Day hiking can be the best way to escape the busy schedule of your life. It means like a day you can enjoy nature to the fullest.
To make your hiking the perfect one, keep in mind that your preparation is the key. Without the right kind of preparation, you can’t even think of going out on a day hike.
To be honest, there are loads of essential tools you need to add to your day hiking list. But, some of them are so much important that you can’t even plan your day hike without them.
In this article, I will share a detailed discussion on 5 of the most important things you should bring on everyday hiking.
Let’s dive right in….
5 Most Important Things You Should Bring On Every Day Hiking
Daypack
One of the most important things you should keep at the top of your every day hiking gear list is a backpack. A daypack, to be more precise, is probably an 11L-30L size.
If you choose a daypack of 11-13 liters, it will allow you to pack only the essential items (meaning not all needed ones). According to my experience, I would consider it as a perfect size if you plan for a shorter hike. This can also be a perfect daypack if you have some companions like friends or family members on your day hike. In that case, you can split some supplies with them like navigation items or an emergency kit.
On the other hand, a daypack of 30-liter will allow you to bring plenty of drinking water. And water is the most important when the environment is too hot or dry. You can also bring extra foods, a bit heavier layers (ideal for summer or spring).
Remember that extra space in your backpack will make it easier to pack more items, but it will add weight at the end of the day.
Hiking Boots
Not all types of day hikes require boots, but if you have a pair of good quality hiking boots, you can enjoy the support, comfort, traction, and protection against any kind of odd elements.
For example, you definitely need a pair of comfortable shoes for your gym time. And you can’t wear your office shoes while going to the gym.
This same theory is applicable when it comes to a day hike. It would be best to have some of the most comfortable hiking boots specifically designed for a full day hike. In fact, the demand for hiking boots is even more than your gym shoes.
When you are out there on your day hike, you may face different types of trails. Not having the right kind of hiking boots can really make you suffer. Even it can lead to end your day hike with full of disappointment because of a sudden and unexpected accident.
Navigation
For navigation purposes, you need to have a trusty compass and a topo map. These are like must-to-have navigation tools for any day hike.
They are lightweight, reliable, and durable (all the features that any day hiker would like to have). In fact, those navigation tools come with the guarantees that they won’t run out of batteries when you plan for a day hike.
Binoculars
When you are on a day hike, it is essential to keep a good pair of binoculars for enjoying nature and sightseeing. In the case of binoculars, you have to be very careful while choosing the right one for your day hikes.
I have found the long-range binoculars as the most helpful and effective ones according to my hiking experience. So, I would suggest you get one of the best binoculars for long distance if you really want to make the best use of your day hike.
First-Aid Kit
Lastly, I have the first-aid kit in this list of the 5 most important things to hiking every day. Keep in mind that you should never plan for a day hike without keeping a box of the first-aid kit in your hiking equipment list.
No matter how careful and safe you try to be, accidents can occur at any moment in time. Henceforth, regardless of the terrain type, difficulty, or nature of the trails, weather conditions, and distance from your home, it is essential to keep the first-aid-kit box with you.
Final Words
Day hiking can give you a wonderful day full of loveable and unforgettable moments only when you have the right kind of preparation.
It is essential to pack all the necessary items before you plan for your next hiking trip. So, never be careless while doing the packing thing for your day hikes.
Happy Hiking!