What do I pack on a hike?
SINGLE DAY HIKES AND MULTI-DAY HIKES
Day hikes require significantly less gear than multi-day hikes. Regardless, it is important to carry beyond just the "bare minimum," as you are out in nature and nature can be unpredictable. When you are hiking, you are typically away from cell phone towers, medical help, food, and drinkable water. Make sure you are prepared with the essentials. Better to be safe than sorry!
SINGLE DAY HIKING
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Day pack and/or hydration pack, see here
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Mini first aid kit
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including pain reliever, foot repair, and alcohol based hand sanitizer
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Good shoes - see guide here
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Moisture-wicking socks (+ extra pair)
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Plenty of food (more than you think)
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Water (more than you think)
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Plus water treatment supplies like a life straw and chlorine dioxide tablets
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Sun protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, sun protective clothing, chapstick
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Navigation - Map, compass, GPS
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Insect repellent
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Knife/swiss army knife
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Cell phone and/or camera
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Electrolyte tables or packs
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Whistle
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Gaiter or buff for neck protection
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Extra sealable bags (ziploc) for trash
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Trekking poles, optional
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Unexpected weather gear - rain jacket, lined gloves, large trash bag, and lightweight puffy (depending on time of year)
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Bear spray, depending on region
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Duct tape
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Biodegradable toilet paper
Merino-wool moisture wicking socks. Great for hiking and keeping your feet dry.
Swiss Army Camper Knife. Seven features in one small compact device.
Four Function Whistle. Includes thermometer, magnifier, compass, and whistle.
Water treatment tablets. Great to carry a few tablets just in case you need to filter water.
MULTI-DAY HIKING/ BACKPACKING
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Backpacking pack (40-60 liters), see here
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Mini first aid kit
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including pain reliever, foot repair, and alcohol based hand sanitizer
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Good shoes - see guide here
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Moisture-wicking socks
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1 pair for each day, minimum
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Plenty of food (more than you think)
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Water (1-2 liters for every 2 hours of hiking)
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Plus water treatment supplies like a life straw and chlorine dioxide tablets
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Sun protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, sun protective clothing, chapstick
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Navigation - Map, compass, GPS
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Insect repellent
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Knife/swiss army knife
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Cell phone and/or camera
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Electrolyte tables or packs
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Whistle
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Gaiter or buff for neck protection
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Extra sealable bags (ziploc) for trash
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Trekking poles, optional
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Unexpected weather gear - rain jacket, lined gloves, large trash bag, and lightweight puffy (depending on time of year)
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Bear spray, depending on region
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Duct tape
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Biodegradable toilet paper
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Tent (+ stakes)
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lightweight: 3-5 lbs max.
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Ground cover tarp for under tent
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Lightweight sleeping bag (3 season at least)
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Blow up sleeping pad
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Blow up mini pillow, optional
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Campground sandals, like these
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Stove and fuel (if you want a warm meal)
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Kitchen supplies - cook set, utensils, bowl
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Headlamp + extra batteries
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Fire - matches, lighter, tinder/kindling
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petroleum jelly soaked cotton balls work
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Clothing - based on days hiking and access to creek/water to rinse and hang dry
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Deodorant
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Biodegradable soap
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Gloves and/or rain mitts
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Warm head gear, like a beanie, optional
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Nylon cord to hang food or string clothes to dry
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Soft dry towel, like this
SOOO... WHAT'S REALLY IN MY BACPACK?
These lists are extensive, but absolutely necessary. Nature and weather are completely unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for a worst case scenario situation. Here's a real life example - Derek and I were day hiking up Grays and Torreys, 14,000 footers in Colorado. It was the dead of summer, July, and warm perfect weather. There was still a little snow on the mountain peaks, so I (being the smart one) decided to bring my insulated puffy jacket just in case. We reach the saddle (area between the two peaks) and the sun is shining. Then out of no where, we see white clouds rolling in with 40+ mph gusts of wind. Then, the hail and snow began, and it hit HARD. The temperature must have dropped by at least 20 degrees, and it had already dropped by 20-30 degrees during the ascend. Grabbed my puffy and bundled up behind a huge boulder, trying to block Derek from the wind. It was BRUTAL. Moral of this story - always be prepared. Or end up like Derek!
Single Day Hikes - If the hike is relatively short (under 4 hours) and not ascending more than 2,000 feet from the base, I usually just bring my small hydration bladder pack. It has a few pockets to store these essentials:
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food/snacks
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water
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mini first aid kit
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sunscreen
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water treatment tablets
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insect repellent
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swiss army knife
If the day hike is longer, and the ascend is higher, then I will pack everything on the list in my day pack + bring the hydration bladder for easy access to water.
Multi-Day Hikes - everything on the backpacking list is essential for multi-day hikes. The weight of your pack should not exceed 20% of your body weight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, your pack should not exceed 30 lbs. If you are backpacking with a friend (which is recommended for safety reasons), it is easy to split the weight of the camping gear. One person can hold the tent, stakes, tarp, and the other can hold the cooking set and stove. As you go through food during the trek, your load will naturally lighten as well.
Most Importantly!
Ensure your gear is of good quality. When you are backpacking for multiple days, the last think you want to happen is your tent, backpack, shoes, or cooking supplies fail you. You gear doesn't need to be the pricey name brands, but please do choose your gear based on quality, warranty, and hiker reviews. If you can see, feel, and try on your gear in person first, even better.
REI co-op will size you for your backpack and can help guide you on what kind of gear is best for your backpacking adventure.