Day Pack Essentials - Don’t Get Caught Without ‘Em
We almost always work in a 5-10 mile hike on Saturday when we camp. The day packs we take need the essentials, whether the terrain and trail is known or not. So here’s a list of items you’ll want to make sure you have with you when you’re striking out for the day. I have not included clothing. The foremost advice I have about that is to make sure to dress in layers and appropriately for the weather.
1. Day pack. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just sturdy and comfortable, and big enough to carry the essentials.
2. Water. Camelback or other hydration system is good, but nalgene bottles or even bottled water will do in a pinch or for the novice. Just make sure you have plenty, unless you know for certain you will be near potable water, in which case you still need to carry water, just not quite as much.
3. Compass or gps that you know how to use.
4. Map of the area - the more specific the better.
5. Pencil and small notepad or notecards.
6. Identification of some sort.
7. Bandana
8. Mini first aid kit - a few bandaids, antibiotic ointment, tylenol or other painkiller, antiseptic hand wash, epi-pen or other special medicine
8. Pocketknife
9. Cigarette lighter or waterproof matches
10. Small flashlight or headlamp
11. plastic grocery store bag (to pick up trash from your excursion or someone else’s) or at least a ziplock
12. tissues or toilet paper and corresponding ziplock bag
13. snack and/or lunch
These items are a little more optional, depending on your situation:
14. raingear if needed (watch the weather, check the forecast)
15. whistle
16. hiking staff if you need it
17. camera
18. cell phone (only needed by one person in the group - it may not work for lack of service anyway)
19. A few dollars and quarters.
20. Chapstick.
21. Sunscreen - a tiny tube.
22. Mirror - small, unbreakable.
23. First aid kit for group (you never know when you might need those tweezers)
