A comprehensive day hiking checklist that includes everything needed for short adventures, including basic gear, clothing, sun protection, safety and more. Free PDF included!
*This guide is meant for short treks not too far from town, if you’re looking for a checklist for long day hikes far in the backcountry, where you’ll need to be more self-sufficient, I’ll be making one for that soon!*
This hiking checklist airs on the over-prepared side, but if you’re just getting started, I recommend starting out bringing everything you think you will need, and then slowly eliminating as you gain experience and figure out what works best for you!
Let’s get into it!
Hiking Gear
- Daypack (I use an 18L pack, but anything from a 13L to a 22L is perfect for day hikes)
- Water bottle and/or reservoir
- Trail snacks (I always keep a few snacks in my pack, I don’t often need more than one on a short hike but I like to keep a few in case I get lost or stuck on the trail longer than planned!)
Optional:
- Trekking Poles (Especially great if you have any knee issues, I don’t use poles but I have a few friends who use and love these
- Micro spikes (for snowy/icy hikes)
- Map/route description – if your hike takes you along multiple paths, it might be good to take a map (or a screenshot of the trail routes ahead of time) so you don’t get lost
Clothing – These are all mix and match based on the weather and where you live
- Temperature regulating T-shirt
- Athletic shorts or hiking pants
- Hiking boots (these ones are great all year round, check out the Xero show review)
- Hiking socks (moisture wicking and at least ankle length are best)
Optional:
- Long sleeve shirts (for sun/bugs or for warmth)
- Lightweight fleece layer jacket
- Rain jacket / wind shell
- Lightweight puffer
Emergency & Self-Protection:
- Mini first aid kit
- Birdie Personal Alarm or an emergency whistle (some daypacks have these built into the strap buckle)
Optional:
- Bear Spray (for those who hike in bear country. However, it could also certainly come in handy if you run into stranger danger on the trails)
Personal Items & Extras
- Credit card/cash & ID
- Cell phone – fully charged
Optional:
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sketchpad or journal (I love bringing one of these up into the mountains and finding a sunny spot to sit, meditate and draw)
Health / Sun Protection
- Sunscreen – Tallow & Zinc Oxide Sunscreen in a reusable jar- (code: BEYONDTHESHIRE11 for 10% off!)
- Sunglasses
Optional:
- Sun hat (I use a baseball cap)
- Chapstick with SPF
- Insect Repellent (depends on the time of year and where you live of course!)
Remember that this hiking checklist is a comprehensive starting point, and you may find that you don’t need everything on this for the type/length of hike you’re going on.
I hope this hiking checklist helps you feel empowered to embrace the outdoors and start hiking more often! What are some of your favorite, go-to day hikes?
Beyond The Shire Posts Mentioned:
Shop Products Mentioned In This Post:
- Retro Ridgeways here
- Birdie Personal Alarm
- Insect Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Bear Spray
- Mini First Aid Kit
- Micro Spikes
- Lightweight Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Socks
- Trekking Poles
- Grayl Filtered Water Bottle
FREE PDF:
Free PDF on Canva
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