What to Pack for a Hike (Don’t Bother With These 6 Items), by Trailblazeher on YouTube. 5 min 4 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 4 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Lay everything out on the floor before you pack. Pick a 15 to 25 litre daypack for a half-day hike and leave the big overnight pack at home.
Check the forecast and trail length first. That decides your layers, how much water you carry and whether you need a rain jacket.
Fill your water bottle or bladder and put it in the side pocket or sleeve. Carry enough for the hours you plan to hike, not a giant bottle you will never finish.
Pack a light rain jacket and one warm layer at the bottom of the main compartment. Add a hat and sunscreen if the sun will be out.
Put snacks and a small lunch in the top of the pack so you can reach them without unpacking everything.
Add a small first aid kit, a headlamp, a whistle and a charged phone with an offline map. These are the items worth the weight.
Skip the extras you rarely use: heavy camp chairs, multiple spare outfits, big camera kits and full-size toiletries. One small item per job is enough.
Close the pack, tighten the shoulder straps and adjust the hip belt so the weight sits on your hips. Walk around the room to check the fit.
Tips and common mistakes
Weigh your packed bag at home. If it feels heavy on the stairs, it will feel worse on the trail.
Leave a note with your route and return time for someone at home, even on short hikes.
Pack layers you can add or remove rather than one very warm jacket.
Check the weather again the morning of the hike and swap gear if it changes.
Questions
How much water should I carry on a day hike?
Plan roughly half a litre per hour of hiking in mild weather and more in heat. Carry a refill option or check for water sources on your route.
Do I need hiking boots for a short day hike?
Not always. Grippy trail shoes work for most easy and moderate trails. Choose boots if the ground is rocky, wet or steep.
What should stay in my pack every time?
Keep a small first aid kit, headlamp, whistle and rain jacket in the pack between hikes. Then you only add water, food and layers.
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.
