Packing a bag and going out for a hike seems easy enough, but if you’re an inexperienced hiker you might want to read this article to make sure you have all your essentials.
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If you’ve never gone on a hike in your life, or you’ve never had to pack for one, it can be hard to decide what to take with you. Some people are more spontaneous than others and basically, just grab their keys and shoes and go out, while others don’t feel safe until they have a whole pack full of stuff just in case.
Of course, your needs will change drastically depending on how long you’re staying outdoors. It’s not the same to make a two-kilometer hike and come back to your car than to go on a whole week-long hike with everything you’ll need on your back. But let’s focus on the daypack for now, that’s the one you’re going to be using more frequently for shorter hikes. If you have no idea where to start, just keep reading, we’ll specify all the essential categories as well as some tips for better packing.
Why do I need a daypack?
Daypack is just the way hikers refer to the small to medium-sized backpack they use mainly for single days outdoors. They’re usually made with lightweight material and have a capacity of 10-30 liters and tons of compartments so you can better sort all your stuff. It’s not only useful for hiking, bikers and sightseers benefit as well, but they may pack it differently.
Having a well-packed and well-sorted one will go a long way to ensure you have a comfortable and safe hike. Carefully planning and packing is essential especially if you’re planning to go out on your own, where in any emergency or eventuality it might make a huge difference in the final outcome. So, to preserve your peace of mind, do your research and pack properly.
Essential items to include in your daypack
Hydration
Arguably the first thing you’ll need to consider while packing is hydration. It is not just a comfort, it’s a necessity. You can dehydrate more easily while doing physical activities and your body’s temperature regulation can be affected too just as easily. While for longer hikes you could use natural water sources with some filtration and treatment, for a day hike it is easier to carry your own water.
Main ways to pack your water:
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Water Bottles: The most common and familiar and is more than probable that you already have a few. These are durable and easy to clean, but they can be bulky and you have to stop to drink.
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Hydration Bladders: With these you can carry 1-3 liters of water more comfortably, and you can even drink on the go. But they’re harder to clean, can leak and it’s harder to check the water level.
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Expert tip: Pack some electrolyte gummies to help you replenish the salts and minerals in your body.
Nutritious snacks
You won’t need a big meal for a short hike, but snacks are always good to pack. Choose foods that are high in energy and nutritiously balanced but don’t take up that much space. Some excellent snacks you can easily add are trail mix, energy bars, and jerky. If you want a more filling meal without having to cook, you can combine carbohydrates like tortilla wraps or crackers with a source of protein and healthy fats like tuna, hummus,s or peanut butter.
Expert tips for packing food:
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Try to choose food that has 100-150 calories per ounce, to maximize the space.
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Avoid perishable items, choose fresh food only for short hikes where you have lots of space left.
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Extra clothing
As a general rule, you should focus on layering while constructing the outfit you’re gonna use to hike. That way you can adjust to the shifting temperatures without adding much bulk to your pack. Opt for breakable materials, insulated for the inner layer and waterproof for the outer layer. Having a basic change of clothes in case of emergency is also a good idea, and keeping it in a ziplock will ensure you dry clothes in case of rain.
Some extra clothing you should pack:
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Underwear and Socks: to keep you warm, dry and comfortable.
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T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt: Try to opt for synthetic or merino wool, as cotton retains too much moisture.
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Hat and Gloves: In case of a sudden drop in temperature.
Navigation tools
Nowadays it is very popular to use your phone for everything, and there are many good apps for hikers with specialized maps and routes to follow. But you shouldn’t rely 100% on it. Even if you use offline maps it might be a good idea to have a physical one. An old-style topographic paper map and a compass can save your life if you drop your phone or it runs out of battery.
Tips for a safe hike:
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Always have a backup system, it may seem redundant but it’s better safe than sorry.
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Mark important places on your map, like trailheads, water sources, and exits.
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Tell someone your plan and estimated return time, so they can alert authorities if something happens and you can’t.
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Stay connected wherever you go
No matter where you go, having internet access will save you a lot of trouble during your hikes. If you’re going international you’ll need an eSIM provider partnered with the top networks, and Yoho Mobile is here to help you get the best deal for the best price!
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Safety gear
There are a lot of things you can add to this category, but one of the most important is the First Aid Kit. Having a well-stocked one can help immensely to have a comfortable and safe hike. From solving minor inconveniences like blisters and scratches with some bandages and ointments to helping temporarily manage pain and bigger wounds in case of an emergency. If you take any medication regularly it should be there as well.
Other key items to pack for your safety:
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Emergency Shelter: An emergency space blanket or a lightweight bivy sack will protect you if lost or injured.
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Fire Starting Kit: Fire can help you cook your meals, provide warmth, and even help signal where you are if you get lost, so it’s good to have some waterproof matches and firestarters.
Strategic packing tips
Pack for balance
You can use the Three-Zone method to help you organize while maintaining a balanced pack. Pack the lighter items at the bottom, like extra clothes, sleeping bags and camp shoes, everything that’s bulky but lightweight. In the middle pack the heavy items, there should be food, water, and cooking equipment. That way it’s close to your center of gravity and won’t pull as hard on your shoulders. Finally, in the top, pack the medium weight, especially if they’re things you might need easy access to quickly, like a rain jacket or the first aid kit.
Keep your most used items at hand
For the snacks you might want to eat, your current water bottle, phone, maps, or gloves you better use the side pockets of your daypack, or the hip belt pockets if you have those. That way you don’t have to stop and take off your daypack so often.
Waterproof your gear
If you’re traveling high in a mountain, or a rainy region, you’ll want to have a waterproof daypack and clothes. To make sure all your stuff in your daypack stays dry you can get a pack cover. You can also line your daypack with a heavy-dry bag, like a heavy-duty trash compactor bag. For smaller things, stuff sacks and zip-lock bags are excellent.
How to Choose the Right Daypack for You?
The Right Capacity
The size depends on the length of your hike. For shorter hikes, like a few hours, a backpack of 10-20 liters of capacity is more than enough. For a longer hike, but still shorter than a day, you might want to get a 20-30 liter backpack. And for full days of hiking or technical hiking, you’ll need the heavy-duty 30-40 liters backpack.
Look for a comfortable fit
A good pack will reduce immensely the strain you’re putting on your shoulders. Choose the right size for your height and torso length. Check the shoulder straps before you buy, you want daypacks with adjustable and padded straps for more comfort. If possible, get one with a chest and hip belt for extra support and weight distribution.
Pack for different weathers
Warm weather
There are a few main considerations you have to keep in mind depending on where and when you’re going to hike. For warmer climates you’ll face sun exposure and high temperatures, making it easier to get dehydrated and overheated. Use lightweight and breathable clothes and pack sunscreen as well as extra water. Don’t forget to add insect repellent, as that might be a big problem in the summer.
Cold weather
There’s a big difference between packing for a little cold and a full winter in the mountains hike, but in general, you’ll want to keep yourself warm and dry. Use insulation layers both in the inner and outer layer of clothing. Opt for waterproof clothes, especially some good boots, you don’t want to have cold feet for the whole hike. Consider the possibility of rain, snow, and winds, so you’ll have to be prepared and versatile and always pack for the worst.
Some advanced tips for experienced hikers
Take advantage of all your daypack features
If you have a really good daypack you might notice that there are a lot of extra compartments and straps you probably are not entirely sure how to use. Some daypacks have a hydration sleeve to fit a bladder, or side pockets to hold a water bottle. These side pockets are excellent for small handy items by the way. You can put your snacks, phone or maps there.
The loops at the sides are designed to secure items like trekking poles while not in use, or sleeping pads and jackets. The other feature you might be unfamiliar with is the compression straps, which can be useful to make sure your items aren’t loose on the inside.
Use tech gadgets for a better hiking experience
There’s a lot you can make with modern technology for a safer experience while hiking. A GPS device or your smartphone can help you stay localized and on track. Apps like AllTrails or Komoot are specially designed for hikers and have more information about the trails and terrain. Having a power bank or solar charger can save you if you run out of battery for your phone.
Another great addition to your hiking gear could be a smartwatch or fitness tracker. With one you’ll have a quick way to know the distance you’ve made, your current altitude, and your heart rate.
FAQs about Daypack Packing
Daypack vs Backpack
The terms are usually interchangeable, but they do have slightly different definitions. Daypacks are usually smaller and designed for shorter hikes, while backpacks are bigger and usually made with bulkier but more resistant materials.
5 essential things to bring in a hike
If you want a quick answer, in order of importance it will go as follows: Water and food, navigation tools, first aid kit, weather-appropriate clothing, and emergency tools.