What Equipment Do I Need to Hike?

You don’t need a pack mule for a day hike

After logging a few miles day hiking on various trails, we have come to understand why some people get into trouble while hiking.  From wearing flip-flops on rocky trails to not having any water on a hot hike,  many people think trails are a walk in the park.  I wonder how many people who went out on a day hike ended up spending the night in the wilderness?

If you venture out more than a few miles on a day hike, it doesn’t hurt to bring along some “necessities”.

Here’s our short list:

• Daypack
• Hydration bladder or bottle
• A good pair of hiking shoes or boots
• Sock liners and merino wool socks
• Synthetic shirts and pants.  Anything but 100% cotton
• A hat with a brim
• Sunglasses
• The Ten Essentials (listed below)

The Ten Essentials-A list created in the 1930s by The Mountaineers:

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra clothing
5. Headlamp/flashlight
6. First-aid supplies
7. Firestarter
8. Matches
9. Knife
10. Extra food

Good to have:

• hiking poles
• GPS
• large trashbag – makes good raincoat
• neckerchief-synthetic
• portable water filter or water purifier tablets
• toilet paper, antiseptic wipes.  You never know.
• duct tape

Keep going higher…

Generally on day hikes, we take more than we need.  More water, more snacks and a portable stove to brew that cup of celebratory tea at the summit.   For those extended backcountry trips, every ounce counts so we use a checklist and carry only what we need with a few backup items like lighters, batteries and spare socks.  Some gear buying tips-spend the money on shoes and a good pack.  Research the gear on the web and read the reviews.

This is a nice GPS locator that I use: SPOT 2 Satellite GPS Messenger –

Bottom line, start with the ten essentials, you can’t go wrong.