What to Bring on a Day Hike: Gear and Clothing Essentials
It’s time to hit the trail for an epic day hike. After reviewing the trail map and checking conditions, it’s time to pack. What do you bring?
Day hikes can differ in so many ways - number of miles, elevation, weather, terrain, and location. While each trail offers its own set of challenges, there are essential items that you should always pack. This guide explores all of the must-have gear for day hiking, as well as, other items you may need. It’s important to set out on any trail with confidence and preparedness, no matter if you are an experienced or novice hiker. If you are looking for an in-depth winter day hiking gear list, check out my post on winter day hiking essentials.
Let’s get packed up!
Ten Essentials
On every outdoor adventure, you should start by packing the Ten Essentials. These items are necessary to keep you safe when the unexpected happens. To learn more about them, check out my post The Ten Essentials.
Jump Ahead
Hiking Gear
Backpack
This is an essential for any and all day hikes. However, the size of the bag may vary depending on the length or technicality of the hike. I prefer to have a mid-size day pack that’s perfect for every adventure! My favorite bag is the Osprey Tempest 20 (or Osprey Talon 22 for me). It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s the perfect size for any day hike. It has hip pockets (great for snacks, your phone, or other necessities), trekking pole attachments, and even a helmet attachment if you are doing something more technical. It is not waterproof, so make sure to buy a rain cover to protect it from rain!
If you’re looking for a more ultralight and technical day pack, the Hyperlite Elevate 22 is a great choice. It is water resistant (you don’t need a rain cover!) and has attachments for trekking poles or other gear.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles change the game for hiking. They help maintain balance and a consistent pace. I tried a few different options before finding my perfect pair. There are multiple features to take into account – material, gender, grip, and collapsed length.
Material (aluminum or carbon fiber) – carbon is significantly lighter while aluminum is more durable.
Gender (women or unisex) – women’s poles are shorter and have a smaller diameter hand grip. All poles are adjustable but unisex has a larger span of adjustments.
Grip (cork or foam) – this comes down to how sweaty your hands get. If you have sweaty hands, 100% get cork as it helps absorb the sweat. If you don’t sweat as much, foam is a comfortable option.
Collapsed length – all trekking poles collapse to different lengths. If you are traveling, it is more convenient to have a shorter collapsed length, or even a pair that folds down into thirds.
I have very small and sweaty hands and was looking for a more ultralight option so I ended up with women’s carbon fiber poles with cork grip – Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork. I also use the Black Diamond Z Trekking Poles as they are comfortable and collapsible, which makes them perfect for travel. For a more budget-friendly option try the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles – Carbon Fiber.
Footwear
Hiking Shoes
Footwear is one of the most debated topics in hiking. I use to be a boot girl but made the switch to Altra Lone Peak Trail Runners and have never looked back. They are lightweight, quick drying, comfortable and have a huge toe box so you’re less likely get blisters or toe bang while hiking downhill. I’ve hiked thousands of miles with them and have no complaints.
Socks
Darn Tough Socks are the best hiking socks I’ve ever worn. You don’t need anything else. Make sure to get merino wool as it helps to breathe and wick away moisture. Plus they have a lifetime warranty!
Women’s Clothing
Tops
This is personal preference. I normally hike in a sun hoodie or long sleeve shirt to get as much sun protection as possible (especially at high altitudes). The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is my favorite hiking top. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. If you want a simple long sleeve shirt, the Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve 2.0 is a good choice and odor-resistant. If you prefer to hike in a short sleeve, I’d recommend the Icebreaker Cool Lite Sphere Low Crewe Shirt. All of these options are made of synthetic fibers, like polyester and nylon, which are breathable and lightweight.
Mid-Layer Top (Fleece)
This layer is not necessary on a hot summer day but can be really nice on an exposed trail in the high alpine. If you’re too hot to wear it hiking, you’ll be happy to have it during your lunch break. Mid-layers are meant to allow excess body heat and moisture to escape through the fabric. This allows you to stay warm and dry. I like the Arc’teryx Delta Jacket. Another great option is the Patagonia R1 Air Pullover.
Insulating Jacket
It’s important to pack layers for any day hike. Weather can quickly change in the mountains. I have the Arc’teryx Cerium LT and it’s lightweight, extremely warm, and can pack into itself into a little tiny ball. I have found this to keep me warm even in sub-freezing temperatures. However, sometimes I’ll layer my rain jacket on top as an extra wind-breaker.
I use the Arc’teryx Atom LT for mid-temperatures or wet conditions. It’s made of synthetic material so it keeps me warm even if it gets wet. However, it doesn’t have as much insulation as a down jacket.
Rain Jacket
I splurged on this one and never looked back. Arcteryx Beta LT Rain Jacket is worth every penny. If you are looking for something cheaper, I would recommend either the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket or the REI Xero Dry GTX Jacket. Make sure the “type of waterproofing” is Gortex (completely waterproof membrane).
Bottoms
Again, this is all personal preference. I hike in shorts 95% of the time. My favorite shorts are the Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts (running shorts). If you want a biker style short instead, the Arc’teryx Essent Short 6 are great. If it’s really cold out, my favorite leggings are the Lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Leggings.
Rain Pants
If the forecast shows heavy rain or windy conditions, rain pants are great to have. Not only do they keep you dry when it rains, they are wind-proof and therefore add another layer of warmth in the cold. I have the OR Helium Rain Pants which are very lightweight and comfortable.
Women’s Helium Rain Pants
Sports Bra
Whatever works best for you! I love the Lululemon Free to be Wild Bra. It’s comfortable and has just the right amount of padding/support.
Lululemon Free to be Wild Bra
Underwear
I personally like thin seamless workout underwear like the Lululemon Seamless Thong . However, merino wool underwear is definitely a better option to resist odors. If you choose to go the “hiking underwear” route, Icebreaker Siren Thong is a good choice.
Sun Hat
I like the Arc’teryx Calidum 5 Panel Cap but any sun hat will work. It’s breathable and doesn’t fall off when it’s windy.
Arc’teryx Calidum Hat
Beanie & Gloves
Check the temperature before leaving because you may not need these! If you do, I have the Coal Beanie and the Arc’teryx Rho Gloves. They both keep me plenty warm. The gloves have touchscreen compatibility which is a game changer.
Men’s Clothing
Tops
After talking to many male hikers, there are two favorites that stuck out. The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is lightweight, breathable, and super comfortable in all environments. It provides SPF 15 sun protection and has a hood (one that actually stays on even in windy conditions!). The other favorite is the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie which is made entirely of merino wool. It is breathable, lightweight, resists odor, and wicks moisture well.
Mid-Layer Top (Fleece)
This layer is not necessary on a hot summer day but can be really nice on an exposed trail in the high alpine. If you’re too hot to wear it hiking, you’ll be happy to have it during your lunch break. Mid-layers are meant to allow excess body heat and moisture to escape through the fabric. This allows you to stay warm and dry. The Arc’teryx Delta Jacket or Patagonia Better Sweater are both great options.
Insulating Jacket
Weather can quickly change in the mountains so it’s important to pack layers for any day hike. The Arc’teryx Cerium LT is the perfect insulated jacket. It’s lightweight, extremely warm, and durable . It will keep you warm even in sub-freezing temperatures. If it’s windy, you can also layer a rain jacket on top as an extra wind-breaker.
If you are looking for a jacket with less insulation, the Arc’teryx Atom LT is a good option. It’s perfect for mid-temperatures or wet conditions. It’s made of synthetic material so it keeps you warm even if it’s wet.
Rain Jacket
The Arcteryx Beta LT Rain Jacket is a great investment. It’s durable, breathable, and lightweight. If you are looking for something cheaper, check out the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket or the REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket. Make sure the “type of waterproofing” is Gortex (completely waterproof membrane).
Bottoms
If you are a shorts guy, the Lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short is a great option. If you’re looking for a legging to wear under the shorts, check out the Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Merino Wool Bottoms.
Rain Pants
If the forecast shows heavy rain or windy conditions, rain pants are great to have. Not only do they keep you dry when it rains, they are wind-proof and therefore add another layer of warmth in the cold. The OR Helium Rain Pants are lightweight and comfortable.
Men’s OR Helium Rain Pants
Underwear
The ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Brief are a fan favorite by male hikers. They are lightweight, odor-proof, and comfortable.
ExOfficio Boxer Brief
Sun Hat
The Cotopaxi Tech 5 Panel Hat is a colorful favorite, but any breathable sun hat will work.
Cotopaxi Tech 5 Panel Hat
Beanie & Gloves
Check the temperature before leaving because you may not need these! If you do, this Carhartt Beanie and REI Polartec Wind Pro Gloves will keep you warm.
Miscellaneous
GPS Device
Always bring an emergency communication device out in the backcountry! Although we never want it to happen, so much could go wrong. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Plus, your family will be happier to know you have one. I’d recommend the Garmin InReach Mini 2.
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Headlamp
You don’t have to end your day hike when the sun goes down, but make sure you have a headlamp and are prepared to hike in the dark. I use the rechargable Nitecore NU25 Headlamp. Another great option is the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp, but it does require batteries.
Pee Rag (for my ladies)
This may be my favorite item for hiking. Kula Cloth is a reusable antimicrobial pee cloth. It keeps you from having to drip-dry or carry out toilet paper (and pack it out).
Kula Cloth
Sunglasses
I can’t tell you how many sunglasses I’ve shattered while hiking so I leave my nice ones at home. Anything polarized and lightweight will work. I use Goodr, which has some cheap, fun options!
Goodr Sunglasses
Water & Food
Water
This is a no-brainer. Always bring water. I like to follow the rule of 1 liter of water for every 5 miles of hiking. If you are doing a long day hike that has water sources, I’d recommend bringing a water filter so that you don’t have to carry as much.
Sawyer Squeeze
Food
Never forget the snacks! I like to bring a lot of high protein and high carb snacks for day hikes. I will also pack a lunch if I plan to be out all day.
Emergency Items
Lighter/Matches
UCO Survival Matches. Always bring in case of an emergency. Check out How to Properly Follow Leave No Trace to learn more about how to minimize campfire impacts.
First Aid Kit
I never leave for a hike without a few essential first aid items – leukotape (for blisters), bandaids, ibuprofen, and benadryl.
First Aid Kit
Emergency Blanket
You never know what can happen, even on a day hike, so it’s important to always bring some sort of emergency shelter/insulation. This emergency blanket is windproof, waterproof, and heat reflective.
I hope this list can help you prepare for all your summer adventures in the backcountry! Please leave a comment if you have any questions. Happy hiking!