Bob's Tips for Day Hiking
Long before joining WNG I took up day hiking primarily as a way to enjoy nature and spend quality time in the great outdoors with my friends, and secondarily as a way to get into better shape. At the time I didn't realize how much of an integral part of my life hiking would become nor how much fun it could be. You will not need to purchase a tremendous amount of equipment for day hiking, and you likely have many of the items needed already. I started hiking with just the desire to hike my daypack and a heavy pair of steel-toed work boots. Many miles and a several painful blisters later I've learned a few simple things that have made day hikes even more enjoyable while less stressful on my body. Day hikes run the gamut from simple to extreme, and regardless of their level of difficulty they require a bit of planning ahead of time to make the hike as enjoyable and safe as possible.
Most WNG day hikes are far from extreme. Much of the information and equipment needed should be regarded as common sense items, but no matter how much common sense I think I have, I still find it easy to forget some of the simpler items without a checklist. The information I'm providing is as much for me as it is for you, and by all means if you have any suggestions, clarifications, or ideas for additional equipment you consider essential please submit them for possible future inclusion on this checklist. Planning ahead will save you from making last-minute decisions in a rush, thereby avoiding the possibility of forgetting an essential item for your hike.
Fortunately, WNG day hikes are published ahead of time with some general information regarding the hike so that you can prepare. If you have any questions about a particular hike, the trip leader can give you further instructions on what to bring along on the hike. The day hikes are a lot of fun and a great way to socialize, enjoy nature, see some great scenery and get a bit of exercise all at the same time. Items in capital letters should be considered mandatory for most day hikes.
1 WATER
A good rule of thumb is to carry about a quart of water for every 5 mile hike, more if you are hiking further. Keep the water easy to access. Sports drinks are a good alternative to water if you want something with some flavor.
2 FOOD
Many times you will be on the trail at lunchtime, and other times you might need a snack to stave off hunger and/or to give yourself a bit of extra energy. Many people like to carry sports bars like Power Bars, candy bars such as Snickers bars, or a favorite trail mix. If you will be carrying your lunch, you might want to avoid carrying food that requires refrigeration if it's going to be several hours before it is eaten. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and fruit are simple trail companions that taste good and provide extra energy. Pack food that will carry well in your daypack or fanny pack.
3 COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR
Some of the easier day hikes will require no more than a simple pair of sneakers. On hikes rated from moderate up to strenuous you will want to have some sort of lightweight hiking shoes or boots to give you the traction and support you will need on varying terrain. There are many good choices available for any budget.
4 NON-COTTON SOCKS
Avoid cotton socks at any expense because moisture trapped in them will cause blisters. Pick up a few pairs of nylon liners to use as the first layer. Moleskin can be applied ahead of time over any areas on your feet prone to blisters and calluses.
5 Comfortable clothing
You should be as comfortable as possible on the day hike, so you should wear the lightest weight clothing as possible. Cotton T-Shirts can get pretty heavy and uncomfortable with sweat when you are hiking, and they take forever to dry if and when they do get wet. You can get lightweight T-Shirts and other outdoor clothing made from special fabrics like coolmax, polartec, gortex, spandex and others. You can layer them with other clothes for more protection. Watch the forecast and plan accordingly, and plan to bring enough warm layers if it is expected to be cold anywhere along the trail.
6 DAYPACK / FANNY PACK
You'll want a comfortable day pack or fanny pack to carry your water, food, and extra provisions. Longer hikes with temperature extremes may require you to wear a day pack big enough to hold an extra shirt or jacket, while shorter/easier hikes on temperate days may only require a fanny pack to hold everything you need while on the trail.
7 Rain gear
You can't always escape a rainstorm, especially during the summer months when they can pop up with only a moment's notice. There are many easy-to-pack rain ponchos available, from simple emergency ponchos that you can buy for a dollar, up to more fancy units designed for serious hikers. The simple ones work fine and don't take up much room, and if you find you hike a lot in the rain, you can take the plunge and purchase more permanent trail-friendly rain gear.
8 Sunscreen
Cloudy or sunny, wearing sunscreen makes sense whether you are hiking or just walking around downtown. Nobody wants to think about sunburns, skin cancer or getting wrinkles before their time, so bring some sunscreen and you will feel a lot better at the end of the day.
9 Walking stick
Many hikers like to use them, sometimes two at a time, especially over longer hikes over more difficult terrain. Walking sticks can save a lot of stress on your legs, knees, and ankles.
The following list of items are considered as hardcore hiking essentials for more extreme hiking trips, and are not always needed by every member of a hike in a group situation-especially on a day hike vs. an overnight backpacking trip.
10 Map
This tells you where you are, how far you have to go, and should be able to guide you with reference points along the way in case you need to find campsites, water or even an emergency exit in case of an accident. Most trailheads post a copy of the trail map, so if you don't have a map to carry you might want to have a pen and paper handy to copy the details.
11 Compass
This can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain, especially if the weather prevents you from seeing landmarks.
12 Extra Food
A detour or delay, getting lost or an injury or difficult terrain might make having a few extra ounces of food to help keep up energy and morale.
13 First-aid kit
A good idea to have on the trail, and they are available prepackaged at local outfitters like REI.
14
Army knife or multi-purpose tool.
15
Flashlight, extra bulbs and batteries.
15
WHATEVER you’ll need that I forgot or do not consider essential for me.