The Ten Essentials
Many hiking clubs and parks use a list called the Ten Essentials. It describes kinds of gear rather than specific items, so you can scale it to the trip:
| Essential | On a typical day hike |
|---|---|
| Navigation | A map of the area, plus a phone with an offline map or a GPS device |
| Headlamp | With spare batteries, in case you are out after dark |
| Sun protection | Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, lip balm |
| First aid | A small kit with blister care and any personal medicines |
| Knife | A small knife or multi-tool |
| Fire | Matches or a lighter for emergencies, where fires are allowed |
| Shelter | A lightweight emergency blanket or bivy |
| Extra food | More than you expect to eat |
| Extra water | More than you expect to drink, or a way to treat water |
| Extra clothes | A warm layer and a rain jacket |
Water
How much water you need depends on heat, humidity, the climb, your size and how much you sweat. Hot, dry or high places call for much more. Carry more than you think you'll need, sip regularly rather than waiting until you are thirsty, and don't drink untreated water from streams or lakes, which can carry germs even when it looks clear. Park and forest pages often say whether water is available along a trail.
Food
Pack food that is easy to eat on the move: sandwiches or wraps, nuts, dried fruit, cheese, crackers or bars. Eating small amounts every hour or so keeps your energy steady better than one big meal at the top. Bring extra in case the hike runs long, and pack out every wrapper and peel.
Layers
Dress in layers you can add and remove as you warm up and cool down:
- A base layer that moves sweat away from your skin. Synthetic or wool fabrics dry faster than cotton.
- A warm middle layer such as a fleece or light insulated jacket, even on a warm day.
- A rain jacket that also blocks wind.
- A hat and light gloves in cool seasons or at higher elevation, where temperatures are often lower than at the trailhead.
The pack itself
A pack with padded shoulder straps and a hip or chest strap is more comfortable than a shopping tote or a single-strap bag. Put heavy items such as water close to your back and in the middle, and keep the things you reach for most, such as snacks, sunscreen and a phone, in outside pockets.
Adjust for the trip
- Short, busy park trail: water, a snack, a phone, sun protection and a light layer may be plenty.
- Longer or remote trail: the full Ten Essentials, a paper map and more food and water.
- Hot weather: extra water, electrolytes, sun protection and an earlier start. See weather on the trail.
- Cold or wet weather: warmer layers, a hat, gloves, spare socks and a headlamp for short days.
Do I really need a headlamp on a day hike?
It is small and light, and a twisted ankle or a wrong turn can easily keep you out past sunset. A phone flashlight drains the battery you may need for calls or maps.