These are all of the things I carry with me in my pack for a day hike. I have included the 10 essentials for hiking and a few "luxury" items that I'd take for some hikes.
Sections
4
Day Packs We Love
The 10 Essentials
"Luxury" Items We Love To Toss In
Know Before You Go Hiking
Day Packs We Love
For different scenarios, these are great packs.
Osprey is my go to brand for packs, and this one comes through.
Osprey Daylite Backpack
When we're short on space in our luggage while traveling, this is great to throw in. It's not as comfortable as normal day packs, but it does the job.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack
A little more sturdy with a waist belt better for long day hikes than the daylite.
Osprey Tempest 20
The 10 Essentials
These are the essential things you should have with you on every hike.
If an emergency happens, you'll be extremely happy you were prepared.
Outdoor First Aid Kit
Trail mix is our go to hiking snack. A hangry hiker is never good…
Trail Mix
This thing has come in handy so many times. Go for a slightly smaller one that is lighter.
Leatherman Multi Tool
My Black Diamond headlamp has been such a gamechanger.
Headlamps \
We wouldn't head out in the woods without a way to start a fire, just in case.
Camping Emergency Fire Starters
For sun protection, bugs, and keeping hair out of your face.
Hiking Hat
A wind and waterproof layer needs to be in your pack.
Women's Waterproof & Rain Jacket by Patagonia
These are my favorite Stanley water bottles that seal tight and keep things cold. They're perfect for carrying extra water out on the trail.
Water Bottles | Vacuum Insulated Bottle - Stanley
In case you have to spend the night unexpectedly, you'll need something to make a shelter.
Emergency Shelter
In case of emergency and to help with navigation, this little device has become essential in our hiking repertoire.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
I always have this on the outside of my pack for those backcountry bathroom breaks.
Kula Cloth
"Luxury" Items We Love To Toss In
We don't have these on all hikes, but if we have extra room or a really beautiful view, these are going in the pack.
I always have some sort of camera, and I want to make sure my lens is clean!
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
It can be so difficult sometimes to find a place to put a phone for a photo at a good angle. A tripod with bendy legs has come in clutch in the backcountry when there is no one else around!
Cell Phone Tripod
Know Before You Go Hiking
Before you head out on a hike, you should know these things.
Please practice these principles. It's always a good idea to have a reminder! Keep those spaces beautiful for others (and yourself!) to enjoy for years to come.
Leave No Trace
REI always has easy to digest information for beginners.
Hiking for Beginners
Yes, those lines and colors on those maps do mean something, and you could find yourself in trouble if you don't understand.
