When it comes to hiking, choosing a trail to trek isn’t always the biggest decision you have to make. Deciding what you should take (and what you should leave at home) is often a trickier choice. Avid hiker, Patrick Brehm offers up his advice on what you need to bring with you on your next day hike!
The sun is shining and the weather is just right. On all accounts, it’s looking like the perfect time for a day hike! You’ve decided on a trail, you’re full of energy and ready to go. But wait: what will you take with you?
First things first, how long is the trail? If it’s less than a mile and you don’t plan to stay at the park for a long while, you may not need anything at all. Of course, you should gear up with an ice cold water bottle, just to be safe. But a backpack may not be necessary for this one.
If you plan on hiking for the majority of the day, here’s what you’ll need:
The Perfect Backpack
It almost goes without saying, but acquiring a backpack is the first part of packing for your day hike. Regardless of trail length, you’ll want to aim for a backpack that’s as light as possible. Seasoned hiker, Patrick Brehm recommends bags no heavier than one pound. You don’t want to weigh yourself down, so keep in mind how much a backpack weighs before you load it up with all of your essentials for the day.
Water Supply
Avid backpackers often opt for on the go water filtration systems, rather than water bottles. When it comes to hiking, no matter the distance, water is an absolute must! How you choose to lug that water around is a choice all your own. Brehm recommends a sturdy, insulated water bottle for your average day hike. Like your backpack, you won’t want your water bottle to weigh you down. A good general rule of thumb is to bring two cups (½ liter) of water per hour spent hiking. As far as water bottles are concerned, you’ll want something sturdy and reliable -- something that can sustain the injuries of a drop and roll down the trail!
First Aid Kit
You never know what might happen -- so be prepared! A simple first aid kit should do the trick.
Snacks
Packing a full lunch may not be necessary. But ultimately, the choice is all yours. Patrick Brehm recommends that you pack snacks that won’t require you to stop just to eat. Superfood-rich energy bars, nut mixes and even jerky are great choices for the hiker on the go. This hiker's go-to is a hearty granola bar. Snacks are a great way to keep your energy in full swing during a hike!
Navigation Tools
A compass is a must! If the trail provides maps at its entry point, be sure to take one along with you. Chances are, you won’t wind up lost on a day hike. But anything can happen, so you’ll want to be prepared!
Happy hiking! Follow Patrick Brehm on Twitter for more hiking tips and tricks.
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