What to Bring Hiking: The Guide for Every Trailblazer

August 30, 2023

Ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering exactly what to bring hiking? Don’t stress. I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or this is your first time stepping foot on a hiking path, here’s a guide on what to pack.

My Quick List of Hiking Essentials

The Backpack: More Than Just Storage

The first thing you’d think about when considering what to bring hiking? A trusty backpack. The LL Bean Mountain Classic Bigelow Day Pack has space for everything and then some. Don’t just bring any bag, bring the right one.

This is the red pack you’ll see in most of my photos. I like it because it’s one of the more comfortable bags I’ve had. It’s the perfect day hiking pack to lug your essential gear for longer hikes. Super durable and pretty lightweight. Also if you’re looking for more stylish bag, this one looks pretty cool in my opinion.

Footwear: Because It’s Literally Every Step

Your feet are your most valuable companions on the trails, so investing in quality hiking boots or trail runners are certainly day hiking essentials. Mt. Maddsen Hiking Boots from Timberland are a fantastic choice, combining comfort, durability, and water resistance. Their excellent traction and ankle support will keep you steady on uneven terrain, ensuring a pleasant hiking experience. If you’re looking for more of a sneaker feel, trail runners are definitely the way to go. I also like trail runners for hot and dry conditions.

When I toured the southwest, the sneaker feel of the trail runners was a lot more comfortable than a big pair of hiking boots; it just depends on what your preference is. My top pick for trail running shoes has to be The North Face Vectiv Hiking Shoes. They’re super lightweight and have excellent tread. I’d say the tread is what you need to look at most when picking out hiking shoes or boots. You don’t want to be taking any tumbles out in the wilderness.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated on the trails is vital for your well-being. You could carry a hydration reservoir which allows for easy drinking without disrupting your pace, but I like the more traditional route. A nice insulated water bottle usually does the trick for me. I’m a big fan of the Yeti Rambler with the chug cap. I have the 46 oz option. That size works best for me, it’s not to big, but it has enough capacity to last majority of the day.

You can also have these customized, I had my custom logo engraved on Rambler with a chug cap and one with a hot shot cap for my coffee. They both turned out really good and it doesn’t cost much more for the customization. Yeti often times has a free engraving discount around holidays, so be on the lookout for that.

Dress for the Occasion

Dressing appropriately for hiking is essential to stay comfortable in various weather conditions. Opt for moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics like those found in the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants and really any type of athletic shirt. Shirts from Lululemon are great, pricey, but are some of the best quality products you can buy. These garments will keep you dry and cool, even during intense hikes or in hot weather. I’d also set out with a pair of hiking socks. Nothing worse than being tied down with a blister on the trail.

With any hiking you’ll do, it’s crucial to check the weather report before you go. Common sense I know, but you still need to make sure before you hit the trail in case you need a rain jacket or that extra sweatshirt to stay warm in cold weather.

Safety First with a First Aid Kit

Not the most exciting thing to pack but safety should never be compromised, so packing a well-stocked first aid kit is absolutely a day hiking essential. The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .7 is a compact and comprehensive option, offering supplies to treat minor injuries and ailments that may occur on the trail. I usually only bring a first aid kit on long hikes that are 8+ miles long or if I’m in an area where there aren’t many people. So if you have the room to pack one, it’s probably a good idea.

Don’t Forget the Snacks

Of course you can’t forget the snacks on any hiking trip. Maintaining energy levels during hikes is crucial, so don’t forget to pack lightweight, nutrient-rich snacks. My favorites are Quest Protein Bars and Core Power Elite Protein Shakes from Fair Life. With the Quest bars, I’ll usually just grab a few of them and they’ll last the entire day out on the trail, they’re really pretty filling. For an additional protein boost, the Core Power shakes are awesome. You can either choose the regular option for 26 grams of protein or the elite option for a whopping 42 grams.

Capture the Moment

I’m really quite new to the content creation game but it’s been a great extra skill and hobby learn. I’ve had a ball with it in the recent months. So with content creation and snapping the perfect photos, it’s a great idea to invest in a mobile tripod. I’d recommend the SANDMARC iPhone Tripod Pro Version and the Peak Design Mobile Tripod.

The SANDMARC tripod is a really high quality tripod. I’ve had other cheap tripods in the past that just aren’t very versatile and don’t give you the flexibility and freedom with all of the angles that the SANDMARC tripod offers. The mobile tripod from Peak Design may be one of my favorite products ever. It’s a mini tripod that magnetically attaches to the back of your phone. So anytime you want to grab a photo or some cool footage you have the ability in just a couple seconds to get the perfect shot.

Portable Phone Charger

In this digital age, we often rely on our smartphones for navigation, capturing beautiful moments, or even emergencies. One of the more convenient products I bring hiking is Apple’s MagSafe Charger. It’s compact size and makes it super convenient to carry around, just snap it on the back of your iPhone and you’re good to go. It’s only about one charge, but for a day hike it’s worked perfect for me and definitely has earned a spot on my day hiking essentials list.

Other Essentials When Deciding What to Bring Hiking:

These are just some of the items I like to bring hiking. It’s not the most extensive list I know, I’m someone who likes to travel as light as I can. Below are a few honorable mentions that I personally wouldn’t bring hiking, but others may have on their list of day hiking essentials.

Sun protection – I don’t burn that easily, but if you’re someone who does, pack sunscreen.
Life straw water filter – Really cool tool to use butter served for a backpacking trip, not so much for a hike. The water you pack should suffice.
GPS – Most hiking areas have spotty cell phone service. A GPS is a great tool if you want that extra layer of navigation.
Trekking poles – Great to improve stability on a rugged trail. I see them more as an inhibitor though, makes you less mobile.
Multi-tool – A pocket knife/multi-tool can come in handy. I’ve never really had a scenario during a hike where I’ve needed one. Definitely a must have for a backpacking trip.
Bear spray – Useful in back country camping situations or really remote areas. Chances are if you’re doing a hike you’ll be in a pretty populated area where bears won’t be.
Bug spray – A good item to bring if you’re hiking in the evenings, camping, or in a very wooded environment.
Emergency whistle – An item you should probably have in a super remote environment but for day hikes around a lot of other people, you’ll usually be in good shape.

By now, you’re pretty much set with an all-rounded understanding of what to bring hiking. Remember, it’s all about making the journey as memorable as the destination. Each item you pack, whether for safety, comfort, or just plain fun, elevates your adventure a notch higher.

If you’ve found this guide helpful or you’re just as stoked about wandering the wild as I am, why not join me on more explorations? Stay updated with my latest adventures and tips by following along on my social media at @wandering.weights. Let’s share stories, swap tips, and immerse ourselves in the thrilling world of hiking together. See you on the trails!