As an interpretive US national park ranger, I led park visitors on day hikes for nearly a decade. Even though I no longer work in national parks, I’m still an avid hiker, and I keep a daypack ready to go with essentials for when I want to go on a quick hike.
So what are the essentials? Besides the things you might want to take–your phone or camera for photos, a pair of binoculars for the birds–there are a few things you should always have.
Here’s what’s in my daypack for a short hike (for a multi-day trip you’ll need to do a lot more planning), including a few items that might surprise you.
1. Small first aid kit
Years ago I purchased a small (sandwich-sized) first aid kit in a waterproof pouch. I restock and replenish it when supplies get used or old (for more info see my essay on how to stock your wilderness first aid kit).
My little first aid kit is a permanent resident in my daypack. It contains bandages, medicinal creams and pills, tweezers, and other small but necessary items for wilderness scrapes and illnesses.
You can buy similar kits at outdoor stores or create one yourself by stuffing a plastic bag with supplies that you or those travelling with you might need. For example, if you tend to get headaches when out in the sun, pack extra pain reliever, or if you know your hands get cold while hiking, add in a couple handwarmers.
Even if you rarely need to dip into this first aid kit, when/if you do, I know from experience that you will be grateful you have it.
2. Food
Don’t forget to maintain your energy during an outdoor adventure. For a longer hike you will probably want to bring a meal, but even for short hikes, always pack snacks. You never know when you or someone else may need extra fuel.
3. Water
You must bring water for a longer hike, but I pack water even on a short hike of a couple miles. There are countless reasons to bring water even beyond hydration, like for example if you need to clean a scrape or cut. But hydration is the key–a brisk walk outside can result in a sweat loss of 0.8 to 1.4 liters an hour even on a cool day.
4. Headlamp
Another permanent resident in my day pack is a small headlamp. This one tends to surprise people, but my work in national parks taught me that accidents happen, especially when we are outside our normal environment.
Even when I’m hiking during the day, I carry my little headlamp as a nod to all the folks I’ve witnessed who had to spend longer than they expected to out in the wilderness.
5. Sunscreen
Sun protection, like layers or head coverings, are a must for me when I hike, and I slather on the sunscreen even on cloudy days (you may have already noticed that I’m super cautious–being a park ranger will make you that way).
But I also carry a tiny travel-size tube of sunscreen, just in case. Protect your skin, friends. (And this applies to melanated skin too–we all need protection from skin cancer.)
6. Whistle
I carry a little whistle in my bag (sometimes I even wear one on a chain around my neck) for emergency communication purposes. Thankfully I’ve never had to use it, but a little plastic whistle isn’t going to add much weight to your pack and could be vital someday if you need to alert people to your whereabouts.
7. Layers
I mentioned clothing layers for sun protection, but layers have other uses, like in case of weather changes. A small poncho for rain or a light jacket could protect you from hypothermia or just being wet and/or cold during an unexpected downpour or chill.
8. Head covering
Even if it looks cloudy, bring a hat. For warmth, for sun, or for rain. Perhaps it’s because as a park ranger I was required to wear a hat when outdoors as part of my uniform, but I never go on any outdoor adventure without one.
9. Something to sit on
My daypack contains a rectangle of foam that folds small like the bellows of an accordion. People often ask why I carry it with me. And then I take it out, unfold it, and sit down. It’s a light, portable seat that keeps my bum dry and clean. Then people ask where I got it.
You can purchase a similar foam square or cut your own from an old eggshell sleeping pad. Or you can bring a small picnic blanket or square of waterproof material to sit on. I’ve known folks who carry one of those foam kneeling pads gardeners use as their hiking seat.
Whatever you bring, keep it light for a daypack. By all means cart your Crazy Creek chair with you if you wish, but I prefer something small and lightweight.
10. Keep your pack prepped
Once you’ve collected the essentials that you want to bring in your daypack, store them in there. Most of these items, like my headlamp, first aid kit, foam seat, sunscreen, etc., live in my daypack. I don’t store food in it so as not to attract animals (and because I don’t want to eat old food), but most other things can be ready to go when you need them.
Also, consider leaving your daypack in a convenient place, like your vehicle, in case you get the sudden inspiration (or good weather) to hit the trail. I store my hiking boots in my car for this reason.
Bonus tip
Another tip about the pack itself: all outdoor packs (even daypacks) need a hip-belt that you keep cinched so that the weight sits on your hips, not your shoulders. Trust me, your shoulders will thank you.
Happy trails, and remember the number one rule when filling your pack: stick to lightweight items so you can enjoy your hike without breaking your back!