Day Hiking Essentials
What to Wear & Pack
While each season will bring a different set of variables to consider when preparing for a hike, here are some basic hiking essentials to add to your collection of gear for year-round trail blazing.
Hiking Boots - A good pair of hiking boots can make a big difference in the quality and enjoyment of your hike. While there are a number of things to consider when choosing your boot - material, ankle height, stability, style, functionality, etc. the best hiking boots will be sturdy but not stiff and will keep you comfortable and supported without weighing you down. I typically switch back and forth between trail blazers and mid-ankle boots depending on the terrain. My personal favorite brands are Keen, Merrell, and The North Face.
Socks - I usually wear a pair on my feet and bring an extra pair in my pack. Keeping your feet dry is absolutely essential to a pleasant day on the trails. My favorite brands are Darn Tough and Smartwool - they have a variety of sizes and styles that keep my feet warm and dry while providing a good barrier in my boot to prevent blisters from forming.
Quick-Drying Pants or Leggings - Keep your legs covered, dry and warm with a good pair of breathable and comfortable hiking pants or leggings. I am a big fan of Fjallraven’s Abisko Trekking Tights because they are durable, functional, comfortable and even have reinforcements in the knees and booty area for sitting and climbing in rough terrain. They’re a bit pricey but they are the kind of leggings I can wear days at a time and will last for years.
Moisture-Wicking Top - You want something that’s moisture-wicking and breathable because if you’re anything like me, you’re gonna sweat. So, keep yourself dry and comfortable with either a tank top, t-shirt or long-sleeve (or layer with all three!) that’s got these qualities. Any outdoor or sporting good store will have a big variety of options so find a style and color that you love and try it out!
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket - No matter where you are in the world, you can never count on the weatherman to be 100% accurate in his forecast. So, prepare for the worst and bring a lightweight waterproof jacket just in case. LL Bean’s Mountain Classic Anorak is amazing - it’s light, waterproof, has a kangaroo pocket and awesome colors to choose from.
Packable Insulated Jacket - When the temperature drops, you are going to want to be prepared with warm jacket in your pack. I had a jacket like Northface’s Thermoball Hoodie for years (before I left it in the back of an Uber…) and absolutely LOVED it. So light but so warm and it even fit into its own pocket for easy packing. I recently got LL Bean’s Katahdin Insulated Pullover which I have really been enjoying too!
Bandana - There are literally SO many uses for bandanas that I bring at least three with me on every hike. Whether using it for soaking up sweat, blocking sun rays, blowing your nose or wrapping up a wound, you’ll be glad you brought a bandana (or three) with you.
Hat & Gloves - No matter the season, I always pack a hat and pair of gloves in my bag because again, weather is unpredictable and it is often windy and cold on top of a mountain. Be prepared to keep your head and hands warm!
Hiking Poles - I put off buying hiking poles for years only to finally realize (after doing some damage to my knees…) just how valuable they were to my hikes. Let’s just say my knees are very thankful for this purchase of Leki Trekking Poles!
Day Pack - A good day pack is going to be your go-to for every hike. You obviously need something to store your water, snacks, supplies and extra layers in! Different from a regular backpack, day packs are specifically made to be useful for hikers and are designed with your anatomy in mind to ensure they are comfortable to wear, functional, durable and as light as possible. Day Packs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, functions and colors so make sure to choose one that is best for your body and your needs. I am currently rocking the 16L Del Dia Batac from Cotopaxi, which is perfect for just about all of my regular day hikes. It is also made from recycled materials so each pack has a completely different color block, making each one of a kind!
Snacks - You’re going to want to have plenty of energy if you want to hike a mountain so make sure to fuel-up and bring snacks for your journey. My favorite hiking foods are: trail mix, Epic Bars, apples, PB&J Sandwiches and Clif Bars.
Water - Hydration is key for a successful day on the trail. Whether you bring your own water bottle, a Nalgene Bottle or Hydration Pack, make sure it is plenty of water for your entire journey and then some. A good rule of thumb is to drink about a half liter of water per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures. You may need to increase how much you drink as the temperature and intensity of the hike increases. For some extra support, try adding electrolytes to you water too to replenish your sodium levels.
First Aid Kit - Scrapes, scratches, bug bites and blisters are bound to happen when romping around out in the woods. Make sure to be prepared with some kind of First Aid Kit in your pack for when they do! Most are every inexpensive and they are of course, better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Trail Map - The single most important item you can bring with you on your hike is a trail map. Hopefully you have taken a look at this before setting out on your adventure but at the very least, have some sort of guide with you in case you get lost (it happens!). You can get trail maps from a variety of local outdoor, hiking or book stores or you can utilize All Trails which is an amazing app that gives you access to trails maps, reviews, photos and even GPS tracking if you really lose your way.
How to Prepare
Your hike will only be as good as you are prepared. Now that you know what to wear and what to pack, here are a few other ways you can prepare for your adventure.
Know Your Trail - Look at the trail map ahead of time to know if this is the right trail for you. Understand the type of terrain and the level of difficulty you are in for and be prepared. Know how to get to the trail, where to park and if there is a fee involved.
Check the Weather - While it may not be 100% accurate, it will give you an idea of the conditions you can expect while hiking and allow you to make better decisions about what to pack.
Tell A Friend - We’ve all seen 127 hours. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you are forced to cut off your arm with a dull blade. If you’re hiking solo, tell someone where you are going and make sure to have them check in with you or vice versa at the end of the day. if you’re hiking with friends, great! Make sure someone outside of the trip knows where you’ll be and when.
So, there you have it! Wether you are a first-time hiker or a seasoned trail blazer, I hope you find this guide helpful in preparing for your next outdoor adventure.
Follow me on instagram @eberrywellness to see some of my own hiking adventures and feel free to reach out if you ever need a trekking buddy!
Happy trails!
