Basic Gear for a Day Hike

By Patty Cartwright

To hike safely and comfortably you need a few basic items. You will hear many people refer to The Ten Essentials. If you do a quick search you might find that different groups have similar 10 essential list, but there may be some variations. When gathering your own gear it’s important to think about things such as hike location, terrain, hike distance, and your own personal preferences. It just makes sense you need more water and food if you are going a longer distance. It also makes sense that you might need more “emergency” supplies if you are going out into the wilderness than you would need on a highly traveled short distance trail in the middle of the city.

THE TEN ESSENTIALS

1.       Navigation. Navigation might include maps, compass, GPS.

2.       Sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, hat, clothing for sun protection.

3.       Appropriate clothing, layers, insulation. Hat, ear muffs, gloves, jacket, additional layers for coldest possible weather.

4.       Illumination. Bring a headlamp and/or a flashlight. Make sure you have fresh batteries or bring extra.

5.       First-aid supplies. A first aid kit can be just a few things in a zip lock bag, or a complete first aid kit for a more remote location or longer hike. Include your personal medications.

6.       Fire. Butane lighter, matches in waterproof container, fire starter.

7.       Repair kit and tools. A pocket knife or small multi-tool. You might also have scissors, tweezers, duck tape and additional repair supplies.

8.       Nutrition. You need food for snacking during your hike. Plus consider emergency food if you are lost or injured.

9.       Hydration. Water for the planned hike. Extra water (or purification system) for emergency. Don’t forget about electrolytes.

10.   Emergency shelter. This can include anything from a Mylar blanket to a tent depending on where you are hiking.

To get started hiking the main things you need are comfortable shoes, socks, and clothing, the items you choose from the ten essentials list, plenty of water, and a small backpack or waist pack to carry your gear. In general your clothing should be wool or technical fabrics. Cotton absorbs sweat, becomes heavy, and leads to chafing. (In cold weather cotton may increase your risk of hypothermia.)

Always carry more food and water than you think you will need. Consider hiking poles depending on terrain and your personal preference. I also suggest carrying your cell phone, an emergency whistle, a zip lock bag for trash, and a small supply of toilet tissue. Don’t forget your identification and emergency contact information.

Think about things you may not want to carry with you, but you will want after the hike. I usually have extra water, snacks, a large first aid kit, wet wipes, clean clothing and shoes, and a lawn chair in my car. Many times these items do not get used, but I am thankful to have them when needed. I also keep a beach towel in the car to drape over my car seat.

Think ahead and be prepared!

REI Day Hiking Checklist: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html

Wikipedia Ten Essentials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials