-hike aches & stiffness fast. Easy to use, lightweight, and gets those sneaky sore spots. Basically, it helps you feel human again a...
Therabody Theragun Relief Massage Gun
Keep all your hiking gear in one bag so you can grab it and go.
Duffel Bag - Black
Baby and Kid Gear
If you're going to be walking around with a kid, here are some items that would help make it more of an enjoyable experience.
Bring a kid! On your back!
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier | REI Co-op
Value: Bring a kid! On your back!
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier | REI Co-op
Bright, energetic and fun, our Mini M.U.L.E. packs a big punch in a smaller container. Designed with kids and compact-framed people in mind, this durable and sustainably built pack still has room for every riding need. The sleek and adjustable build ...
Kid Sized CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E.: Various Colors
Sized for kids and designed for hiking, the Osprey HydraJet 12 hydration pack keeps young trekkers moving with its included next-gen 1.5-liter reservoir and convenient pockets for all the essentials.
Osprey HydraJet 12 Hydration Pack - Kids
Get the kids a hat. This one has multiple benefits. 1. They will be warm. 2. It's a fun design, so they might actually wear it. 3. It's bright yellow, so if they take off running, you'll be able to see them.
Pokemon Beanie - Yellow
Dog Hiking Essentials
If you're going to bring your dog on the trail with you, here are some items that will make their (and yours) trip better.
Collapsible dog bowl. Make sure they are hydrated!
Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl | REI Co-op
This drop treatment specifically repels and kills fleas and ticks, which is why I recommend it. There is a two month supply with this version (2 treatments). I would test this out before committing to the six month supply anywhere else.
Flea & Tick for Dogs: K9 ADVANTIX II
If your dog is off leash, make it easier to keep an eye on them with this reflective dog vest.
Ruffwear Lumenglow Hi-Vis Jacket | REI Co-op
Keep your dog warm with this puffy jacket. If you're cold, they probably are too.
Ruffwear Vert Jacket | REI Co-op
Help that doggy paddle with this life jacket.
Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket | REI Co-op
Help traffic see your furry sidekick on walks, hikes and evening strolls with a Blazin LED USB Rechargeable Nylon Dog Collar. With a visibility of up to 350 yards, this high-tech, LED collar lights up to help keep your best buddy safer.
LED Dog Collar: USB Rechargable
Created so you can take it with you anywhere, this paw-some holder is durable, lightweight and features a double-walled design with a click-and-lock closure to keep the bags secure and easy to grab.
Dog Poop Bag Holder
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Holder with Dog Poop Bags! It’s a sleek, stylishly functional, quality dispenser with 900 extra-long, extra-strong, leak-proof poop bags inside.
Dog Poop Bag Holder with Dog Poop Bags
Did You Drive There? Car Kit.
If you drove your car or truck to where you're going hiking, you should definitely plan ahead. You probably won't have the same type of resources available to you that you would in town. Make sure you're able to leave when you want.
These jumper cables only need to work once for it to be worth the purchase. You'll be relying on someone else, or helping someone else, but in areas with limited reception, it could save the day.
Jumper Cables - Heavy Duty with Carry Bag
HIGH PERFORMANCE JUMP STARTER - Designed for 12-volt vehicles, the AVAPOW 6000A car starter power supply can start all gasoline and 10.0 liter diesel vehicles up to 60 times on a single charge. It easily starts a depleted battery even in temperatures...
Jump Starter with Air Compressor
Emergency flat tire repair solution, connect, inflate and go! The easiest and quickest way to temporarily repair a flat tire in an emergency.
Fix-A-Flat
This roadside assistance kit, includes the necessary tool box, multi-function shovel, jumper cables, triangle warning sign, tire repair tools, traction rope, survival whistle, flashlight, gloves, etc. items can maximize your safety in the event of a ...
Car Emergency Roadside Kit - Jumper Cables kit, Safety Hammer, Tow Rope, Reflective Warning Triangle, Etc.
Basic Random Tips
1. Do NOT wear cologne or perfume. Unless you like bees and bugs.
2. Wait to brag on social media about where you went until you get back. Unless you like people breaking into your house while you're gone. Tell someone where you're going, just not everyone in the world.
3. Pack your bag the night before.
4. Bring “too much” water.
2. Wait to brag on social media about where you went until you get back. Unless you like people breaking into your house while you're gone. Tell someone where you're going, just not everyone in the world.
3. Pack your bag the night before.
4. Bring “too much” water.
Random Tips and Advice