“Day hikes are great medicine for the soul. The key is to have your gear at the ready.”
Day Hiking Gear List
Getting away for a day hike gets you out of The Grind and resets your mind. And, when you have your day hiking gear all set, you can bounce from civilization at a moment's notice - fill up the water bottles, pack a lunch, and get out of Dodge. I enjoy a couple dozen day hikes each year, and it really is medicine for the soul.
On Me
- Lightweight, quick-drain trail shoes
- Wicking socks
- Hiking pants/shorts
- Wicking shirt(s)
- Road ID bracelet
- Technical hat
- Hiking poles
- Mobile phone
- Map
In My 23L Backpack
- Compass/whistle/thermometer
- 2 32-oz. water bottles
- Lifestraw
- 1 gal. zip-lock baggie with food and long spoon
- 1 gal. zip-lock baggie to pack out trash
- Multi-tool/knife
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- First-aid kit
- Bear spray, if appropriate
- Trowel
- Bath wipes
- Solar cell battery backup with caribeener
- USB charging cable
- Headlamp
- 6 AAA batteries
- Fire starter sticks
- Lighter
- 50-ft. paracord
- Emergency sleeping bag/bivvy
- Long sleeve synthetic quarter-zip shirt
- Beanie
- Waterproof phone case
- Emergency poncho
- Lightweight rain pants
Gear Favorites
- Trail Shoes | In my experience, lightweight, quick-draining trail shoes are 100% the way to go. They're comfortable, perform brilliantly, and when crossing streams, they drain beautifully.
- Wicking Socks | When it's warm, wicking socks will keep your feet dry - avoiding blisters and generally keeping you more comfortable. I wear Swiftwick socks and they've kept me blister-free for years.
- Wool Socks | When it's cold, wool socks are perfect. Even if your feet get wet, your feet will stay warm, and they dry faster than their cotton peers.
- Hiking Poles | These are great - especially for strenuous hikes when you're legs start to tire.