Hey there, fellow trail-stumbling, map-misreading, gloriously unqualified hikers! Welcome back to the Unqualified Hikers blog, where we embrace our inner chaos and somehow make it to the summit (or somehow back to the parking lot). Today, we’re diving into the art of packing for a hike when your outdoor skills are… let’s say, questionable. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with a casual, no-judgment guide to stuffing your backpack with just enough gear to survive the wilderness (and maybe impress a squirrel or two). Let’s get started!
The Unqualified Hiker’s Packing Philosophy
Our vibe is simple: pack the basics to stay safe, toss in a couple of fun things to make your hike a blast, and don’t weigh down your pack like you’re hauling bricks. It’s just a day hike, not a week in the wild—don’t stress too hard about it. Keep it light, keep it chill, and you’ll be golden.
Step 1: The Bag Itself
First, grab a backpack. It doesn’t need to be a super expensive one from REI—any sturdy pack will do. Aim for something with enough space for your stuff but not so big you’re tempted to pack your entire kitchen. A 20-30 liter pack is usually fine for a day hike. Bonus points for a backpack with a hip belt—you’ll thank us later. It helps distribute the weight better and will feel much more comfortable for the duration of the hike. Make sure it has straps that don’t dig into your shoulders or gaps on your back. If you need help finding one that fits you, REI staff can always help you find a backpack that suits you.
Step 2: The Essentials (aka Don’t Die Kit)
Even unqualified hikers need some basics to avoid becoming a cautionary tale. We’ve got a whole blog on the 10 essentials every hiker should have, so check that out for the full scoop. Here’s the quick rundown of what you absolutely need:
- Water: Bring at least 2 liters for a day hike. We’re not camels, people. A reusable bottle or hydration bladder works great. Bonus points if you accidentally pack a Capri Sun for morale.
- Food: Pack snacks that won’t turn to mush. Granola bars, trail mix, gummy bears, Nerds gummy clusters, or a squished PB&J are classics. Overpack here—nothing says “I’m thriving” like munching on a spare Snickers at mile 3.
- Navigation: A map, compass, or GPS app on your phone. Yes, your phone can die, so maybe don’t rely on it 100%. Download offline maps (AllTrails pro is the way to go) and screenshot the trailhead just in case. If you’re old-school, a paper map makes you look like you’re in a treasure hunt movie, so that’s cool.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. The sun doesn’t care that you’re unqualified—it’ll burn you anyway. A cheap baseball cap works, and slather on that SPF BEFORE your hike. Pro tip: wear a long sleeve sun shirt with UPF protection to avoid having to reapply sunscreen while you’re sweating and gasping for air between switchbacks.
- First-Aid Kit: Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, and some ibuprofen for when you inevitably stub your toe on a root. You can buy a pre-made kit or DIY one with stuff from your medicine cabinet.
- Light: A headlamp or flashlight, because getting stuck in the dark is only romantic in movies. Toss in an extra battery to show your boy scout-like preparedness.
- Fire: Matches or a lighter in a waterproof bag. You probably won’t need to start a fire, but it’s nice to know you could if you wanted to channel your inner Bear Grylls.
- Shelter: A lightweight emergency blanket or bivy sack. It’s like a burrito wrapper for humans and weighs almost nothing.
Step 3: The Unqualified Extras
This is where we shine. These aren’t “essentials,” but they’re essential to the unqualified hiker experience:
- Fun or Fancy Snack: One absurd or bougie treat, like a ginormous chocolate chip cookie or a gourmet chocolate bar. It’s your reward for not tripping over that log back there. Our favorite? We like to take a giant bag of Jelly Bellys and rank our top 5 and bottom 5 flavors. (Anisa’s hot take: Cinnamon jelly beans are the worst flavor in the bag.)
- Random Trinket: A small lucky charm, like a shiny rock or a keychain from that gas station you stopped at. It’s not practical, but it’s you.
- Extra Socks: You’ll step in a puddle. Trust us. Pack a spare pair and thank us later when your toes aren’t sad.
- Bandana: Grab a bandana and leave it in your pocket to wipe sweat off your face—it barely weighs anything, and you can pick whatever pattern you want, from funky tie-dye to classic paisley.
Step 4: Clothes (Because Naked Hiking Is Frowned Upon)
Wear comfy, weather-appropriate gear. Layers are your friend—start with a moisture-wicking shirt (NOT cotton, it’s a swampy disaster), add a fleece or puffy jacket, and bring a rain shell if the forecast is even a little iffy. Comfy pants or shorts with pockets are a must. Hiking boots or trail runners are great, but your beat-up sneakers will do for now – just make sure they have a good grip. And don’t wear flip-flops unless you want to befriend every rock on the trail.
Pro Tip: Leave your flip flops in the car to change into after your hike. Your feet will thank you.
Step 5: Packing Hacks for the Truly Unqualified
- Stuff Sacks Are Your BFF: Use small bags or gallon freezer bags to organize your gear. One for food, one for first-aid, one for random junk. Freezer bags are cheap, waterproof, and perfect for compartmentalizing your chaos.
- Heavy Stuff in the Middle: Put the heavy things (like water) close to your back and in the middle of the pack. This keeps you from toppling over like a drunk turtle.
- Don’t Overpack: If your bag weighs more than your dog, you’ve gone too far. Aim for 10-15% of your body weight for a day hike. Test it at home and ditch the non-essentials (sorry, novelty mug).
- Leave Room for Trash: You’re not a monster—always pack out what you pack in. Bring a small plastic bag for wrappers and food waste. Also, pack a sandwich bag with wet wipes in case you need to pee, along with a separate sandwich bag to put the used wipes in. NEVER leave your wipes in the forest—Mother Nature isn’t your maid.
Step 6: What to Leave at Home
Not everything deserves a spot in your pack. Save space and sanity by leaving these behind:
- Speaker: Blasting tunes might sound fun, but it’s a hassle to carry and can annoy wildlife (and other hikers). Listen to the birds and your heavy breathing on the steep inclines instead.
- Valuables: Your fancy watch or wallet full of credit cards? Leave ‘em at home. You don’t need to flex on the squirrels, and losing them along the trail or down the side of the hill is a bummer.
- Heavy Books: We get it, reading in nature sounds dreamy, but that hardcover novel weighs a ton. If you want, bring a lightweight e-reader or just enjoy the trail’s story.
Step 7: The Pre-Trail Reality Check
Before you hit the trail, do a quick vibe check. Shake your pack—does it rattle like a maraca? Repack it. Try it on—does it feel like you’re carrying a toddler? Lighten the load. Tell someone where you’re going, because “I’ll just wing it” is how search-and-rescue stories start. Share your trail plan with a friend or leave a note in your car.
Final Unqualified Wisdom
Packing like an unqualified hiker is about balancing prep with personality. You don’t need to be a gear nerd to have a blast—just bring the basics, a sprinkle of chaos, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. The trail doesn’t care if you’re a pro or a hot mess; it’s just happy you showed up. So pack your bag, lace up those sneakers, and go have some Type 2 Fun in the great outdoors. You’ve got this!