How to Pack for a Day Hike

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

You don't need much for a day hike.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Get a small backpack - the smaller the better. Otherwise, items tend to fill the available space.
Step2
Pack water in a strong, resealable plastic bottle. You will need at least a quart for a day-long walk.
Step3
Bring snacks. In general, fruit, nuts and candy are cheaper than energy bars.
Step4
Pack suntan lotion in an easily accessible pocket.
Step5
Put a compass in the bag for orienting yourself to your map.
Step6
Pack a map in a shirt pocket or outside pocket of your bag.
Step7
Place a light coat in the back wall of the bag to form a cushion between your back and the bag's other contents.
Step8
Bring your lunch and any utensils, if applicable, in plastic, and then put the plastic in the bag.
Step9
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.

Comments

| View All Comments
LilacGirl

LilacGirl said

Flag This Comment

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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Wet feet? That's serious. Bring extra socks. And double sock; it helps prevent blisters. Also bring rain gear. Weather on a mountain can take an about-face in a minute. But if you're dry, even a rainy day on the peak can be an exciting adventure!

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Pack for a Day Hike

eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Related Ads

Sports & Fitness

JoeRivera
Meet Joe Rivera eHow’s Sports & Fitness Expert.