Table of contents

Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist

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Who doesn’t love a good checklist? Mental lists can get the job done, but a complete checklist ensures we have a good time on the trail – even if we’re just going out for a day hike. It always seems like the one time we don’t use a checklist is when we go to grab something from our pack and it’s not there.

Use our Day Hike Checklist every time you hit the trail to make rounding up your gear quick and easy, and to give you peace of mind that you aren’t forgetting something critical.

Day Hiking Checklist

DOWNLOAD OUR PRINTABLE CHECKLIST

You won’t need all the items on this list for every trip, but it’s worth thinking through each of them as you gather your gear. Grab the basics first, then use the categories at the end to tailor your gear list to your specific needs.

TO DO

  • Apply for any required permits
  • Call the regional ranger station for trail conditions & regulations
  • Check if the trailhead requires a parking pass or cash/card for a pay station
  • Check the weather (we like point forecasts from NOAA, SpotWX, or Mountain Forecast
  • Charge electronics & check batteries
  • Update emergency contacts and turn on SOS / emergency notification features on your phone
  • Review topo map/take photos of relevant guidebook pages or screenshot website beta
  • Download GPS phone app & appropriate maps or GPS area
  • Download driving directions for offline use (we use maps.me)
  • Text an itinerary (see our pdf) with a friend & under your car seat
  • Pack your bag
man holding his arms outstretched overlooking a mountain range with changing weather overhead
BE PREPARED FOR CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS EVERY TIME YOU GO HIKING IN A REMOTE AREA. – photo credit: dave collins (cleverhiker.com)

Essentials to Pack

WATERPROOFING

Based on your pack choice, choose one or more of the following to keep your stuff dry:

TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT

PACK

Choose one of the following to carry your gear:

CLOTHING

Some of this should be worn, some should be packed. Layer clothing based on season and weather conditions. For fabrics – go for lightweight and quick-drying (no cotton).

GOOD SHOES AND HIGH-QUALITY SOCKS ARE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR DAY HIKING

Essentials to Pack in the Car

FOOD & WATER

CARRYING A RAIN JACKET ON EVERY HIKE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE IF YOU’RE OUT LONGER THAN EXPECTED OR CONDITIONS CHANGE

Additional items for Specific Trips

RAIN & SNOW

MOSQUITOS & TICKS

LONG HIKES / REMOTE LOCATIONS

GRIZZLY BEAR COUNTRY

DO SOME RESEARCH PRE-TRIP, SO YOU CAN PREPARE TO FACE MOSQUITOS, SNOW, BEARS, ETC.

Photography

Before you leave, it’s a good idea to back up photos, clear storage, and clean your lenses.

DSLR or Point-and-Shoot

Smartphone

DOG

For the trail

Leave in car

DOGS NEED A FEW THINGS TO BE COMFORTABLE ON HIKES TOO – CHECK OUT OUR 14 TIPS FOR HIKING WITH A DOG POST TO LEARN MORE

Overnight Trips

Prepping for a multi day adventure? We also have checklists for backpacking, camping, and winter camping.

WE ALSO HAVE CHECKLISTS FOR BACKPACKING, CAMPING, AND WINTER CAMPING

Day Hiking Tips

FINDING A BALANCE OF PACK WEIGHT & PREPAREDNESS

A lightweight backpack is far more comfortable to carry. This will help you conserve energy so you can hike further and enjoy your time outdoors more. That said, we never advise skipping essentials like a map, food, water, rain jacket, and a basic first-aid kit when venturing into the backcountry. Learn more about ways to reduce your pack weight.

CAREFULLY CONSIDER EVERY ITEM YOU PUT IN YOUR DAYPACK TO KEEP YOUR LOAD LIGHTER

BACKPACKS

Most people use a daypack or hydration pack (comes with a bladder) for day trips for their useful capacity, comfortable carry, and convenient pockets to keep gear organized and easily accessible. Daypacks come in a variety of sizes, but we prefer those that have about 20-30 liters of volume. Fanny packs are also a great option for small gear loads or for extra capacity in addition to a daypack.

THE OSPREY TALON (MEN’S) & TEMPEST (WOMEN’S) ARE COMFORTABLE FANNY PACKS WITH PLENTY OF STORAGE FOR A DAY HIKE

WHAT TO WEAR FOR HIKING

The clothing you wear and pack for a day hike will depend on the conditions you expect to encounter on specific trips, but the basics remain the same. Wear layers made of quick-drying (synthetic or wool) fabrics so you can stay comfortable no matter the weather. Lightweight, breathable footwear and high-quality, non-cotton socks also make a huge difference in reducing fatigue and avoiding blisters. Get specific recommendations on the best down jackets, rain jackets, hiking pants, base layers, and more on our Gear Guide Homepage.