How To Pack For a Day Hike: Day Pack Essentials

Day hiking is one of our FAVORITE things to do, and we know we are not alone in that feeling. It is such a great way for us to get outside, get exercise for us and Kirby (as long as it is dog friendly), and explore new areas. In this post, we will pass along what we have learned that we actually need for our day hikes.

Hiking, as much fun and enjoyable as it is, also kind of sucks at the same time, and that is part of the fun of it. The challenge and difficulty are what make it rewarding. Being prepared from a day pack standpoint can make your hike much more comfortable.

Check out our posts about hiking in Seattle here, and how we rank the California National Parks and hiking here. Give us a follow on Instagram to come along on our adventures!

What Backpacks Do We Have?

We have accumulated a few different backpack options throughout our hiking days. One of our first packs was the Osprey Daylite Plus, and it is hard to go wrong with this pack, and Osprey in general. We would highly recommend this pack to anyone for hiking, or even just a day pack. The quality is top notch, they are lightweight and comfortable, and for being a smaller pack, you can fit so much into the space available.

The North Face is another company we have had success with in our backpacks. On our trip to Patagonia for the W Trek, we needed a little bit larger of a pack, seeing as we needed more rooms to have more layers and waterproofs. I have had my Recon for many years, and it was perfect to allow for more storage, and comfortable to wear hiking for 10-12 hours per day on the W Trek. It is not exactly classified as a “hiking” backpack, but it worked great. It is water resistant, not completely waterproof, but I have never had any real issues with that.

There is also our favorite daypack, that is super versatile, which is our TRAVSESSED backpack. It can be used for pretty much all of your adventures, whether that is in the city, in the airport, or on the trail. It is particularly handy in the airport, because of the design with the passport holder, travel wallet, and phone holder right on the straps within an easy reach. They are super secure and RFID proof, so no need to worry about pick pockets. It also folds into itself to become very compact and easy to pack.

Daypack Hiking Essentials

• Water: Some people go for the reusable water bottle (e.g. Hydroflask), but we prefer our Osprey water reservoir for hiking. There are varying sizes, we use the 3 liter and fill it up as much as needed, depending on what we are doing. We find it to be easier to stay hydrated with the reservoir and bite valve, and can carry more water compared to a water bottle. Hydration is so important, so whatever you do, be sure to bring plenty and drink it!
• Snacks: Who does not love snacks? This is an obvious one, like the water also. The length of the hike helps us determine what we bring. If it is a longer hike that is going to take 4+ hours, we will bring sandwiches (AB&J or chickpea salad are our go-to), as well as protein bars and an apple or banana. Choose your preference of snack, and throw it in your pack. Just remember to always leave no trace and pack out what you pack in. That includes fruit peels and everything!
• “She-Wee“: A lot of trailheads have a restroom, but even sometimes that is not enough and “nature calls” while on the trail. For males, it is a much easier task compared to females. This clever little contraption has come in clutch for Erin, particularly on longer hikes. It may not be for everyone, but it may be for you. While we are on the topic, this silver infused “pee rag” is something to look into also.
• Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses: Protection from the sun is clearly important. So, be sure to be equipped with something to protect yourself. We like the non-toxic Native sunscreen.
• Layers: Clearly this is dependent on the weather. Always check the forecast and radar prior to a hike. Rain jackets might be something you need. But more importantly, the temperature can be significantly lower at the top of the hike. So, having a light jacket or quarter zip can be very helpful when you get chilly. Light layers can also protect you from the sun if you’re constantly exposed.
• First Aid Kit: You never know what can happen on the trail, and cuts/scrapes are pretty common. This first aid kit is compact and has come in handy.
• Crampons/Microspikes: Sometimes a little extra traction when you are hiking in snow and ice can go a long way. These crampons are the ones we use, and we love them They were especially helpful when we hiked Angels Landing in Zion National Park in the snow!
• Extra Socks: Keeping your feet as dry as possible is key to prevent blisters. Sometimes a change in socks can be necessary and make all the difference. We really like Darn Tough socks for hiking.
• Bug Spray: The little bottles are convenient and do not take up much space or add too much weight.
• Bear Spray?: Be sure to check and see if you are even allowed to bring it with you. It is not legal in some places (particularly California, Yosemite and Sequoia NP are some big ones).

Now, we do not bring every single one of these items on every hike we do. Clearly some things are dependent on where we are hiking and what the conditions are like. The most important thing is that you do your due diligence and be prepared for whatever you are getting yourself into. Let us know if there is anything we could add to our list!

Once again, ALWAYS pack out what you packed in and do not trash the trail.

EA

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