Top 10 Items to Take on a Hiking Trip

The number 10 seems to be an important number in outdoor adventures. The Ten Essentials is used often, and these are items you’ll want to take on a hiking trip.

The ten items you need when you’re hiking isn’t the same for a day hike as it is for a multi-day hike into the wilderness. Some items are similar, but if you’re spending several days and nights on the trails, you’ll need more of some items and less of others. Let’s look at ten items that can certainly make your hiking experience better.

What Do You Need During a Day Hike?

If your plan is to only hike for part of the day, the number of items you take can be fewer, and you can take a lighter pack. That said, you still want to have some essential items because you never know what will happen when you’re out on the trails. Here are ten items that are ideal for day hikes:

1. Navigation Equipment

Your hiking trip will be much better if you know where you are and where you’re going. This is a good time to test your navigational skills with a map and compass, but a smartphone app could be more useful.

2. Sun Protection

Even if you’re hiking in the forest, you need to protect your skin from UV rays, and bring some sun protection along with you.

3. Insulation Materials

If you happen to get lost or the weather changes quickly, you’ll want something warm to enjoy during your time in the cold. Pack a warm, light jacket and rain protection in your pack.

4. Light Source

Don’t expect your cell phone to become your flashlight, bring a light along during your hiking trip. Even if your plans are to be back at the campsite before dark, it’s important to have a flashlight in case you aren’t back in time.

5. First Aid Kit

Buy a pre-packaged first aid kit, but make sure it has the items you’ll need if you get a bug bite or cut while out on the trails. This kit can make things much more enjoyable if you get hurt.

6. Fire Starting Equipment

Most likely, if you’re on a day hike, you don’t expect to build a fire, but you never know when this will come in handy. Carry a small pack of waterproof matches and some Firestarter cubes just in case you need them.

7. Multi-Tool

A Multi-took can become one of the most important items in your day pack when you’re out on the trails. Whether you need to fix your sunglasses or cut a brand, you’ll be glad to have this tool when you’re hiking through the backcountry.

8. Food and Nutrition

Figure out how long your hike should be, and bring along some food for your lunch or dinner on the trails. It’s also a good idea to pack a few extra energy bars in case you’re on the trail longer than expected?

9. Water

No matter how long your hike is, water is an essential part of being out on the trails. You can carry a hydration pack on your back underneath your day pack and have all the water you need.

10. Emergency Shelter

Carry a small lightweight tend in your day pack. You never know what could happen and if you’ll end up spending the night in the wilderness. It’s better to be safe than sorry out there.

What do You Need for a Multi-Day Hiking Trip?

If you’re planning a trip out on the trails for several days, you’ll need to carry everything with you for your survival and comfort. This means packing light and smart so that you don’t take anything that you won’t use. Here are some great ideas for the multi-day hikes.

Backpacking Items

Your multi-day pack will be much larger than your single-day hiking pack. Find a great pack that’s lightweight and fits your body well. Put a few items in there to help with the major parts of backpacking. Some of these include a rain cover, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.

Safety Gear

It’s essential that you think about safety out on the trails. If it starts to rain, you might be facing slippery trails that are hard to deal with. Make sure your gear includes a first aid kit, GPS and satellite devices, a headlamp, and bug spray.

Cooking Gear

One major difference between a multi-day hiking trip and one that lasts only a few hours is the amount of food you need. If you don’t want to eat cold food, you’ll want some cooking gear. This includes a cooking stove and fuel, food containers, water reservoir, reusable water bottle, water filter, camp mug, camp bowl, utensils, coffee maker, and food storage bag.

Extra Clothing

Even if you think you’ll wear the same thing every day, there are some items you need to ensure are right and a few extras to bring along. Make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots and pack your hiking pack with moisture-wicking pants and shirts. It’s important to carry extra socks; these can be the biggest comfort item on the trails. Also, bring some rain gear and some lightweight, warm weather gear just in case you get cold.
Note: if you use a compression sack for your clothing, it will take up less space in your pack.

Toiletries

During day hiking trips, you don’t have to think about too many toiletries, but if you are on the trails for several days, you do. You need a way to relieve yourself and clean up with ease. Carry some hand sanitizer, a folding shovel, some sunscreen, and chapstick along for your comfort. If you want, carry a toothbrush and toothpaste for that fresh feeling in the morning.

Accessories

Some accessories might be necessary while others could prove to be extra weight that you don’t need. The more experience you get on multi-day hiking trips, the more you’ll realize which accessories you want. Some that you could take along with you are trekking poles, binoculars, portable device charger, ear plugs, microfiber towel, inflatable pillow, sunglasses, and a mosquito hat.

Use these lists to help make your hiking trips more enjoyable. Where are you going to explore?