How to Pack for a Day Hike

You don't need much for a day hike.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snack Foods
• First Aid Kits
• Moleskin
• Sunscreen
• Backpacks
• Compasses
• Plastic Water Bottles

1. Get a small backpack - the smaller the better. Otherwise, items tend to fill the available space.

2. 

   Pack water in a strong, resealable plastic bottle. You will need at least a quart for a day-long walk.

3. Bring snacks. In general, fruit, nuts and candy are cheaper than energy bars.

4. 

   Pack suntan lotion in an easily accessible pocket.

5. Put a compass in the bag for orienting yourself to your map.

6. Pack a map in a shirt pocket or outside pocket of your bag.

7. 

   Place a light coat in the back wall of the bag to form a cushion between your back and the bag's other contents.

8. Bring your lunch and any utensils, if applicable, in plastic, and then put the plastic in the bag.

9. 

   Pack a small first-aid kit.

Tips & Warnings

• A sturdy book bag should be more than sufficient for a day hike. If it isn't, you are bringing too much stuff.
• Bring some moleskin for blisters.
• Bring water, even on a cold day.

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[ww10443]

on 7/2/2009 Bring a headlamp, flashlight, or wind-up dynamo light in case you get caught in the dark.

[LilacGirl]

on 4/30/2008 Good article, informative and interesting. Here in Oregon we always know the weather can change fast so we usually bring a coat even in the summer.

on 11/22/2005 Almost everyone has a cell phone these days, and even though it may be out of range, you may luck out if you get lost and are desperate!

You can wrap a paper towel around it and place it in 2 ziplock bags to protect it from moisture and from getting damaged if your bag falls.

on 11/22/2005 Just in case something bad does happen, you should always have a way to build a fire. For example, bring cotton balls covered in Vaseline, fire starter sticks, waterproof matches, or steel and flint.

on 11/22/2005 Ziplock bags come in various sizes. Perfect! Ziplock each item. It protects against rain and keeps the whole bag in order. Packing sun tan lotion? Leave the bottle at home and instead put a small portion in a little Ziplock bag. It saves both space and weight.