What I always bring on a day hike | 2026 update, by Paddle & Hike on YouTube. 8 min 7 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 7 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Lay everything out on the floor and sort it into four groups: water and food, weather layers, safety items and electronics. This stops you packing duplicates and shows the real weight.
Fill your water first. Carry one to two litres for a short hike and more for a long hot day. Add a filter or purification tablets so you can refill from streams.
Pack your rain jacket and a light fleece at the bottom of the main compartment. Add an emergency poncho as a cheap backup for sudden rain.
Build a small first aid pouch with plasters, blister pads, painkillers, antihistamines and any personal medication. Put it in a dry bag so it stays usable in rain.
Add an emergency blanket and a fire starter in the same dry bag. These weigh almost nothing and matter if you get stuck out after dark.
Pack snacks and lunch in a separate bag near the top so you can reach them without unpacking. Bring more food than you think you need for a long day.
Put your phone, power bank and charging cable in a zip pocket or dry bag. If you film or navigate with a camera, carry a spare battery.
Add small comfort items: a head net for bugs, a light sit pad, a torch and a small trowel with toilet paper for emergencies. Keep them in one pouch.
Load the heaviest items close to your back and in the middle of the pack. Put items you use often, like water, snacks and a map, in side pockets and the lid.
Do the pack on, tighten the hip belt first, then the shoulder straps and sternum strap. Walk around the room and adjust anything that rubs or swings.
Tips and common mistakes
Weigh your loaded pack before you leave. Anything over about 10 kg for a day hike is usually more than you need.
Check the weather forecast the morning of the hike and swap the fleece for a warmer layer if it will be cold.
Tell someone your route and expected return time, and carry a paper map if your phone is your only navigation.
Leave the drone and extra camera gear at home unless you plan to film. It adds weight and setup time.
Questions
How much water should I carry on a day hike?
Carry at least half a litre per hour of walking in mild weather, and more in heat or on steep climbs. A filter lets you top up from streams so you can carry less at the start.
Do I need a first aid kit for a short hike?
Yes. A small pouch with plasters, blister pads, painkillers and a personal medication costs little and covers most minor problems. Add an emergency blanket for cold or injury.
What size backpack is right for a day hike?
A 20 to 25 litre pack suits most day hikes and holds water, food, a layer and safety gear. Go larger only if you carry camera gear or hike in winter.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
