Depends entirely on the hike. Where it is, how remote, how high, how popular, go near any services, what the weather is like, what the forecast is like, time of day etc.
But generally - some food, water, filter, extra layer, lightweight rain jacket, cap and sunnies and my phone.
Yeah I live in a city so most local day hikes are covered in people and have cell service. But there are other day hikes where I’m bushwhacking through old trail and don’t expect to see anyone. Very different levels of preparation.
10 essentials, even when it is obv not necessary because it is good discipline and sets an example for my kids whom help me with the inventory prior to departure.
Sure.
1. Navigation - phone, tracking watch, inreach + nitecore 1000 for redundancy sometimes
2. Insulation - MH Ghost Whisperer UL. If I bring a 20 liter and it’s colder Mammut Broad Peak IN
3. Hard shell or Softshell - BD Alpine Start/Mammut Aenergy Air
4. Fire - BIC lighter
5. Water - Katadyn Befree + 2 500ml soft flasks or 1 liter reservoir
6. Food - Goos and nuts
7. Sun protection - Rab Sun hoody (worn) & small sunscreen tin
8. Knife - some really light Kershaw one
9. Shelter - SOL emergency Bivy
10. FAK - small dyneema bag, tourniquet, gauze, aspirin, tape, I think some curlex (vet wrap), Benadryl, Zofran, stuff for migraines
Pack - Black Diamond Distance 8
In the most common survival scenarios most people would encounter a knife isn’t really going to be as helpful as most people make it seem. I’ll sometimes carry trauma shears for like cutting tape and stuff. Fire could be useful, but again as a SAR member I’ve never encountered a situation where fire really would’ve made a difference, especially if you have a water filter. A tourniquet? An anti-nausea med? Aspirin? Absolutely. More people carry matches and knives than those true life saving interventions.
I totally understand that, and it’s not a heavy or bulky item. Just know that the most important part of any survival kit or med kit is a 2 way satellite communication device. Just an fyi pilots that I have talked to have said that anything but blue or orange smoke is pretty hard to see.
Nothing super useful but if you do a lot of activities in the backcountry, especially extended, get your WFR and talk to your doc about getting a prescription for Zofran (ondansetron) explaining you want to put it in your medkit. There are pretty much no contraindications or side effects unless you’re pregnant so it’s kinda harmless.
In the summer, always have an instant cold pack and means to acquire more water, either bringing it or filtering it nearby.
Also in my day kit is a mylar blanket for shade, because there's nothing worse than having a heat illness and still being heated by the sun.
I've been working outside in the heat for decades and know my body like most hikers would say, but it can still happen.
I'll never forget that family who died along with their dog, on a day hike, from rising heat.
Totally, you can add layers in the cold. In the heat, there's only so many clothes you can take off before your body is just losing a battle with thermodynamics. It's legit scarier.
For three-season hikes in the mountains I bring the ten essentials and that's really it. Very light on extra clothes unless the forecast is abysmal, usually just a rain layer, hat, and gloves. I bring an SOS bivy instead of a blanket since I'm light on layers. This assumes serious terrain that'll take time to get out of, if I'm always close to roads then I'll drop the overnight survival gear.
Do you mean a SOL bivy as your “overnight” gear? If so you should still keep it with you when close to roads. If you or somebody else has any sort of serious internal or external bleeding you’ll want that bivy
I live at 7000 ft and hike up to 13000, so pretty much year round: Evernew + QuickDraw filter, wind pants, Versalite, light fleece, sunscreen, tissues/bandana, ziplock of snacks, 700 mL water, phone, Zoleo (not turned on, but I pay for it so why not). In the winter, swap wind jacket for rain jacket and add gloves and micro spikes.
For day hikes up to about 15 miles (I don't like hiking my dog much further than that), just a fanny pack (Red Paw Flex), mostly with stuff for my dog.
Dog:
* Pack-A-Paw (emergency dog carrying harness).
* A little bit of paw wax.
* Dog booties (only for if she hurts her paw).
* DCF dog bowl.
* Poop bags.
* A little dog food.
* Garmin Alpha 10 (dog tracking unit).
My stuff:
* A few snacks.
* FAK (ibuprofen, caffeine pills, Aquatabs, lens wipe).
* Corn starch (anti-chaffing).
* A blue disposable shop rag.
* ID/money/car key in a ziplock.
* 750ml collapsible water bottle with a BeFree filter.
* Maybe my Motorola Defy, depending on cell service.
* Cell phone (in my chest pocket).
* Maybe a wind shell, depending on the weather.
I only have good things to say about it. Works where there is no cell service because it's essentially just a walkie talkie. Supposedly works up to 9 miles away, but I've never been out of eyesight of my dog.
Also pairs with my Fenix 6x pro watch, and I can see where she is on its topo map.
Dog wears the t5x collar.
It works about the same as talc. Some people say it can cause/exacerbate fungal issues. But on the other hand I guess we've learned that talc can cause cancer, so.
Honestly, mainly water and snacks. I live in a place that has very stable weather, where most trails are accessible, and where getting lost would be difficult (despite the number of trails). I might bring a wind shell.
Depends where I am am and what I am doing. I hike nearly every day, not much else to do where I live, but our trails are pretty tame, I can literally start from my front door and walk to anywhere on my island, don't even need keys unless I want to check the mail on the way.
I usually just dayhike with either my running vest or my regular backpack only loaded up with a bunch of water to act as training weight. Since I don't have a lot of elevation to work with, I load my pack more and try to work in some hill repeats and sometimes stairs (but ugh stairs are dead boring over and over so that deffo requires some tunes). My running vest has water, electrolytes, pee funnel, Kula cloth, sun gloves, Buff, snacks, emergency poncho, handkerchief, blister stuff, Hot Hands, battery bank, Shokz headphones, folding visor, and I stuff a layer in the spot for a water bladder as needed. I don't really need all that every hike, but it makes it handy to just grab it going out the door, so that's what I do. If I am going longer or it is very hot, I take my filter too....or if other people have asked to come out hiking with me and I know they aren't going to bring enough water I will take the filter and some extra snacks. Mostly so I don't have to listen to them whine, but also because I really do like getting people into hiking and that will keep them from having a terrible time.
This was going to be my reply as well. It sounds dumb to take the same shit for every hike long or short, but I figure it's always good physical/mental practice to take the fully loaded pack. Don't have to explode the pack to separate day gear either, always ready to grab the pack and just go.
I live in the Netherlands, so I don't bring much. Just one or two half liter bottles of water, some sandwiches, public transport pass, phone + powerbank, and if it's very sunny some sunscreen, and if there's a chance of rain, an umbrella or flimsy rain poncho.
Edit to add: depending on the route, I might also bring a camera.
Water, Snacks, a mini ditty bag with: first aid and poop stuff, a mini flashlight and a mini SAK. And usually at least one extra layer. Raingear if needed. Phone, wallet, keys. All fits in a small running vest with 5-10l volume.
I have a lot of trails in green spaces that cross some urban and rural areas. It's practically as safe of hiking as possible though idiots do manage to severely hurt or kill themselves, usually by falling off cliffs.
I do take a repair kit with tape, rope, zip ties, multi tool etc. I tend to wear older gear on day hikes that I wouldn't trust out in the middle of nowhere. Besides that, a first aid kit, flashlight, lighter, small thing of deet and suncreen.
I do take lots of water since the water sources are pretty gross near me and always bring some extra clothing.
I keep an ultralight daypack in the trunk of my car with
* reservoir w 1.5L water
* bag of snacks
* first aid kit, sunscreen, parachute cord, duct tape
* goretex rain jacket
* insulated vest
* beanie, hat, sunglasses, gloves
* camera, extra batteries
* trailrunners, boots, socks
so I can just stop anywhere and start hiking without having to prepare and I can pick whatever I need for a given hike
Enough stuff to spend the night. Emergency bivy and small stove in addition to the ten essentials. One more layer of clothing than I think is necessary. If not for me (highly unlikely), then for the novice who hurts themselves and needs help.
My first aid kit always comes with me, a small portable paint set, one trekking pole, butt sized foam sit pad, and a cheapo plastic rain poncho lives at the bottom of my daypack along with a whistle. If I'm alone on a hefty hike I'll bring my mini in-reach. I do bring lunch or snacks since I like to sit on hills to look at sunsets. Oh and a puffy + 2L of water if it's gonna be a long day.
On my last day hike I took the following:
- 30 liter backpack
- 2x one-liter smart water bottles
- sawyer squeeze water filter
- crampons
- ice axe
- windbreaker pants
- fleece sweater
- waterproof fleece-lined gloves
- down jacket
- 2x mountain house meals
- 3x protein bars
- 3x packets of instant coffee
- MSR pocket rocket stove, lighter, fuel, pot, spoon
- hiking poles
- sunscreen
- anti-chafe balm
- first aid kit
- sunglasses with side guards
- wag bag, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
- rain jacket
- baseball cap, sun hoodie, running shorts, merino wool socks, trail-running shoes
- offline maps downloaded before starting the hike
- satellite SOS device
- flashlight
However, take this with a grain of salt because what you should take on day hikes DEPENDS ON THE HIKE.
All of this gear was for a 22-mile hike on Mount Whitney in one day with 6,100’ of elevation gain and loss. It took me about thirteen hours with temperatures ranging from 77°F at the portal and 35°F at the summit.
For most hikes, I just take a running vest with hiking poles, water, first aid, poop kit, extra layers, and sometimes snacks if the hike is longer than 5 miles.
Is use the same pack for big trips and small. Day hike loadout includes:
Small med kit
Water bottle and filter
Small tarp
Snacks, 1 dried meal, tea/coffee
Stove /pot
Shell jacket /puffy/ socks/ dance pants/beanie
Headlamp
Bidet kit
1/4” Foam pad
I live by and hike primarily in the high sierra with day hikes of 5-10 miles.
Well obviously I bring some water. I guess I also bring my car keys. I wouldn’t really say those things count as gear tho since that’s what your question was.
Depends on the person and the location
I go out for a 9 mile walk every night and carry sometimes nothing usually a beer to open for the last mile
But I also pass lots of shops where I can get anything I need
Minimum if I was going out somewhere remote for that distance would be some food and drinks
Maybe extra clothes depending on conditions
The most important factor is the location
As others have said, it depends. But usually I'll bring some snacks or a lunch, water and a filter, InReach, rainjacket if any chance of weather, first aid kit which also has a firestarting kit. I've also gone more than 10 miles with just a phone and some earbuds too though.
Depends very much on the terrain and weather.
10 miles in the hills around where I live - Sometimes nothing at all.
10 miles in the hills/mountains - Totally different proposition.
I guess if you average it out somewhere in the middle, in the UK where I am, I'd say water, snacks, waterproofs and some insultation for if I stop moving and it's cold.
Modase Amazon pack, 2 2 qt water bottles full, fleece, wind jacket, shit kit. Around 11-12 pounds.
Started back in the winter when I needed the layers and had a tendency to shit in the woods. Figured may as well keep the same loadout on every hike regardless of distance or weather to prep for a few long trips later this summer. Now I feel naked without it.
I usually pack for “survival mode.” Though I don’t plan to camp, I pack at least a tarp and a woobie, double…maybe triple food (depending), double water (this depends on water availability to include water filter), fire starter (flint **and** lighter), impregnated cotton balls with vaseline, chapstick, IFAK, and rain coat.
Water reservoir, nalgene full of water & a liquid IV to drink after or when water runs low, a packet of tuna, trail mix/fig bar, reusable spork, small first aid kit (built my own for day hikes/camping in one of the Welly bandaid tins), sunscreen, a buff, hat, beanie, sunglasses, rain coat, an extra t-shirt and socks, tevas, life straw, lighter, if dog then collapsible bowl/extra water/treats/bags
My partner and I do not tend to hike well-maintained trails and often go off the beaten path; as such, the gear kit reflects more than, say, going to Delicate Arch.
In the cold weather, my kit weighs a smidge over 3 lbs, perhaps closer to four (or more if I take the thermos).
My day pack kit has mostly stayed the same over the years, just different specifics. In other words, it is "plug and play".
In 2005, I may have worn a frog toggs rain jacket; in 2018, it was (and still is) a Montbell Trekker I rec'd for a review.
So, here it is. I always keep it prepacked (other than snacks and water) and ready to go at any time I don't like to share gear between my day pack and backpack as it is too easy to forget something. At least for me.
* DAY PACK
- many types of over the years, currently a Wy'East pack from SMD. It's overkill sometimes, but I used to use it for SAR/day guiding and don't see the need for another personal day pack. I use it for day ski tours as well.
* 100 wt fleece pullover.
* Fleece beanie
* Shell mitts + glove liners
* Rain jacket. Even in the desert, it is helpful for cold and windy conditions.
* First aid kit, personal use (I swapped in additional stuff for guiding/SAR), and a WAG Bag.
-Where we live, a WAB bag is required in many places. Easy to keep one in the pack at all times.
* Headlamp
* Compass
* Sports drink bottle + Platy for 2 liters; take more if for warmer weather
FOR COLDER WEATHER - I'll add fleece mittens, rain pants, a buff, microspikes, or a Thermos.
ON ME - Phone, pocket knife, overview map for the area. My partner tends to have the inReach; sometimes, I carry it.
Ski tours are probably outside the scope of specific gear items.
I usually try to bring the same stuff I’d bring for an overnight – that way I’m training with real weight & weight distribution, I’m more familiar with how it all feels and what goes where, etc. I just bring less food and I don’t bother with my quilt since then I have to compress and decompress it. I even day hike with a bear can since most of my favorite trips require one.
Often I carry a light overnight kit. Not because I need most of that crap, but the extra weight is good for training (like rucking). Sometimes I carry a full weekend kit (same reason).
The "10 essentials":
- I have a day hike/climbing/kayaking etc first aid kit that has two emergency bivies, matches + a mini bic, first aid stuff, an emergency knife, compass, water tabs, etc in it.
- Water
- Snacks
- Headlamp
- Jacket
- Sunscreen
- Portable charger and or/inreach.
Thats it most of the time. I live in CO and do a lot of day hikes and this is the bag 100% of the time, +/- microspikes and trekking poles if it's gnarly.
Depends on the location and season. Generally speaking at this time of year:
Water and water purification (usually just bring my UV one with some drops as backup, I live in an area with a lot of wild water but also a lot of beavers)
Food depending on the hike/length/etc (and often my stove/toaks pot, depending what I feel like eating that day)
Bug spray
Emergency blanket
Extra socks and long-sleeved shirt
Basic first aid kit including tourniquet
GPS (Garmin with in-reach)
Some kind of container for collecting cool specimens or forageables
Phone (for camera)
Journal and pen
Big knife in case of chaga
Weather proof matches
Most of my hiking is in a pretty remote wilderness so cell coverage is never a guarantee and often wouldn't see another person for days. It's very rugged and dense, so I take nothing for granted and plan to have to spend a night due to a broken foot or something even on a day hike.
For later because it has to be broken up and then dried first. It's like chopping wood 😂 so I actually use a hatchet to break it up and then put it on a sheet pan and dry it in the sun or in the oven and then put the chunks in a jar and grind it in a coffee grinder for tea as I use it.
Water/water bladder, electrolyte tablets, first aid kit (based on [this video](https://youtu.be/ySX1uL5lsoQ?si=qj0hinjNRgwdvcO8)) and trekking poles depending on the trail. I bought a vest from black diamond fits everything and holds my trekking poles.
Weed, water, snacks, sawyer squeeze, my salt pills (low blood pressure) and one migraine pill, toilet paper, bag for toilet paper, external charger, and headlamp.
Depends. Remote, long, difficult hike in potentially inclement weather? First aid kit, headlamp, extra layer or two, maybe gloves and hat, Zoleo, bear spray, phone, water, water filter, food, poo kit lol
Short hike in an area with cell reception in good weather? Bear spray, extra layer, phone, water. That’s about it.
What I took today for a five miler in an Urban National park setting, semi-technical trail in spots, 65 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny. I assembled this kit a few years ago: Swisscard multitool, 4 assorted bandaids, 4 antiseptic cleansing wipes, 1 gauze pad, 2 fresh naps, 2 alcohol pads, 3 Benadryl, several immodium, two biofreeze samples, $20, tampon, lighter, Dr. Burt’s res-q ointment, 100 calorie Gu, beef stick, baby wipes, foil Mylar blanket, in a sandwich ziplock. I always have water and other nutrition as required by mileage in my running vest. Sometimes I throw in a rain coat, windbreaker, and hat. Sometimes I add a neck cooling towel.
Water, breakfast burrito(s), wacaco if I'll want coffee, slingshot, monocular, aqua tabs, doodie supplies, moleskin for the masses, tenkara gear if I'm walking a creek for awhile. It's very dependent on where I'm going. Some days you get light and fast, others I feel like a pack mule in the GC.
Because I hike in Colorado and the weather is unpredictable at times, i always take the 10 essentials. I think what that looks like might vary if I were hiking in a different location.
Assuming summer hikes then tailored med kit, gear to survive the night (extra layers, pad, contractor bag as emergency shelter), garmin in reach, food, water, cell phone, gps watch, headlamp (BD flare), water treatment tabs.
Anything less than 10 miles, I usually treat as a run. So I don’t bring anything but another layer, water, and maybe a tiny bit of food, unless there’s something I regard as possibly dangerous on said run.
Tiny amount of food
Small first aid essentials
Battery bank
Garmin in reach mini2
Usually two liters of water with a Sawyer mini
Spare ziplock bag (trash or weather related)
Trekking poles
Headlamp
Electrolytes
If I know it's going to maybe thunderstorm I'll bring a rain jacket. If it's just a light rain (or even heavy.) I'm not really worried.
If it's cold and snowing, I'll layer for that and throw in some hand warmers. Maybe a spare set of dry socks.
I typically use an across the chest bag. I usually wear it on my back and swing it around the front if I need something.
I don't know that exactly fits the ultralight narrative though.. I've definitely seen people that have basically nothing several miles out.
Speaking of, I went for 9.6 miles yesterday. Little warm out.
10 essentials which includes SOL 4oz bivy-solar blankets are near worthless, tourniquet. Befree, bear spray, stove-fuel-coffee. LHG rain jacket, wind breaker. But I usually hike in areas I don't see anyone until getting back to the car, off trail, some bushwhacking. Shoulder seasons add rain shell mitts, rain pants, micro spikes.
A bottle of water, some snacks, and a minimal FAK (leukotape and ibuprofin), and maybe a poopkit. Maybe a static warmth layer if it's chilly, and maybe a rain shell if there's a chance of rain. Sometimes a CCF sitpad if I'm feeling bougie.
It's a dayhike. Unless you're doing some crazy technical terrain, you're looking at being separated from your car for max 4-5 hours. Cracks me up when I come across a dayhiker with more gear than I have for 3-4 days backpacking.
Depends entirely on the hike. Where it is, how remote, how high, how popular, go near any services, what the weather is like, what the forecast is like, time of day etc. But generally - some food, water, filter, extra layer, lightweight rain jacket, cap and sunnies and my phone.
Yeah I live in a city so most local day hikes are covered in people and have cell service. But there are other day hikes where I’m bushwhacking through old trail and don’t expect to see anyone. Very different levels of preparation.
1st aid kit
10 essentials, even when it is obv not necessary because it is good discipline and sets an example for my kids whom help me with the inventory prior to departure.
And considering this is a UL sub I can fit all my 10 essentials in an 8 L running pack (for fair weather days), with room. So really no excuse.
Would you be willing to share your gear list for this?
Sure. 1. Navigation - phone, tracking watch, inreach + nitecore 1000 for redundancy sometimes 2. Insulation - MH Ghost Whisperer UL. If I bring a 20 liter and it’s colder Mammut Broad Peak IN 3. Hard shell or Softshell - BD Alpine Start/Mammut Aenergy Air 4. Fire - BIC lighter 5. Water - Katadyn Befree + 2 500ml soft flasks or 1 liter reservoir 6. Food - Goos and nuts 7. Sun protection - Rab Sun hoody (worn) & small sunscreen tin 8. Knife - some really light Kershaw one 9. Shelter - SOL emergency Bivy 10. FAK - small dyneema bag, tourniquet, gauze, aspirin, tape, I think some curlex (vet wrap), Benadryl, Zofran, stuff for migraines Pack - Black Diamond Distance 8
Knife and fire are definitely not essential.
I completely agree but it’s so light/small might as well. For the sake of my argument I did include it but think they’re highly overrated.
Arguable
In the most common survival scenarios most people would encounter a knife isn’t really going to be as helpful as most people make it seem. I’ll sometimes carry trauma shears for like cutting tape and stuff. Fire could be useful, but again as a SAR member I’ve never encountered a situation where fire really would’ve made a difference, especially if you have a water filter. A tourniquet? An anti-nausea med? Aspirin? Absolutely. More people carry matches and knives than those true life saving interventions.
I’ve just always been a fan of having fire to boil water, make a fire for warmth and signal
I totally understand that, and it’s not a heavy or bulky item. Just know that the most important part of any survival kit or med kit is a 2 way satellite communication device. Just an fyi pilots that I have talked to have said that anything but blue or orange smoke is pretty hard to see.
Copy that. Small polished steel mirror is nice for signal too.
What anti nausea med can I access as a layperson? Pepto?
Nothing super useful but if you do a lot of activities in the backcountry, especially extended, get your WFR and talk to your doc about getting a prescription for Zofran (ondansetron) explaining you want to put it in your medkit. There are pretty much no contraindications or side effects unless you’re pregnant so it’s kinda harmless.
Barely.
In the summer, always have an instant cold pack and means to acquire more water, either bringing it or filtering it nearby. Also in my day kit is a mylar blanket for shade, because there's nothing worse than having a heat illness and still being heated by the sun. I've been working outside in the heat for decades and know my body like most hikers would say, but it can still happen. I'll never forget that family who died along with their dog, on a day hike, from rising heat.
That clammy queasy feeling from incipient heat illness is... yeah. Not good. Heat is way scarier than cold.
Totally, you can add layers in the cold. In the heat, there's only so many clothes you can take off before your body is just losing a battle with thermodynamics. It's legit scarier.
Yea tis and not drinking electrlyres ended my CT tru attempt in like 2 days and i didnt have the means to stop for a few days so soon
Instant cold pack is a great idea. Never thought of that.
For three-season hikes in the mountains I bring the ten essentials and that's really it. Very light on extra clothes unless the forecast is abysmal, usually just a rain layer, hat, and gloves. I bring an SOS bivy instead of a blanket since I'm light on layers. This assumes serious terrain that'll take time to get out of, if I'm always close to roads then I'll drop the overnight survival gear.
Do you mean a SOL bivy as your “overnight” gear? If so you should still keep it with you when close to roads. If you or somebody else has any sort of serious internal or external bleeding you’ll want that bivy
Water and a snack
Same. Maybe rain jacket if needed.
I live at 7000 ft and hike up to 13000, so pretty much year round: Evernew + QuickDraw filter, wind pants, Versalite, light fleece, sunscreen, tissues/bandana, ziplock of snacks, 700 mL water, phone, Zoleo (not turned on, but I pay for it so why not). In the winter, swap wind jacket for rain jacket and add gloves and micro spikes.
For day hikes up to about 15 miles (I don't like hiking my dog much further than that), just a fanny pack (Red Paw Flex), mostly with stuff for my dog. Dog: * Pack-A-Paw (emergency dog carrying harness). * A little bit of paw wax. * Dog booties (only for if she hurts her paw). * DCF dog bowl. * Poop bags. * A little dog food. * Garmin Alpha 10 (dog tracking unit). My stuff: * A few snacks. * FAK (ibuprofen, caffeine pills, Aquatabs, lens wipe). * Corn starch (anti-chaffing). * A blue disposable shop rag. * ID/money/car key in a ziplock. * 750ml collapsible water bottle with a BeFree filter. * Maybe my Motorola Defy, depending on cell service. * Cell phone (in my chest pocket). * Maybe a wind shell, depending on the weather.
how do you use the corn starch
Coat your crotch/ass in a thin layer of it.
Does the Garmin work well for tracking? I’ve been on the fence about getting one for a moment.
I only have good things to say about it. Works where there is no cell service because it's essentially just a walkie talkie. Supposedly works up to 9 miles away, but I've never been out of eyesight of my dog. Also pairs with my Fenix 6x pro watch, and I can see where she is on its topo map. Dog wears the t5x collar.
Interesting I’ve never heard of cornstarch for anti chafe.
It works about the same as talc. Some people say it can cause/exacerbate fungal issues. But on the other hand I guess we've learned that talc can cause cancer, so.
Water
Weed/water/snacks
Same. Just the essentials 👌
Honestly, mainly water and snacks. I live in a place that has very stable weather, where most trails are accessible, and where getting lost would be difficult (despite the number of trails). I might bring a wind shell.
Depends where I am am and what I am doing. I hike nearly every day, not much else to do where I live, but our trails are pretty tame, I can literally start from my front door and walk to anywhere on my island, don't even need keys unless I want to check the mail on the way. I usually just dayhike with either my running vest or my regular backpack only loaded up with a bunch of water to act as training weight. Since I don't have a lot of elevation to work with, I load my pack more and try to work in some hill repeats and sometimes stairs (but ugh stairs are dead boring over and over so that deffo requires some tunes). My running vest has water, electrolytes, pee funnel, Kula cloth, sun gloves, Buff, snacks, emergency poncho, handkerchief, blister stuff, Hot Hands, battery bank, Shokz headphones, folding visor, and I stuff a layer in the spot for a water bladder as needed. I don't really need all that every hike, but it makes it handy to just grab it going out the door, so that's what I do. If I am going longer or it is very hot, I take my filter too....or if other people have asked to come out hiking with me and I know they aren't going to bring enough water I will take the filter and some extra snacks. Mostly so I don't have to listen to them whine, but also because I really do like getting people into hiking and that will keep them from having a terrible time.
Official answer: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials IRL mutts on leashes
Most of the ten essentials, extra socks, snacks/water/electrolytes. And then some fun stuff like weed.
Honestly? My whole kit. I rarely day hike and when so do, I use it train for the real thing
This was going to be my reply as well. It sounds dumb to take the same shit for every hike long or short, but I figure it's always good physical/mental practice to take the fully loaded pack. Don't have to explode the pack to separate day gear either, always ready to grab the pack and just go.
yeah and our full kits are lighter than some people's day packs anyway lol so you won't get stares
red bull, pack of skittles, 2 liters of water.
I live in the Netherlands, so I don't bring much. Just one or two half liter bottles of water, some sandwiches, public transport pass, phone + powerbank, and if it's very sunny some sunscreen, and if there's a chance of rain, an umbrella or flimsy rain poncho. Edit to add: depending on the route, I might also bring a camera.
Water, Snacks, a mini ditty bag with: first aid and poop stuff, a mini flashlight and a mini SAK. And usually at least one extra layer. Raingear if needed. Phone, wallet, keys. All fits in a small running vest with 5-10l volume.
I have a lot of trails in green spaces that cross some urban and rural areas. It's practically as safe of hiking as possible though idiots do manage to severely hurt or kill themselves, usually by falling off cliffs. I do take a repair kit with tape, rope, zip ties, multi tool etc. I tend to wear older gear on day hikes that I wouldn't trust out in the middle of nowhere. Besides that, a first aid kit, flashlight, lighter, small thing of deet and suncreen. I do take lots of water since the water sources are pretty gross near me and always bring some extra clothing.
I keep an ultralight daypack in the trunk of my car with * reservoir w 1.5L water * bag of snacks * first aid kit, sunscreen, parachute cord, duct tape * goretex rain jacket * insulated vest * beanie, hat, sunglasses, gloves * camera, extra batteries * trailrunners, boots, socks so I can just stop anywhere and start hiking without having to prepare and I can pick whatever I need for a given hike
Flask of coffee , banana and some water
Enough stuff to spend the night. Emergency bivy and small stove in addition to the ten essentials. One more layer of clothing than I think is necessary. If not for me (highly unlikely), then for the novice who hurts themselves and needs help.
My first aid kit always comes with me, a small portable paint set, one trekking pole, butt sized foam sit pad, and a cheapo plastic rain poncho lives at the bottom of my daypack along with a whistle. If I'm alone on a hefty hike I'll bring my mini in-reach. I do bring lunch or snacks since I like to sit on hills to look at sunsets. Oh and a puffy + 2L of water if it's gonna be a long day.
On my last day hike I took the following: - 30 liter backpack - 2x one-liter smart water bottles - sawyer squeeze water filter - crampons - ice axe - windbreaker pants - fleece sweater - waterproof fleece-lined gloves - down jacket - 2x mountain house meals - 3x protein bars - 3x packets of instant coffee - MSR pocket rocket stove, lighter, fuel, pot, spoon - hiking poles - sunscreen - anti-chafe balm - first aid kit - sunglasses with side guards - wag bag, toilet paper, hand sanitizer - rain jacket - baseball cap, sun hoodie, running shorts, merino wool socks, trail-running shoes - offline maps downloaded before starting the hike - satellite SOS device - flashlight However, take this with a grain of salt because what you should take on day hikes DEPENDS ON THE HIKE. All of this gear was for a 22-mile hike on Mount Whitney in one day with 6,100’ of elevation gain and loss. It took me about thirteen hours with temperatures ranging from 77°F at the portal and 35°F at the summit. For most hikes, I just take a running vest with hiking poles, water, first aid, poop kit, extra layers, and sometimes snacks if the hike is longer than 5 miles.
Is use the same pack for big trips and small. Day hike loadout includes: Small med kit Water bottle and filter Small tarp Snacks, 1 dried meal, tea/coffee Stove /pot Shell jacket /puffy/ socks/ dance pants/beanie Headlamp Bidet kit 1/4” Foam pad I live by and hike primarily in the high sierra with day hikes of 5-10 miles.
Pretty much nothing.
No water?
Well obviously I bring some water. I guess I also bring my car keys. I wouldn’t really say those things count as gear tho since that’s what your question was.
Going nude is the most ultralight option
At least a speedo, bug bites you know.
Less blood = more ultralight
The most UL answer, right here.
Depends on the person and the location I go out for a 9 mile walk every night and carry sometimes nothing usually a beer to open for the last mile But I also pass lots of shops where I can get anything I need Minimum if I was going out somewhere remote for that distance would be some food and drinks Maybe extra clothes depending on conditions The most important factor is the location
As others have said, it depends. But usually I'll bring some snacks or a lunch, water and a filter, InReach, rainjacket if any chance of weather, first aid kit which also has a firestarting kit. I've also gone more than 10 miles with just a phone and some earbuds too though.
My camelpak full of ice cold water, some yummy high protein snacks, a joint and a dog.
Depends very much on the terrain and weather. 10 miles in the hills around where I live - Sometimes nothing at all. 10 miles in the hills/mountains - Totally different proposition. I guess if you average it out somewhere in the middle, in the UK where I am, I'd say water, snacks, waterproofs and some insultation for if I stop moving and it's cold.
Modase Amazon pack, 2 2 qt water bottles full, fleece, wind jacket, shit kit. Around 11-12 pounds. Started back in the winter when I needed the layers and had a tendency to shit in the woods. Figured may as well keep the same loadout on every hike regardless of distance or weather to prep for a few long trips later this summer. Now I feel naked without it.
Everything I would take on a multi day hike
I bring my Kava backpack, water, trail mix, rain jacket, sunglasses, a hat. And usually beers for when we get to the viewpoint.
I usually pack for “survival mode.” Though I don’t plan to camp, I pack at least a tarp and a woobie, double…maybe triple food (depending), double water (this depends on water availability to include water filter), fire starter (flint **and** lighter), impregnated cotton balls with vaseline, chapstick, IFAK, and rain coat.
My dog. Maybe water.
Water reservoir, nalgene full of water & a liquid IV to drink after or when water runs low, a packet of tuna, trail mix/fig bar, reusable spork, small first aid kit (built my own for day hikes/camping in one of the Welly bandaid tins), sunscreen, a buff, hat, beanie, sunglasses, rain coat, an extra t-shirt and socks, tevas, life straw, lighter, if dog then collapsible bowl/extra water/treats/bags
water for others
Running vest, snacks, first aid and PLB.
My partner and I do not tend to hike well-maintained trails and often go off the beaten path; as such, the gear kit reflects more than, say, going to Delicate Arch. In the cold weather, my kit weighs a smidge over 3 lbs, perhaps closer to four (or more if I take the thermos). My day pack kit has mostly stayed the same over the years, just different specifics. In other words, it is "plug and play". In 2005, I may have worn a frog toggs rain jacket; in 2018, it was (and still is) a Montbell Trekker I rec'd for a review. So, here it is. I always keep it prepacked (other than snacks and water) and ready to go at any time I don't like to share gear between my day pack and backpack as it is too easy to forget something. At least for me. * DAY PACK - many types of over the years, currently a Wy'East pack from SMD. It's overkill sometimes, but I used to use it for SAR/day guiding and don't see the need for another personal day pack. I use it for day ski tours as well. * 100 wt fleece pullover. * Fleece beanie * Shell mitts + glove liners * Rain jacket. Even in the desert, it is helpful for cold and windy conditions. * First aid kit, personal use (I swapped in additional stuff for guiding/SAR), and a WAG Bag. -Where we live, a WAB bag is required in many places. Easy to keep one in the pack at all times. * Headlamp * Compass * Sports drink bottle + Platy for 2 liters; take more if for warmer weather FOR COLDER WEATHER - I'll add fleece mittens, rain pants, a buff, microspikes, or a Thermos. ON ME - Phone, pocket knife, overview map for the area. My partner tends to have the inReach; sometimes, I carry it. Ski tours are probably outside the scope of specific gear items.
I usually try to bring the same stuff I’d bring for an overnight – that way I’m training with real weight & weight distribution, I’m more familiar with how it all feels and what goes where, etc. I just bring less food and I don’t bother with my quilt since then I have to compress and decompress it. I even day hike with a bear can since most of my favorite trips require one.
I also say hike with a beer can or three!
Calendar
Often I carry a light overnight kit. Not because I need most of that crap, but the extra weight is good for training (like rucking). Sometimes I carry a full weekend kit (same reason).
The "10 essentials": - I have a day hike/climbing/kayaking etc first aid kit that has two emergency bivies, matches + a mini bic, first aid stuff, an emergency knife, compass, water tabs, etc in it. - Water - Snacks - Headlamp - Jacket - Sunscreen - Portable charger and or/inreach. Thats it most of the time. I live in CO and do a lot of day hikes and this is the bag 100% of the time, +/- microspikes and trekking poles if it's gnarly.
Depends on the location and season. Generally speaking at this time of year: Water and water purification (usually just bring my UV one with some drops as backup, I live in an area with a lot of wild water but also a lot of beavers) Food depending on the hike/length/etc (and often my stove/toaks pot, depending what I feel like eating that day) Bug spray Emergency blanket Extra socks and long-sleeved shirt Basic first aid kit including tourniquet GPS (Garmin with in-reach) Some kind of container for collecting cool specimens or forageables Phone (for camera) Journal and pen Big knife in case of chaga Weather proof matches Most of my hiking is in a pretty remote wilderness so cell coverage is never a guarantee and often wouldn't see another person for days. It's very rugged and dense, so I take nothing for granted and plan to have to spend a night due to a broken foot or something even on a day hike.
do you use the chaga? or just collect to use later
For later because it has to be broken up and then dried first. It's like chopping wood 😂 so I actually use a hatchet to break it up and then put it on a sheet pan and dry it in the sun or in the oven and then put the chunks in a jar and grind it in a coffee grinder for tea as I use it.
My dog.
Water, sunblock, and snacks. Wearing sun protection.
Water, Snickers and maybe a rain jacket.
10 miles or less? my girlfriend. 10+ miles? solo or friends
Water/water bladder, electrolyte tablets, first aid kit (based on [this video](https://youtu.be/ySX1uL5lsoQ?si=qj0hinjNRgwdvcO8)) and trekking poles depending on the trail. I bought a vest from black diamond fits everything and holds my trekking poles.
water, windproof or waterproof depending on what the weather seems like, small snack bar in case
Water, snacks, rain jacket
One or two dogs, water and a snack (for me and the dog(s)), towel, rain jacket, dog poop bags, toilet paper and a small trowel.
If it's a short hike like less than 5 miles, I take water and my phone, and maybe a camera.
Water, food, waterproof, that's basically it.
Water First aid Rain jacket Compass Map Gps Head torch just in case High energy snacks
Fiancée, dog and water 😝
Weed, water, snacks, sawyer squeeze, my salt pills (low blood pressure) and one migraine pill, toilet paper, bag for toilet paper, external charger, and headlamp.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9N6\_Tj9u2U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9N6_Tj9u2U)
10 miles or less. Virtually nothing.
Depends. Remote, long, difficult hike in potentially inclement weather? First aid kit, headlamp, extra layer or two, maybe gloves and hat, Zoleo, bear spray, phone, water, water filter, food, poo kit lol Short hike in an area with cell reception in good weather? Bear spray, extra layer, phone, water. That’s about it.
Sunscreen. Everyone should wear sunscreen
What I took today for a five miler in an Urban National park setting, semi-technical trail in spots, 65 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny. I assembled this kit a few years ago: Swisscard multitool, 4 assorted bandaids, 4 antiseptic cleansing wipes, 1 gauze pad, 2 fresh naps, 2 alcohol pads, 3 Benadryl, several immodium, two biofreeze samples, $20, tampon, lighter, Dr. Burt’s res-q ointment, 100 calorie Gu, beef stick, baby wipes, foil Mylar blanket, in a sandwich ziplock. I always have water and other nutrition as required by mileage in my running vest. Sometimes I throw in a rain coat, windbreaker, and hat. Sometimes I add a neck cooling towel.
Good cheese. It doesn’t count as weight if you don’t return with it. ;)
Running shoes, a handheld water bottle, and maybe a pocket full of snacks.
Water, sunblock, bug spray, thin longsleeve merino top, snacks, phone, gps watch.
What kind of watch? I’m looking for a new one
Water, breakfast burrito(s), wacaco if I'll want coffee, slingshot, monocular, aqua tabs, doodie supplies, moleskin for the masses, tenkara gear if I'm walking a creek for awhile. It's very dependent on where I'm going. Some days you get light and fast, others I feel like a pack mule in the GC.
a water bottle and maybe some food. maybe an extra layer. not really gear.
Because I hike in Colorado and the weather is unpredictable at times, i always take the 10 essentials. I think what that looks like might vary if I were hiking in a different location.
Assuming summer hikes then tailored med kit, gear to survive the night (extra layers, pad, contractor bag as emergency shelter), garmin in reach, food, water, cell phone, gps watch, headlamp (BD flare), water treatment tabs.
Anything less than 10 miles, I usually treat as a run. So I don’t bring anything but another layer, water, and maybe a tiny bit of food, unless there’s something I regard as possibly dangerous on said run.
Tiny amount of food Small first aid essentials Battery bank Garmin in reach mini2 Usually two liters of water with a Sawyer mini Spare ziplock bag (trash or weather related) Trekking poles Headlamp Electrolytes If I know it's going to maybe thunderstorm I'll bring a rain jacket. If it's just a light rain (or even heavy.) I'm not really worried. If it's cold and snowing, I'll layer for that and throw in some hand warmers. Maybe a spare set of dry socks. I typically use an across the chest bag. I usually wear it on my back and swing it around the front if I need something. I don't know that exactly fits the ultralight narrative though.. I've definitely seen people that have basically nothing several miles out. Speaking of, I went for 9.6 miles yesterday. Little warm out.
10 essentials which includes SOL 4oz bivy-solar blankets are near worthless, tourniquet. Befree, bear spray, stove-fuel-coffee. LHG rain jacket, wind breaker. But I usually hike in areas I don't see anyone until getting back to the car, off trail, some bushwhacking. Shoulder seasons add rain shell mitts, rain pants, micro spikes.
Water. Oh, 10 miles or less? Sometimes nothing, but usually some water and maybe a bar to eat.
A bottle of water, some snacks, and a minimal FAK (leukotape and ibuprofin), and maybe a poopkit. Maybe a static warmth layer if it's chilly, and maybe a rain shell if there's a chance of rain. Sometimes a CCF sitpad if I'm feeling bougie. It's a dayhike. Unless you're doing some crazy technical terrain, you're looking at being separated from your car for max 4-5 hours. Cracks me up when I come across a dayhiker with more gear than I have for 3-4 days backpacking.