Hiking is one of the best ways to explore a destination and immerse yourself in nature– not to mention you are rewarded with great exercise and epic views along the way! Whether you’re an avid hiker or just getting into it, trust me when I say that you never want to find yourself underprepared while out in the middle of the woods. There are a few must-have items that you’ll definitely want to bring along before setting out on any trail. I’ve put together a list of the top 15 things I always make sure to pack with me on my hiking trips, specifically tailored to day hikes.

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Hiking Packing List

1. Hiking Boots

Hiking boots provide a much better grip than sneakers alone when scaling up rocks or steep surfaces. We’d recommend investing in a pair that rises to the ankle for additional support.

2. Comfortable Socks

If you plan to be on your feet all day, you want to make sure you’re treating them right! Depending on the climate of your hike, a thick or moisture-wicking sock could be a life-saver.

3. Large, Insulated Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is critical. Make sure you have a reusable bottle that can hold an ample supply of water to last you the full hike. Insulated water bottles are clutch on both hot and cold days.

4. Sturdy Backpack

Carrying a bunch of gear all day long can be tiring, so having a supportive backpack is key. Bonus if it also has a canteen that can hold more water.

5. Layers

Weather can be unpredictable as you reach higher altitudes. Often times our core body heat will rise as we are scaling up a mountain, but once we stop moving to rest or take in the views at the top this heat can disappear quickly. Bringing along layers will help regulate your body temperature for whatever the day brings you.

6. Trail Map or AllTrails App

Trails typically have markers you can follow, but sometimes they can be a bit confusing. Since there typically isn’t cell service in the wilderness, having a paper trail map or offline maps can be very handy. We paid $30/year for the AllTrails app and it is worth every penny.

7. Headlamps

Headlamps are key to any sunrise or nighttime hikes where you are setting out in the dark. They help you find the trail markers and prevent major falls!

8. Camera Gear

Capture the moments and views from your hike with the right camera gear. This can be your cell phone or a fancier DSLR/mirrorless camera. Whatever you choose, make sure you have any equipment that might be necessary. I usually bring my DSLR camera, along with extra batteries and a tripod.

9. Sunscreen

If you hiking across less wooded terrain, you may want to bring some sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn.

10. Sunglasses or Hat

Similar to the above, if the sun is blazing, you don’t want to have to squint to be able to appreciate the views!

11. Band-Aids/Mini First-Aid Kit

Accidents happen all the time, so it’s good to be prepared for any scrapes you may encounter along the way.

12. Hand Sanitizer & Napkins

Pretty self-explanatory, most parks have “outhouse” style restrooms that tend to run out of soap and toilet paper quickly. It never hurts to have these items as a back-up.

13. Snacks

As you cover miles of ground, you’re going to build up an appetite. I always pack granola bars, beef jerkey, or trail mix to keep my energy levels up. For longer hikes, I’ll bring PB&J sandwiches for lunch.

14. Bug Spray/Bear Spray

Depending on where you are hiking, mosquitos and ticks could be a common issue. Bears, on the other hand, will definitely be a more rare occurrence. If you know you are going to be hiking somewhere with a bear population (ex: Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park), this could be life-saving. Please note that you cannot check bear spray on a plane.

15. Plastic Bags

These come in handy when storing food or consolidating trash. No littering here!

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Honorable Mentions

Camping Gear

If you are planning a multi-day, overnight hike (like thru-hiking), you’ll need to pack more heavy-duty equipment for shelter and cooking meals.

Hiking Stick/Trekking Poles

Depending on the terrain, hiking sticks can provide further stability and prevent you from falling. The Narrows hike in Zion National Park has very slippery rocks that make it really easy to injure yourself. My hiking stick prevented me from smashing my head on the rocks on more than one occasion.

Binoculars

If you plan to go wildlife watching, binoculars can come in handy when spotting animals across far distances.

U.S. National Park Annual Pass

If your destination is a part of the U.S. National Park System or you’re planning to hike at multiple parks, reserving the Annual Park Pass could help you save a lot of money on entrance fees.

Crampons

These are useful when hiking up a glacier or if you expect snowy/icy conditions on your trail. Attach these to the bottom of your hiking boots for extra grip.

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I hope you found this list helpful! Do you think there’s anything I missed? Comment below with your hiking must-haves!

xx

Kristen