ActiveHiking & WalkingDay hike essentials: what to pack for a single day tripHeading out on the trails? Don’t forget these day hike essentialsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveHiking & WalkingDay hike essentials: what to pack for a single day tripHeading out on the trails? Don’t forget these day hike essentialsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Heading out on the trails? Don’t forget these day hike essentials
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When going hiking, the right day hike essentials are something you should look out for. Day trips are a nice way to enjoy the landscape without committing several days to a hike, but they still require a bit of forethought and planning. As with any type of physical activity, you’ll need to ensure that you’re kitted out in appropriate clothing so that you can stay dry, warm and comfortable throughout the day.
Nature can also be unpredictable, so you’ll need to ensure you’re prepared for any emergencies and well-stocked with snacks and water to keep you fueled and hydrated. Read on for our day hike essentials that will prepare you for a fun day out!
Plus, have a look at our guide for thebest hiking backpacksin which to store your kit.
1. Hiking boots
While good hiking boots are important, you also need to consider how good your socks are, as they are generally the thing rubbing your feet. Have a look at our guide to thebest hiking sockson the market, and while you’re at it, our tips onhow to prevent blistersmight give you a head start in protecting your feet.
2. Appropriate clothing
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, you will need to wear suitable clothing to keep you comfortable and at a good temperature while you’re out on the trails. Chaffing can ruin a perfectly nice walk, so we recommend a pair of thebest walking trousers. If you’re more of ahiking leggingsperson, we have a guide for that too.
Omar Villafuerte, a qualified mountaineer, says the right and wrong gear can be trip altering. “Picking clothing that is both lightweight and durable in 70mph winds is essential,” he says. “Learning how to layer during activity and downtime is important for a successful trip.”
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Decathlon)
(Image credit: Decathlon)
3. Weather protection… for sun or rain
Even if the weather forecast says you will be hiking under glorious sunshine, pack awaterproof jacketjust in case. An extra layer provides you with some warmth and keeps the elements off should it rain or snow.
Villafuerte also stressed the importance of sun protection. “As strong as some of us may feel, the sun is even stronger,” he says. “I always carry protective layers, sunscreen, lip balm, and even side protection for my eyes.”
Sunburn may not seem too dangerous, but having five or more sunburnsmore than doublesyour chance of developing melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Remember to cover all exposed skin with sunscreen and reapply every hour in midday sun if you can.
4. Food and drink
You must endeavour to stay properly hydrated when hiking and replace the water you lose through sweat. On average, people need to be drinking two to three litres of water a day. This increases when doing moderate exercise like hiking, where you will need to be consuming at least a litre every two hours to replace water loss. We have a round up of thebest hiking water bottlesif you’re thinking of getting a reusable bottle for your trips.
You also need to be replenishing your energy levels throughout the day. High calorie snacks like nuts and dried fruit are excellent sources of energy and easy to eat on the go (there’s a reason it’s called trail mix). You can also pack glucose sachets or chewables to keep you going throughout the day, but try to make sure you eat at least three proper meals too. Build on a good, balanced breakfast like oatmeal and ensure that you’re getting enough protein to help your muscles repair themselves after your hike.
5. A navigation aid
You need to know where you’re going, even if you’ll only be out for the day. Villafuerte recommends you not only plan your route, but bear in mind the steepness of the terrain so that you don’t overestimate yourself. “The contour lines allow you to read the steepness of an area so you can plan effectively,” he says. “Anticipate problems before you step out and always think about the return.”
One of thebest hiking GPS systemsis designed specifically to keep you on the right track, although if you already have anoutdoor watch, that’ll also do the job.
6. Emergency kit
Even though you only plan to be hiking for a day, it’s important that you’re prepared for an emergency. The following are all good to include in your day pack:
“I would rather have to carry gear I did not need than make it to the base of a mountain and realise I needed those crampons after all,” Villafuerte adds. “I always scout my expeditions as much as I can. I read weather reports, look at online reviews, and the history of the area to make a decision on everything I would need.”
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Knee pain when hiking? Try these four helpful hacks from a strength coachThere’s no need to hang up your hiking boots just yet
There’s no need to hang up your hiking boots just yet
Feeling cold on your winter hike? An outdoor expert says you’re making this mistakeApparently it’s common with ‘first-time hikers’
Apparently it’s common with ‘first-time hikers’
5 gadgets you need for your fastpacking adventure, according to an outdoor expertIf you aren’t taking these out for a fastpack, then it’s time too!
If you aren’t taking these out for a fastpack, then it’s time too!
What’s fastpacking: the adventure sport that lets you go further, faster, and lighter on the trailsTrail running meets backpacking for one epic adventure
Trail running meets backpacking for one epic adventure
Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Shell review: the most waterproof (and shiny) jacket I’ve ever wornIt might not have the matt finish most people expect from a jacket, but the Wyldwood really shines when it comes to protecting you from wet and windy weather
It might not have the matt finish most people expect from a jacket, but the Wyldwood really shines when it comes to protecting you from wet and windy weather
Olpro Stafford 2.0 review: 2-person backpacking tent made from plastic bottlesGood for backpacking couples, this mid-range, 3-season shelter is constructed from recycled trash
Good for backpacking couples, this mid-range, 3-season shelter is constructed from recycled trash
5 not-so-obvious essential hiking items every beginner needs, according to an outdoor expertExperienced hikers will benefit from them too
Experienced hikers will benefit from them too
Three easy stretches every hiker should do for strong healthy joints, according to an outdoor expertPut your best foot forward with these simple stretches for your knees, hips and feet
Put your best foot forward with these simple stretches for your knees, hips and feet
