Spring has arrived and it is time to hit the trails! Some of you may already have your gear and hiking system dialed in and ready for action, and some of you may be referring to this page as a guide in order to fully understand essential items that should always be in your pack, hence the “Ultimate Day Hike Checklist”. Either way, you’ve come to the right place!
Here at The Epic Reviews, I want to help make prepping for your next adventure a bit easier for you. If there is one thing that I can hope to accomplish with this article, it’s to encourage you all to create your own personal day hike checklist to always refer back to. If there is one thing that can ruin your perfect day on trail, it’s getting into the backcountry only to realize you’ve forgotten an essential item that you should never go without. So let’s go through a general outline of what your day hike checklist should look like.
If you like to hike with your dog, check out:
HOW TO USE THIS DAY HIKE CHECKLIST
Before we jump into the world of packing for a day hike, I want to give you a quick rundown on how to get the most out of this list. Next to each item you will see a few categories, let me explain what they mean.
PURPOSE: What it is used for, a quick insight on why you might need that piece of gear.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: We know that when you’re just starting out it can be tough to know what you really need and what can be left at home. We did our best to weed out the essentials and have written ‘Yes’ for each item we believe you truly need. Keep in mind, this will vary depending on the type of trip you are planning.
PRICE RANGE: It’s good to get an idea of how much each item will cost so you can budget accordingly.
LOOK FOR: Some quick tips on how to choose your gear.
MY RECOMMENDATION: Our choice based on the value and quality of the product.
LEARN MORE: An article related to that particular piece of gear.
BEST MODELS: An article about the top gear of the year.
1. CARRYING GEAR
BACKPACK
PURPOSE: A large bag carrying everything needed for an extended day hike
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $150 – $400
LOOK FOR: A comfortable fit and quality materials
MY RECOMMENDATION: Osprey Atmos (50L)
LEARN MORE: Top 10 Best Backpacks of 2020
DAYPACK
PURPOSE: A lightweight and comfortable bag for all your hiking essentials
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $240
LOOK FOR: Lightweight materials and plenty of pockets
MY RECOMMENDATION: Osprey Daylite Plus
PACK COVER
PURPOSE: Keep your gear dry during wet weather
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends if there is a chance of rain
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $50
LOOK FOR: Durable material and sized to fit your pack
MY RECOMMENDATION: Osprey Ultralight Raincover
DRY BAG
PURPOSE: Keep your electronics, books or other items dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your needs
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $60
LOOK FOR: Seam seals and roll-top closure
MY RECOMMENDATION: Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack
2. CLOTHING GEAR FOR WARM WEATHER
HIKING SHIRT
PURPOSE: Lightweight shirt to protect you from the elements while keeping you cool
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, fit, and a quick-dry fabric (wool or synthetic)
MY RECOMMENDATION: Outdoor Research Echo Hoody
HIKING PANTS
PURPOSE: Lightweight pants to protect you from the elements while keeping you cool
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, fit, and a quick-dry fabric (preferably synthetic)
MY RECOMMENDATION: Black Diamond Alpine Light Softshell Pants
LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET
PURPOSE: Keep you warm in cool weather
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $80 – $300
LOOK FOR: Breathable materials and weight appropriate to your use
MY RECOMMENDATION: Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket
HAT
PURPOSE: Prevent sunburn on your head and prevent glare
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $50
LOOK FOR: Quick drying, breathable material or a broad brim for maximum sun protection
3. CLOTHING GEAR FOR COLD WEATHER
BASELAYER PANTS
PURPOSE: Keep your lower body warm and dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, breathability, quick-dry material
MY RECOMMENDATION: Smartwool Merino 150 Performance
BASELAYER SHIRT
PURPOSE: Keep your upper body warm and dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $30 – $120
LOOK FOR: Warmth, breathability and quick-dry fabric
MY RECOMMENDATION: Smartwool Merino 150 Active
SOFTSHELL PANTS
PURPOSE: Keep your lower body warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $200
LOOK FOR: Comfort, warmth and breathability
MY RECOMMENDATION: Outdoor Research Men’s Cirque
GLOVES
PURPOSE: Keep your hands warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $150
LOOK FOR: Goof fit, warmth, breathability and dexterity
MY RECOMMENDATION: Black Diamond Windhood Softshell
BEANIE
PURPOSE: Prevent heat loss and keep you warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $75
LOOK FOR: Comfort, breathability and warmth
MY RECOMMENDATION: Arc’teryx Rho LTW Beanie
DOWN JACKET
PURPOSE: Keep your upper body warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $80 – $400
LOOK FOR: Comfort, fit, warmth, and weight of down
MY RECOMMENDATION: Marmot Highlander Down Hoody
4. CLOTHING GEAR FOR WET WEATHER
WATERPROOF PANTS
PURPOSE: Keep your lower body dry and protected from the wind
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $300
LOOK FOR: Good fit, breathable, sealed seams, and ability to be put on over boots
MY RECOMMENDATION: Marmot Minimalist Lightweight Waterproof Pant
WATERPROOF JACKET
PURPOSE: Keep your upper body dry and protected from the wind
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $400
LOOK FOR: Good fit, breathable, sealed seams and a hood
MY RECOMMENDATION: Minimalist Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
5. FOOTWEAR
BOOTS
PURPOSE: Protect your feet and provide stability
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the type of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $75 – $300
LOOK FOR: Sturdy, comfortable boots that fit well and aren’t too heavy
MY RECOMMENDATION: Salewa Alp Trainer Mid GTX
LEARN MORE: Full Review on Salewa Alp Trainer
TRAIL SHOES
PURPOSE: Protect your feet while providing excellent flexibility
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the type of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $300
LOOK FOR: Comfortable fit
MY RECOMMENDATION: Altra Lone Peak 4.5
LEARN MORE: Full Review on Altra Lone Peak
SANDALS
PURPOSE: Cool, lightweight footwear that still protects against the elementsESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the type of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $200
LOOK FOR: Comfortable fit, sturdy construction (some cases may require toe protection)
MY RECOMMENDATION: Chaco ZCloud 2
SOCKS
PURPOSE: Keep your feet warm, cushioned and dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes, if not wearing sandals
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $30
LOOK FOR: Cushioning, appropriate cut for your shoes
MY RECOMMENDATION: Darn Tough Hiker Merino Wool Micro Crew Cushion
GAITERS
PURPOSE: Protect your lower legs from vegetation and snake bite
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $150
LOOK FOR: Comfortable fit, secure fastening and tough, waterproof material
MY RECOMMENDATION: Outdoor Research Crocodile
6. SAFETY AND FIRST AID
FIRST AID KIT
PURPOSE: Immediate treatment for minor injuries
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $30
LOOK FOR: A kit containing essential items that isn’t too bulky
MY RECOMMENDATION: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit .7
LIGHTER OR MATCHES
PURPOSE: Light a fire or stove
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $10
LOOK FOR: Compact, waterproof (Bics will dry out, bring waterproof matches as a backup)
MY RECOMMENDATION: Mini Bic (bring 2)
HEADLAMP
PURPOSE: Provide illumination at night or in dim conditions
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $50
LOOK FOR: Good fit, excellent battery life and a high lumen light
MY RECOMMENDATION: Black Diamond Spot 325
LEARN MORE: Best Headlamps of 2020
MULTITOOL
PURPOSE: A handy tool for cutting, snipping or actions
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $120
LOOK FOR: Critical functions that matter to you
MY RECOMMENDATION: Leatherman Signal
SUNSCREEN
PURPOSE: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $20
LOOK FOR: High SPF rating, long lasting, zinc and waterproof
MY RECOMMENDATION: Surface Clear Zinc Sunscreen
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON
PURPOSE: Provide emergency services personnel with your location in the event of an emergency
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the terrain and remoteness of your hike
PRICE RANGE: $75 – $200
LOOK FOR: High quality materials, waterproof and compatible with local emergency services teams
MY RECOMMENDATION: SPOT 3 Satellite GPS Messenger
SUNGLASSES
PURPOSE: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and physical damage
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $300
LOOK FOR: Good fit, sufficient physical protection and UV filtering
MY RECOMMENDATION: Cheap-o’s
7. HYDRATION
WATER BOTTLE
PURPOSE: Keep yourself hydrated on the trail
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $30
LOOK FOR: Strong, lightweight material with a secure opening
MY RECOMMENDATION: Nalgene 32oz Widemouth
HYDRATION BLADDER
PURPOSE: Allow you to stay hydrated while on the move
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $40
LOOK FOR: High quality materials and sized to match your pack size and hydration needs
MY RECOMMENDATION: Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir
WATER FILTER
PURPOSE: Filter water in an emergency
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $150
LOOK FOR: Compact, effective construction
MY RECOMMENDATION: Sawyer Squeeze
LEARN MORE: 10 Best Water Filters of 2020
8. NAVIGATION TOOLS
COMPASS
PURPOSE: Assist you in navigating off-trail or in poor conditions
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your style of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $30
LOOK FOR: Quality materials and lightweight
MY RECOMMENDATION: Suunto M-3 NH Compass
MAP
PURPOSE: Prevent you from becoming lost
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your style of hiking
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $40
LOOK FOR: Clear markings, right region, water resistant paper
MY RECOMMENDATION: Depends on the location of your hike
WHISTLE
PURPOSE: Notify others of your location
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $15
LOOK FOR: Compact size and loud whistle
MY RECOMMENDATION: SOL Rescue Howler
9. PERSONAL ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES
WATCH
PURPOSE: Provide you with information such as time, altitude and barometric pressure
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $500
LOOK FOR: Quality, waterproof construction and a good fit
MY RECOMMENDATION: Garmin Vivoactive 3
INSECT REPELLENT
PURPOSE: Protect your skin from being bitten or stung by insects
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on the location of your hike and time of year
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $15
LOOK FOR: Trusted brand, preferably with DEET
MY RECOMMENDATION: Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent
MORE INFORMATION
I hope you found this gear guide helpful. As I stated at the beginning of the article, my goal here at The Epic Reviews is to offer unbiased opinions on the most popular gear on trail these days. If you have any questions on any items listed above, or would like to see me cover a particular topic in future articles, please drop me a line in the comment section below and I’ll get to work! Let me bring the information to you!
For more backpacking gear recommendations, check out:
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