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Over the years, I’ve done so many mistakes when it comes to packing for a day hike…

I still remember being soaked wet during our hike on Mount Tateyama in Japan because I forgot a rain jacket, and I’ll never forget the time I completely dehydrated on Roy’s Peak in New Zealand because I didn’t bring enough water. Or what about the time I looked like a boiled lobster after hiking in the Julian Alps in Slovenia without any sunscreen?

Trust me, I’ve done so many stupid things when it comes to packing for a day hike, which is why I’ve decided to write this guide. I’m only sharing what I think are the top 12 necessary things to pack for a day hike, because you don’t need to be an outdoor-gear-guru for just a simple hike.

Just bring what’s necessary.

So here it is! This is what to pack for a day hike – including things to notice before you start packing, what to bring and what not to bring, plus a fun, bonus day hike packing list to download at the bottom of the blog post. Let’s get to it!


Before you start packing for a day hike

First things first.

There are some things you should think about before you start packing for your day hike. I would say that the main 2 questions you should ask yourself are these:

  • What is the weather going to be like? Does the forecast promise sun, rain or wind? How many degrees are you going to hike in? Is it winter or summer?
  • What is the trail going to be like? Is it an easy, flat 5-kilometer trail, or is it a hard, steep 25-kilometer trail?

These two things determine what you should pack and what you should wear on your day hike. For example, I often hike in my Teva sandals (love them!) if I’m just doing a flat trail during the summer, whereas I always strap on my hiking shoes when it comes to hiking in rougher terrain that requires a good grip.

So, make sure to look at the weather forecast and the difficulty of the trail before you decide on what to bring on your day hike.

Related post: Hiking Tips for Beginners


What to pack for a day hike? My 12 essentials

All right. Let’s look into the essentials of what to pack for a day hike! Here I mention 12 day hike essentials, which you should always remember to put on your packing list. However, if you have any injuries, then make sure to pack the appropriate gear for that as well – such as hiking poles that may help a bad back or cranky knees.

These 12 essentials that I mention are things that you can easily find at home and bring on your day hike. You don’t need any crazy expensive gear if you’re just going on a simple day hike. Don’t overdo it, don’t overthink it, and DON’T overpack! Just take with you what’s necessary.

Now let’s get to it! Here are 12 essentials that you should always pack for a day hike.

1. Small but good backpack

In order to bring anything, you of course need a backpack. Just take notice that if it’s just a day hike, then you don’t need a full on 60 Liters Osprey on your back. Trust me, you’ll regret carrying too much.

Instead, choose a comfortable small backpack, which can contain all you need to pack for your day hike.

2. Map over the trail

Make sure to get a map over the trail. On some big touristy trails it’s not necessary because you’ll always be able to find your way. BUT, if you’re hiking in the mountains, then you might think about getting hold of a map, so you don’t get lost and become coyote food (or whatever scary creature lives on your trail).

I often just download an offline map on my phone which I bring on the trail. There are several hiking apps you can use, but truth be told, I often just use Maps.me for simple day hikes.

3. Phone

Always bring a phone! It’s become such a great multi-tool nowadays. Apart from being able to contact someone if you should get hurt, then you can also use it to download a map or put on your flashlight.

If you feel that you don’t want to bring your phone on your day hike because you need a break from the world, then you can simply turn it off. But please bring it.

4. Food & water

Remember to bring a lunch and a snack pack on your day hike. I always like to bring a sandwich, some fruit, an energy bar, and some nuts. The amount of food always depends on how long and challenging your hike is, but it’s always better to bring a little extra in case you run out of energy.

Then you want to pack as much water that you think you need for the day hike, and then DOUBLE IT! Trust me on this one… I’ve been in situations before where I calculated waaay too little water, and the hike turned out to be miserable. ALWAYS bring extra water!

You’ll more often than not end up opening that extra energy bar or second liter of water you brought.

5. Toilet paper

This is one of the “nice-to-bring”-essentials for your day hike.

We’re all just humans, and if you’re doing a long day hike, then you’ll have to go at some point… That’s just how we are programmed.

You will not be able to find toilet paper in nature, so make sure to pack your own roll on the day hike. Just don’t throw it in the nature afterwards. There is nothing more filthy than a trail full of toilet paper… On many hikes you can also find drop-down toilets, and these NEVER have any toilet paper inside. So bring your own.

6. Little plastic bag for trash

Bring a little plastic bag with you to put your trash in. Could be anything from used toilet paper to food wrapping. And if you’re really nice and love nature, then you could pick up some trash you find on the way – Just a suggestion for those who wants to do something nice for Mother Earth.

7. Band-Aids for blisters

This is one of those I always forget to pack, and I often live to regret it.

If you’re doing a long challenging day hike, then please remember to pack a package of Band-Aids, they’ll take the edge off your pain from the blisters. You can also get better (and more expensive) plasters in the pharmacy such as Compeed, which are specially designed to take care of blisters.

8. Extra layer of clothing

The golden rule when you do a day hike (especially in the mountains) is to always wear layers. That way you can just strip down when it gets too hot, or put on more clothes if it gets chilly.

It’s always a good idea to bring an extra fleece on your walk!

9. Spare socks

You’ll thank me for this little day hike packing tip!

Always bring spare socks on your day hike – especially the long ones. There is no better feeling than changing your socks after 10 kilometers. Aaaaahh!

It’s also handy to have another pair of socks with you just in case your shoes and socks are drenched from a wet trail. Plus, they almost take up no extra space in your day pack.

10. Rain cover

Bring a rain cover because you’ll never know when the clouds will roll in and decide to rain on you. If the weather forecast says clear sun all day, then I wouldn’t bring it, but if there is a possibility of clouds or rain, then you should definitely bring a rain cover.

Plus, it’s always a good idea to bring a rain cover if you’re hiking in the mountains because the weather is more unreliable here. I learned this the hard way!

11. Hat or cap

Not only do you look cool, but it’s also practical!

No matter if it’s sunny or if it’s raining, then a cap will be useful. It protects your face from sun and rain, so make sure to bring one on your day hike.

12. Sunscreen

Unless you’re going on a day hike where the weather forecast promise you rain all day (which sounds like a miserable day hike), then you should bring some sunscreen.

During summer, or when hiking in the mountains, sunscreen is 100% a necessity! Far too many times have I found myself as red as a tomato because I didn’t put enough sunscreen on or I forgot it in the car… Just plain stupid.


What NOT to pack for a day hike?

I have already mentioned what I found to be all the essentials to pack for a day hike. However, you can always bring more and more and more… And I’m here to tell you not to.

You don’t need a ton of gear to go on a simple day hike! If you’re staying overnight, then you definitely need to pack more gear, but stick to keeping your packing list simple on your day hike.

Ask yourself if it’s really necessary to bring extra gear such as knives, headlights, and all kinds of survivor gear. In the end, you’re the one who have to carry it, and if you’re only going for a day hike, then you might not end up using it.

So what NOT to pack for a day hike is basically anything you’re not going to use because it’ll just end up being placed on your bag for hours as extra useless weight.

That’s why this day hike packing list is so simple! It’s literally just the basic essentials, and not any crazy expensive hiking gear. Some people think that they need all kinds of special outdoor gear to go hiking, but this is not true. Hiking is literally about just putting one leg in front of the other while enjoying nature. So don’t think you need to go crazy in an outdoor shop before a simple day hike.


BONUS Download: Fun day hike packing list

As a little bonus to you, Glenn and I made a little downloadable PDF about all this information, which you can carry on your phone or print out.

I basically mention all the essentials from this blog post, and give you a few extra tips on the way. So, if you want my day hike packing list, then make sure to sign up for it below.


I hope you enjoyed this blog post about what to pack for a day hike. Hopefully, you’re all settled for your next walk in this beautiful world! If you have any questions, then don’t hesitate to drop them in the comment section below, and I’ll get back to you.

Remember that you don’t need to bring crazy expensive outdoor gear to do a simple hike. Put on some good shoes, pack a day pack, and head out on the trail. Enjoy your hike, thanks for reading and happy travels!

looking to get inspired by a trail? Check out: All of our hiking trails.

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