When it comes to day hiking, my gear choices are relatively consistent – I know what works for me and so I continue to use what works. I am also ready to go given that I generally leave my ‘just in case’ items in my day pack between hikes. This means I don’t have to think too much about preparing for a day of hiking.
I also expect my gear to last and I will hang on to gear as long as it is functional and isn’t looking too bad through wear. My gear has lasted the distance and is still looking OK. Having said that I am always on the look out for something new but often fail to find anything that captures my eye!
So here is my standard day hiking gear list based of course, on my particular needs and circumstances. Please note that I share some items with Tim; some of which I carry and some he carries. My list may or may not suit you however I hope it will be useful in helping you to develop your own day hiking gear kit. You can download a PDF version of this list here Gill’s Day Hiking Checklist March 2020.
PDF Version of my current day hiking gear list
The following link is a downloadable version of my 2020 day hiking gear list. I do a full update of this list on an annual basis.
The trampoline style suspension frame provides airflow across my back – very welcome on hot days and doesn’t saturate my back even in the hottest weather
It has heaps of pockets which is just what you need to stow all your bits
This lightweight trowel will dig through hard rocky soil better than lighter metal options
Always bury your poop!
Shared item
Toilet paper: 10 sheets per day
Why I chose this:
I never rely on toilet paper being available
You may also need when you’re away from provided facilities, or if the on-trail facilities have run out
I fold each day’s worth and put it in a zip lock back to keep it clean and dry
Place the fold facing the edge of the bag – that way you just grab the top fold
Hand Sanitiser: Hand Sanitiser 60ml
Why I chose this:
The biggest cause of digestive distress on hikes is due poor sanitation after going to the toilet
You wash your hands with soap and water at home, and you should clean your hands on a hike as well
Hand sanitiser is a convenient option for hiking – make sure you rub it around
Lip Balm and Face Moisturiser
Why I chose this:
For those conditions where cracked or sunburnt lips is a potential issue
A bit of face moisturiser helps the post hike recovery!
First Aid Kit
I have never had a serious accident or needed to treat one. In most cases the first aid kit is for blisters, splinters or ticks. Having said that, I carry basic first aid equipment on every hike, not matter how short, just in case. My first aid supplies go into the same packing cell as my toiletries. Shared item.
Tweezers
Why I chose this:
Can be used for splinters as well as removing ticks
Don’t stint on the quality here as most cheap tweezers just won’t pick out the small stuff as they don’t have the stiffness and/or fineness at the tip
Shared Item
Splinter Pick
Why I chose this:
Sometimes you get splinters so I will always carry a decent splinter pick
Shared item
Crepe Bandage x 1
Why I chose this:
Another part of my first aid kit
It is suitable for use as a dressing retention, stemming bleeding and providing light compression
Shared item
Compression Bandage x 2
Why I chose this:
For immobilising limbs in the case of snake bite or physical injury
Shared item
Triangular Bandage x 1
Why I chose this:
Just in case!
I have never had to use this in real life but its a versatile piece of safety gear
Shared item
Safety Pins x 5:
Why I chose this:
Always handy to have and not just for first aid use
Ever split your pants or broken a strap?
Shared item
Pain Killers: Neurofen x 6
Why I chose this:
The only time I use Neurofen is when I’m hiking
In addition to dealing with the rare headache it also aids with inflammation that can arise from doing extra long days
I rarely use Neurofen and only when absolutely necessary
Shared item
Go: Laxatives
Why I chose this:
Not something you are likely to need on a day hike – it is just part of my standard first aid kit
Shared item
Stop: Imodium
Why I chose this:
Also just in case
There is nothing worse than having diarrhoea on a hike, even a short one!
Shared item
Band-Aids: Various waterproof x 15
Why I chose this:
I use Band-Aids on nearly every extended trip, mainly for my toes at the start of the trip while the skin is hardening up
My Injinji Trail Toesocks have almost eliminated the need for Band-Aids but I still carry them for other needs
Shared item
Swap Outs
I carry most of the equipment above year round but there are some pieces I change over (swap out) depending on the weather, physical conditions of the hike, or the numbers of hikers. The following equipment is what I will carry as the conditions dictate.
Buffs are very versatile with the obvious use being to keep your head warmer
I wear mine to keep my neck covered either because its cold or because I need protection from the sun – I have also worn my Buff on one arm to protect it from the sun’s rays
A bit of water on your Buff will cool you instantly
This bit of technology has taken pride of place in my hiking kit for so many reasons and has replaced my Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and GPS
The two way communication option is a huge bonus on remote trips providing family with the ability to track how I’m going in real time and to communicate even when there is no phone signal
Shared item
PDF version of Gill's current day hiking gear list
PDF Version of my current day hiking gear list
The following link is a downloadable version of my 2020 day hiking gear list. I update this list on an annual basis (last updated 1 March 2020).