Day Hike Essentials List
Before going on any short or longer day hike—especially in areas with no phone service—I always ask myself this crucial question:
"If I get stuck here overnight, will I be alright?"
What if the hike takes longer than anticipated? What if I get injured and can’t make it back? What if I become separated from my group?
Things don’t always go as planned. That’s why being prepared is essential for your safety.
I’ve put together a guide on what to pack for a day hike. The items you bring could potentially save your life.
Please note that these items will depend on a number of factors, such as:
- Where you are hiking
- Weather conditions
- Length of the hike
Let’s start with the 10 Essentials:
Navigation
Light
Sun Protection
Insulation / Extra Clothes
First Aid
Shelter
Fire starter
Extra Food
Extra Water
PLB
1. Navigation:
I always recommend bringing multiple sources of navigation, just in case.
Download the map offline on your phone using Alltrails.
Download the map onto your Garmin Watch .
A physical map of the area.
A compass is great if you know how to use it, and have a map to go with it.
I have a GPS map on my Garmin inReach
Also have portable charger and charging cords for all devices.
Don’t forget to download the driving directions too!
2. Light
The hike is taking longer than you anticipated, and the sun is quickly setting. Oops.
Luckily, you read this list! And you’ve got a headlamp to help you follow the trail (and NO, your phone torch will not suffice).
with extra batteries/portable charger.
3. Sun Protection
There is a reason we were always told “No Hat, No Play” growing up. Sun protection is important to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and heat exhaustion. Even in the middle of winter the following are still needed!
Hat
Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Polarized Sunglasses
SPF-rated lip balm
Sun protection clothing UPF rated
4. Insulation / Extra Clothes
Weather can be unpredictable. You could get stuck outside longer than anticipated. If it’s cold and raining you could very quickly get hypothermia.
Always be prepared for extreme weather conditions by packing:
Waterproof rain jacket (recommend GoreTex)
5. First Aid
Taking a first aid kit on a day hike is crucial for ensuring preparedness and safety in unexpected situations.
It provides immediate access to essential medical supplies that can address common hiking injuries like cuts, scrapes, blisters, and sprains.You can purchase a pre-packed first kit, and customise it to tailor its contents to your specific needs and medical conditions. For example, someone prone to allergies might include antihistamines, while a diabetic might pack packets of lollies in their first aid kit.
All hikers should carry a first aid kit that includes at minimum:
Snake Bandage (if in Australia)
Band aids or plasters
Gauze pads
Adhesive tape
Disinfectant
Pain or anti-inflammatory medication
Antihistamine
Space Blanket
Hand warmers*
Don’t forget to restock items once used!
6. Shelter
An uncomfortable long night is better than not returning home.
It's essential to have an emergency shelter in your pack to protect you from wind and rain in case of being stranded or injured on the trail. This could include:
- Ultralight tarp
- Emergency Bivy
- Space Blanket
- Or even a large plastic trash bag (in dire situations)
Remember, your tent serves as an emergency shelter only if it's with you at all times; leaving it at your campsite is not going to be helpful if you get lost on trail.
7. Fire starter
Fire can be an emergency signal and a heat source for cooking and staying warm.
Pack some waterproof matches in your pack, so you could start a fire in an emergency.
8. Extra Food
Having extra snacks is never a bad idea imo.
It can be especially important if you unexpectedly get stuck for longer than you planned.
My rule of thumb is typically an extra day's supply of food. Preferably food that doesn’t need cooking, and has good nutritional value to give you energy.
9. Extra Water
The same goes with water. Being stuck without water is not an ideal situation.
Always bring more water than you think you’ll need, and a way to treat water.
- Be aware water sources along the trail, but don’t rely on them.
or a stove for melting snow in winter
10. PLB / Satellite Communication Device
This isn’t on the official ten essentials list but I think it is the MOST IMPORTANT item that every hiker should own.
Being able to call for emergency assistance when out of phone service, is a no brainer for me.
I use the Garmin InReach Mini as I like being able to use the two-way messaging service. The InReach does require a monthly subscription, but you can opt to pay this as needed. One downside to the InReach is that the SOS/PLB function only works when the device is charged.
You can purchase or hire a PLB from various places.
Other essential items
You could try and carry all these items in your hands, but I can’t say I'd recommend it.
The great debate: Hiking boots or Trail Runners?
It doesn’t really matter which one you choose, just as long as you have something to protect your feet.
I usually switch between my Merrall Moab’s, Oboz Katabatic’s and Hoka Speedgoats depending on the trail.
My most favourtie hiking socks are the smart wool!
Hiking top and bottoms
NO COTTON!!
Powerbank
Having the directions downloaded on your phone is great..until your phone battery goes flat.Toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and a bag to pack it out in.
Sorry to break it to you. No one wants to see your toilet paper in the bush. PACK IT OUT.Pack Cover
There is nothing worse than all of your gear getting soaked. A pack cover can help keep your gear dry, and prevent hypothermia.Gloves
It only takes one time to learn to always pack a pair of gloves in your pack
Optional Items:
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
Watch
Camera and tripod
