Hello 2024! New year, new blog post! We’re happy to be back here on UnqualifiedHikers.com after taking a mini hiatus for the holidays.
Fun fact: about 37% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions every year, according to a poll done in 2022 by YouGov.Com. Hopefully some of those resolutions include getting outdoors more, and what better way to do that than to start hiking?!
While it’s currently not prime hiking weather in most of the country, we figured we could still discuss the basics of what we like to pack for a day hike to for those who want to get prepared early.
The 10 Essentials are a collection of first aid and emergency items that can help you in the event of minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected delays.
National Park Service
The Ten Essentials of Hiking:
- 1. Navigation
- We carry a Garmin Inreach Mini with us now that we go on multi-day backpacking trips. However, AllTrails work just fine for most day hikes. We recommend getting the All Trails Plus + subscription if you’re going to be hiking a lot.
- 2. Headlamp
- These are much easier than a flashlight or lantern because it keeps your hands free. It’s always good to have just in case your hike goes later than you plan.
- 3. Sun protection
- Not just sunscreen, my friends! Hats, sunglasses, and sun shirts are all great additions to consider for sun protection. Hiking in a UPF long-sleeve sun shirt sounds counter-intuitive, but trust us, it’ll save you on those hot days.
- 4. First Aid Kit
- Buy a pre-made kit and check expiration dates to make sure everything’s good.
- 5. Knife or Multi-Tool
- Fairly self-explanatory.
- 6. Fire
- Matches ( preferably waterproof) or a lighter will do just fine.
- 7. Shelter
- You’ll never know when bad weather or any other kind of trouble will hit you during a hike. This doesn’t need to be a whole backpacking tent. A simple space blanket will be good enough to help you if the situation warrants it.
- 8. Extra food
- Always pack more than you think you’ll need. You or a stranger on the trail will be thankful that you did.
- 9. Extra water
- Generally you should pack 1/2 – liter of water per every hour of expected activity. However, always bring more than the minimum. Water is a true, true essential that you don’t want to run short on. We use a Camelbak hydration pack, but also bring an extra water bottle in case someone on the trail needs extra water.
- 10. Extra clothes
- No matter what month or what weather, bring a rain jacket! Nothing ruins a hike quicker than being soaked in the rain with no way of drying off until you get back to your car. It can double as a wind breaker in case things get breezy at the top. Gloves are always in my bag as well, for both cold weather and wind.
What we also bring:
We like to pack an empty grocery bag in one of our packs to help clean up the trails and follow the Leave No Trace practices to keep our trails well preserved.
I also like to pack an empty gallon freezer bag with a bag of baby wipes in case I have to use the bathroom before making it back down to the trailhead (guys have it a little easier than girls).
Once you start with hiking poles, you’ll never go back. They’re helpful on steep inclines, but also help save your knees on the trek back down. Not essential, but really helpful.
Bug spray or a bug net is also helpful. We like to keep bug nets because they’re very lightweight and help with those really stubborn bugs that just won’t leave you alone.
I also like to pack a bandana or cooling cloth is helpful on hot hikes as well to keep in my pocket.
Let’s talk about my favorite part: Food.
Snacks we like to eat on the way to the top include things like apple sauce, energy gels, energy chews, or gummy bears. Something easy to get down when you’re huffin’ and puffin’ but can help give you some sugar and some energy (bonus points to gels that have caffeine in them, hallelujah).
Lunch at the top usually includes things like sandwiches, (2 each if it’s a long hike), corn nuts, Jelly Belly’s, honey stinger waffles, and maybe some Cheez-it’s. We love a salty & sweet snack collection!
What we leave in the car for after the hike:
I’ll let you in on a little secret: The best feeling after a hike is being able to take your shoes and socks off. Here’s what we leave in the back of the car for when we’re doing hiking:
- Fresh socks
- Comfy sandals or slides
- Washcloths and / or baby wipes to wipe yourself down wiht
- Extra snacks + Gatorlyte
- Fresh shirt
- Empty grocery bag for dirty socks and shoes
That’s it!
When you’re first starting off, it’s always helpful to have a list handy to check off when you’re packing your bag the night before. Soon enough you’ll be packing your bag without hesitation!
Do you feel like we left anything off this list? Comment below and let us know!
Happy Hiking!