You’ve had the date marked in your calendar for weeks now and the excitement of a full day out on the trails is starting to build. The last thing you want is have the day spoiled by leaving something critical at home. Have you got a day hike checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered?
Here at The Adventure Junkies we know how many gear options there are when it comes to hiking. I mean, just look at how many gear reviews we’ve done over the years! To help keep things as simple as possible, we’ve done the hard work and selected the best option for each type of equipment you’ll need on your day hike. Print it out, laminate it, whatever you do, keep it handy and you’ll have the best day hike possible.
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HOW TO USE THIS PACKING LIST
Before we jump into the world of packing for day hiking, I want to give you a quick rundown on how to get the most out of this list. Next to each item you will see a few categories, let me explain what they mean.
PURPOSE: What it is used for, a quick insight on why you might need that piece of gear.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: We know that when you’re just starting out it can be tough to know what you really need and what can be left at home. We did our best to weed out the essentials and have written ‘Yes’ for each item we believe you truly need. Keep in mind, this will vary depending on the type of trip you are planning.
PRICE RANGE: It’s good to get an idea of how much each item will cost so you can budget accordingly.
LOOK FOR: Some quick tips on how to choose your gear.
OUR PICK: Our choice based on the value and quality of the product.
LEARN MORE: An article related to that particular piece of gear.
BEST MODELS: An article about the top gear of the year.
1. CARRYING GEAR
BACKPACK
PURPOSE: A large bag carrying everything needed for an extended day hike
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $150 – $400
LOOK FOR: A comfortable fit and quality materials
OUR PICK: Osprey Atmos (50L)
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Backpacks of the Year >>
DAYPACK
PURPOSE: A lightweight and comfortable bag for all your hiking essentials
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $240
LOOK FOR: Lightweight materials and plenty of pockets
OUR PICK: Osprey Daylite
BEST MODELS: Best Day Hiking Backpacks of the Year >>
PACK COVER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Keep your gear dry during wet weather
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends if there is a chance of rain
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $50
LOOK FOR: Durable material and sized to fit your pack
OUR PICK: Sugoi Zap Pack Cover
BEST MODELS: Best Backpack Rain Covers >>
DRY BAG
PURPOSE: Keep your electronics, books or other items dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your needs
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $60
LOOK FOR: Seam seals and roll-top closure
OUR PICK: Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack 20L
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2. CLOTHING GEAR FOR WARM WEATHER
HIKING SHIRT
PURPOSE: Lightweight shirt to protect you from the elements while keeping you cool
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, fit, and a quick-dry fabric (wool or synthetic)
OUR PICK: Columbia Plus Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Shirts of the Year >>
HIKING PANTS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Lightweight pants to protect you from the elements while keeping you cool
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, fit, and a quick-dry fabric (wool or synthetic)
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Pants
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Pants of the Year >>
LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET
PURPOSE: Keep you warm in cool weather
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $80 – $200
LOOK FOR: Breathable materials and weight appropriate to your use
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Hoody
BEST MODELS: Best Softshell Jackets of the Year >>
SUN HAT
PURPOSE: Prevent sunburn on your head and prevent glare
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $50
LOOK FOR: Quick drying, breathable material with a broad brim for maximum sun protection
OUR PICK: Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Hats of the Year >>
3. CLOTHING GEAR FOR COLD WEATHER
BASELAYER PANTS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Keep your lower body warm and dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, breathability, quick-dry material
OUR PICK: Craft Men’s Active Extreme
BEST MODELS: Best Long Johns of the Year >>
BASELAYER SHIRT
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Keep your upper body warm and dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $30 – $120
LOOK FOR: Warmth, breathability and quick-dry fabric
OUR PICK: Tasc Performance Men’s Level B
BEST MODELS: Best Base Layers of the Year >>
SOFTSHELL PANTS
PURPOSE: Keep your lower body warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $200
LOOK FOR: Comfort, warmth and breathability
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Men’s Cirque
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Pants of the Year >>
FLEECE JACKET
PURPOSE: Keep your upper body warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $200
LOOK FOR: Comfort, warmth and breathability
OUR PICK: The North Face Men’s Denali 2
BEST MODELS: Best Fleece Jackets of the Year >>
GLOVES
PURPOSE: Keep your hands warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $150
LOOK FOR: Goof fit, warmth and dexterity
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Men’s Alti
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Gloves of the Year >>
BEANIE
PURPOSE: Prevent heat loss and keep you warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $75
LOOK FOR: Comfort, breathability and warmth
OUR PICK: Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Hats of the Year >>
DOWN JACKET
PURPOSE: Keep your upper body warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $80 – $400
LOOK FOR: Comfort, fit, warmth, and weight of down
OUR PICK: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
BEST MODELS: Best Down Jackets of the Year >>
4. CLOTHING GEAR FOR WET WEATHER
WATERPROOF PANTS
PURPOSE: Keep your lower body dry and protected from the wind
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $300
LOOK FOR: Good fit, breathable, sealed seams, and ability to be put on over boots
OUR PICK: Patagonia Torrentshell
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Rain Pants of the Year >>
WATERPROOF JACKET
PURPOSE: Keep your upper body dry and protected from the wind
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $400
LOOK FOR: Good fit, breathable, sealed seams and a hood
OUR PICK: Marmot Men’s Minimalist
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Rain Jackets of the Year >>
5. FOOTWEAR
BOOTS
PURPOSE: Protect your feet and provide stability
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the type of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $75 – $300
LOOK FOR: Sturdy, comfortable boots that fit well and aren’t too heavy
OUR PICK: Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boots
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Boots of the Year >>
APPROACH SHOES
PURPOSE: Protect your feet while providing excellent flexibility
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the type of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $300
LOOK FOR: Comfortable fit
OUR PICK: Scarpa Men’s Crux
BEST MODELS: Best Approach Shoes of the Year >>
SANDALS
PURPOSE: Cool, lightweight footwear that still protects against the elements
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the type of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $200
LOOK FOR: Comfortable fit, sturdy construction, toe protection
OUR PICK: KEEN Men’s Arroyo II
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Sandals of the Year >>
SOCKS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Keep your feet warm, cushioned and dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes, if not wearing sandals
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $30
LOOK FOR: Cushioning, appropriate cut for your shoes
OUR PICK: Darn Tough Vermont Men’s 1/4 Merino Wool Cushion
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Socks of the Year >>
GAITERS
PURPOSE: Protect your lower legs from vegetation and snake bite
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $150
LOOK FOR: Comfortable fit, secure fastening and tough, waterproof material
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Crocodile
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Gaiters of the Year >>
6. SAFETY AND FIRST AID
FIRST AID KIT
PURPOSE: Immediate treatment for minor injuries
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $30
LOOK FOR: A kit containing essential items that isn’t too bulky
OUR PICK: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit .9
LEARN MORE: How to Make a First Aid Kit for Hiking
LIGHTER OR MATCHES
PURPOSE: Light a fire or stove
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $10
LOOK FOR: Compact, waterproof
OUR PICK: Zippo Emergency Fire Starter
HEADLAMP
PURPOSE: Provide illumination at night or in dim conditions
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $50
LOOK FOR: Good fit, excellent battery life and a high lumen light
OUR PICK: Black Diamond ReVolt
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking HeadLamps of the Year >>
MULTITOOL
PURPOSE: A handy tool for cutting, snipping or actions
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $100
LOOK FOR: Critical functions that matter to you, lightweight
OUR PICK: Victorinox Swiss Army SwissChamp
BEST MODELS: Best Survival Multi Tools of the Year >>
SUNSCREEN
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $15
LOOK FOR: High SPF rating, long lasting, and waterproof
OUR PICK: NO-AD Sun Care Sport Sunscreen Lotion
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON
PURPOSE: Provide emergency services personnel with your location in the event of an emergency
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the terrain and remoteness of your hike
PRICE RANGE: $75 – $200
LOOK FOR: High quality materials, waterproof and compatible with local emergency services teams
OUR PICK: SPOT 3 Satellite GPS Messenger
SUNGLASSES
PURPOSE: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and physical damage
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $30 – $300
LOOK FOR: Good fit, sufficient physical protection and UV filtering
OUR PICK: Oakley Men’s Flak 2.0 XL
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Sunglasses of the Year >>
7. HYDRATION
WATER BOTTLE
PURPOSE: Keep yourself hydrated on the trail
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $30
LOOK FOR: Strong, lightweight material with a secure opening
OUR PICK: Nalgene Tritan 32oz Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle
HYDRATION BLADDER
PURPOSE: Allow you to stay hydrated while on the move
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $40
LOOK FOR: High quality materials and sized to match your pack size and hydration needs
OUR PICK: CamelBak Crux Reservoir Set 2L
WATER PURIFIER
PURPOSE: Purify water in an emergency
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $50
LOOK FOR: Compact, effective construction
OUR PICK: LifeStraw
BEST MODELS: Best Water Filters of the Year >>
8. NAVIGATION TOOLS
COMPASS
PURPOSE: Assist you in navigating off-trail or in poor conditions
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your style of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $30
LOOK FOR: Quality materials and lightweight
OUR PICK: Suunto A-10 A10 Recreational Field Compass
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Compasses of the Year >>
MAP
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Prevent you from becoming lost
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your style of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $40
LOOK FOR: Clear markings, right region, water resistant paper
OUR PICK: Depends on the location of your hike
MAP CASE
PURPOSE: Protect your map from the elements
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on whether you take a map or not
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $20
LOOK FOR: Waterproof construction and clear materials
OUR PICK: SealLine Map Case
GPS UNIT
PURPOSE: Confirm your location in remote areas
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $300
LOOK FOR: Good reputation, waterproof design, accurate indication and good battery life
OUR PICK: Garmin eTrex 30
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking GPS Units of the Year >>
WHISTLE
PURPOSE: Notify others of your location
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $15
LOOK FOR: Compact size and loud whistle
OUR PICK: HEIMDALL Safety Whistle
9. PERSONAL ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES
WATCH
PURPOSE: Provide you with information such as time, altitude and barometric pressure
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $500
LOOK FOR: Quality, waterproof construction and a good fit
OUR PICK: Garmin fēnix 3 Sapphire
BEST MODELS: Best Hiking Watches of the Year >>
WASTE BAGS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Storage of waste, for disposal on your return
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $10
LOOK FOR: Sturdy materials
OUR PICK: Base CampSource Odor-Barrier Bag
CAMERA
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Capture memories of your hike
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $200 – $2000
LOOK FOR: Compact size, high quality and preferably weather resistant
OUR PICK: Sony Alpha a6300
INSECT REPELLENT
PURPOSE: Protect your skin from being bitten or stung by insects
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the location of your hike and time of year
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $15
LOOK FOR: Trusted brand, preferably with a high proportion of DEET
OUR PICK: Repel 100 Insect Repellent
BINOCULARS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Observe animals, birds or other natural features at a distance
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $30 – $100
LOOK FOR: Good zoom, compact size, weather resistant
OUR PICK: Bushnell 138005
BEST MODELS: Best Compact Binoculars of the Year >>
READ MORE
For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads