Hiking Essentials for a Day on the Trails

Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting out, ensuring you have all the essentials is vital. Finding the perfect balance between feeling comfortable and being well-prepared for unforeseen circumstances can sometimes be tricky to achieve.
From adequate sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing to sufficient water and energy riched food, including all the must-haves in your day pack will keep you stocked for your next day out on the trails, allowing you to fully take in the views. If you pack correctly, you will even have space to include your favourite SMOK vape kit.

Sun Protection

Never underestimate how important sun protection is on any hike, regardless of length or weather conditions. Before heading out, apply a decent amount of high-SPF sunscreen to the exposed sections of your arms and legs, face and neck.

As part of your pack, you should include a high-SPF sunscreen for reapplication, SPF lip balm, sunglasses, a brimmed hat and protective clothing for harsher summer days. You should consider these items as absolute essentials on every hiking trip, as server sunburns and sunstrokes can become life-threatening.

Adequete Food & Water

It is absolutely vital to stay adequately hydrated while out hiking to keep your body’s critical systems functioning correctly. Water helps to regulate your body temperature, cooling you in the heat and warming you up when it gets cold. You need to bring enough water to last the duration of your hike and an extra amount for unexpected delays. However, it is important to remember that while water is crucial, it is also one of the heaviest things you will carry, so avoid bringing more than you absolutely need.

When packing food, you need to include options that are calorie dense to replenish and sustain your energy during a long day of activity. Energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky are all excellent choices. For a more substantial lunch, sandwiches made with hard meats and cheeses will keep you satiated and energised.

Solid Footwear

If you are a beginner hiker, any sturdy, closed-toe athletic shoe will suffice for the trails you begin with. Sneakers are more than sufficient for the more accessible hiking trails, but having footwear with adequate grip on the sole is vital for steeper climbs and descends.

As you get more experience and begin traversing more challenging trails, you will need to invest in a proper pair of high-quality hiking shoes. If you are unsure where to start, head to your local gear shop and speak to the experts who can assist you in making the best choice for your needs.

Navigation Tools

It is far easier to get lost outside than you may think, especially in areas you are not overly familiar with. If you are heading to a new hiking trail, it is strongly advised that you become familiar with the route and the surrounding area before you head out.

If you lack experience navigating your way around areas, stick to popular trails where you are guaranteed to encounter other people who can assist you as needed. As part of your pack, you should include a compass and a printed map of the area alongside your GPS in case your device runs out of battery or loses signal while you are out.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Before heading out the door, you should check the weather forecast. For warm and sunny days, you need to assess how much sun protection your clothes are going to offer you while still allowing you to remain cool.

However, if rain or inclement weather is expected, packing an extra layer, which may include a warmer jersey or lightweight rain jacket, is essential. Most experts recommend a rain jacket being a permanent feature of your pack, as weather is often unpredictable.

Travel First-Aid Kit

You should always carry a small but comprehensive first-aid kit when moving through the backcountry. Many pre-packed options are available online, stocked with all the necessary items you will need to combat any minor ailments you pick up while out.

As you gain more experience and understand the potential dangers you will encounter, you can add to your kit to suit your personal needs. Be sure to replace anything you use immediately so you are always fully stocked and prepared.

Knife/Multi-Tool

Experts recommend hikers bring along a small knife or multi-tool as a part of their standard hiking essentials. The Swiss army classic is the perfect example of a multi-tool that will be useful in various situations.

Alongside your multi-tool, include Bic lights, waterproof matches, or fire flint for emergency fires should the weather turn or you find yourself out after dark. You may not often need these items, but you will be glad to have them on hand if the situation arises.

Emergency Shelter

For multi-day hikers, reliable shelter will already be a standard part of their kit. However, bringing along a small, emergency lightweight shelter is expertly recommended for day hiking if you have to unexpectedly spend the night outdoors.

Furthermore, a compact space blanket will help protect you against the elements and potentially save your life in an emergency.

Illumination

Even if you are not planning to stay out after dark, bringing along a light source with every hike you take is extremely important. A reliable headlamp, orch or small camping lamp are all excellent choices. A significant aspect of hiking is anticipating the unexpected, which could include hiking for longer than expected or getting lost on trails.

Any area in the backcountry, including the ones you are familiar with, looks vastly different in the dark. And should you ever find yourself out when the sun starts to fade, you will be happy to have a shining light illuminating your way.