Are you planning a hiking trip? Well, out of all the types of trips, planning for a hike has been the most challenging and time-consuming for me. So, while preparing for a hiking trip to Yosemite National Park recently, I decided to put together a packing list for hiking that I could reuse.
Since then, I have been able to use this list several times for weekend hiking trips and day hikes. So, I thought of adding it to my blog in order to help you out too. Read on to get a comprehensive hiking packing list that’ll save you the trouble of panic-packing at the last minute!
Some of the key considerations for a hike are weather, ground conditions, and your fitness level. These factors inform your packing list, including what you should wear and when to arrive at your hiking trail. In fact, it can be easy to miss something you need for a hiking trip unless you have a good checklist handy. I will admit that I have found myself forgetting an item or two (before creating this list) even though I go hiking basically every summer!
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What to pack for a hike
Below, you will find everything you need, including essentials and miscellaneous items for your hike. I have also added helpful links to help you find the best possible items that are functional and cost-effective.
The Essentials
The following items are absolute essentials to take for a day hiking trip. Whether you are hiking in a warm location, or a cold, snowy one, take these must-haves with you.
Backpack or daypack
Every hiker needs a backpack. There are hundreds of options for backpacks to choose from, based on your preference, the type of hike, and what you need to carry. In fact, the sheer number of options for a backpack can be overwhelming. So, I have compiled a list of my favorite ones, so you can choose easily based on your criteria.
Category | Pros | Cons | Link |
Day hike | Cost Versatility Different size options Different color options Trekking pole fastener included Waterproof cover | Less capacity No hydration pack No hip-belt pockets (for the women’s pack) | |
Multi-day | Lightweight Multiple side pockets Hydration reservoir compatible Spacious interiors | A bit bulky Long (people under 5’5” may find it too long) | |
With hydration pack | Two hip-belt pockets Trekking pole attachment included Rain cover included | Price Different size/shape not available |
Good hiking shoes
Absolutely everyone needs good hiking shoes. Heck, even if you don’t do any serious hiking, and just walk on trails, you still need sturdy hiking shoes. In my humble opinion, this is the most important piece of your hiking wardrobe as it can make or break your hiking experience.
I have suffered through way too many near-slips by hiking with shoes without much grip. I have also had the misfortune of experiencing shoe bites from wearing hiking shoes that are not the best fit or comfortable enough for me.
Things to consider while picking a pair of hiking shoes
Through the unfortunate experiences mentioned above, I have learned the most important things to look for in a pair of hiking shoes. This is the list of things to keep in mind:
- Overall fit – This one is obvious but when picking hiking shoes make sure they fit close to your feet. Not too tight, and also, not too loose. Try on your shoes in the afternoon or evening when feet are typically a bit more swollen.
- Footbed – Make sure it is comfortable and contours well to the arches of your feet.
- Grip – Along with a good footbed, you need a good grip on the soles of your shoes. This ensures that you experience minimal to no slippage, particularly on wet grounds and while going downhill.
- Waterproof – Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always need waterproof hiking shoes. They can make your feet extra hot and sweaty. However, if you expect puddles of water or the presence of light snow on the trail, get waterproof shoes.
My recommendation for hiking shoes
Based on my experience with over 5 different well-known brands, the best pair of hiking boots I recommend are these ones from Merrell (men’s version is here). They are extremely comfortable with a well-cushioned footbed, and it’s well right out of the box.
For a waterproof version, pick the Goretex version over the waterproof version of Merrell Moab 3 as the Goretex waterproofing lasts longer. Men’s version is here. I wear these and absolutely love them!
So far, I have walked over 100 miles in these shoes and they are still good as new!
Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 is a must for any hike. Even if the sun is mild or on a cloudy day, there are harmful UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin. Make the largest organ of your body happy by protecting it with a solid layer of sunscreen.
My favorite brand is Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. Not only is it reef-safe (meaning you can take it anywhere you vacation), it also changes color and the bottle turns purple on exposure to sun’s UVA/UVB rays. Pretty cool right?
Bug repellent
Now, before you go and tell me that you don’t need bug repellent because you don’t expect bugs on the trail, hear me out. No matter where you go hiking, chances are high that you will encounter some bugs. Hiking in dry parts of California? Yup, there are bugs in all seasons. Hiking in wet areas of Hawaii? You bet there will be some mosquitos.
Trust me on this. Carry some bug repellent in your backpack. If you don’t need it, don’t use it. But if you find yourself swatting bugs away from your face every other second, you’ll be glad you have repellent handy to get rid of those pesky buggers.
This bug repellent will keep the annoying mosquitos and flies at bay.
Are you traveling to Hawaii? Check out all these travel resources to plan your best trip to the aloha state!
Navigation tool
A navigation tool is super important. It helps with keeping track of where you are, how far you’ve hiked, and how far you need to go. Plus, it is an important safety tool as well, particularly if you hike alone.
In the US, we use the AllTrails app for navigation. It is super convenient to gather information pre-hike and to navigate and stay on the right path during the hike.
First aid kit
Another important addition for safety is a first aid kit. If you or someone in your party encounters a scrape, a sting, or nausea, carrying a first aid kit in your backpack is the difference between cutting your hike short to get help, or taking a short break to help, and then carrying on. Additionally, it is always a good idea to be prepared.
Clothing
Wearing the right clothes for the right weather conditions is another important consideration for a hiker. You need to be able to move freely in your clothes and have layers that you can add or shed depending on the weather.
Below is a clothing packing list for hiking.
Moisture-wicking first layer
Layers of clothing
Normally, the start of a hike starts out cooler as you will likely start hiking in the morning. As midday approaches and you get hot from hiking, you will want to shed a layer or two. And then, as evening rolls in, you may want to cover up a bit. Because of these fluctuations in temperature, wearing layers of clothing is your best bet to staying comfortable.
Layers for hot weather
For women, wear a moisture-wicking shirt on top of your sports bra. You can remove your shirt if you get hot.
For both men and women, consider a pair of hiking pants with removable legs. Check out these ones for women, and these for men.
Layers for cold weather
Wear or carry a fleece layer while hiking in cooler temperatures. For windy regions, make sure to pack a windbreaker (For men use this link) or a packable, puffy jacket (For men use this link).
Additionally, add thermals as a base layer. I promise you, they will keep you feeling comfortably warm without making you feel hot. My favorite ones are these awesome sets. For men, these thermals are great.
Another alternate option to keep you toasty for the cold weather are these awesome fleece-lined leggings. They are breathable allowing you to be active, but helps keep you warm when the temperatures drop. Bonus: they are water-resistant!
Hiking socks
It is not enough to only care about your hiking shoes. Your socks are also important!
Get some good quality, sweat-wicking socks with solid cushioning and breathable material.
My favorite ones, you ask? These ones from for women and these ones for men.
Hat
Expecting the sun to be bright and shiny on your hike? Then, you should carry a hat. When hiking in California, I always wear a hat. When the midday sun burns down on me, I am thankful for the shade it offers.
My recommendation is this unisex one.
Are you traveling to Calfornia? Check out all these travel resources to plan your best trip there!
Woolen hat
On the other hand, if you plan on hiking in cooler, windy weather locations, you should wear a woolen hat. While you will feel hot as you start your workout, the weather tends to cool down in the late afternoon and evening.
Additionally, while hiking in windy areas such as Point Reyes in California or Patagonia in South America, a woolen hat is a must.
This woolen hat is a good option for the ladies to keep your head and ears from feeling cold. And, this one is a good choice for men (and women!).
Sunglasses
Another must in my books is a good pair of sunglasses. Whether you hike in sunny Arizona, or in the snow in Banff, Canada, your sunglasses will protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun.
Also, I don’t know about you, but I like to actually see where I am going on a hike 😉
I personally swear by my Ray-bans for all types of outdoor activities. These sunglasses are a fantastic option for hiking (these for men). They don’t slip and make you look snazzy.
Food and water
Don’t underestimate the power of good snacks on your trail. There is nothing quite like feeling light headed from hiking, and then chewing a sweet protein bar to get a nice boost of energy.
When hiking a strenuous trail, I always carry this protein bar (2-3 per person). And it is the bomb! It has sugar as well, that will give you a good boost on the hike. This is another fantastic alternate option.
Another good option to store in your hiking backpack is sugar cubes. Again, they will provide you with energy and are great if you are not hungry but need a sugar rush.
Along with food, water is super important. In fact, it is even more important than food as humans cannot survive without water for as long as without food (whoa, that got dark quickly, huh?). Make sure to carry at least 2 liters of water per person on a day long hike. This is assuming you can refill at a water station somewhere on the hike. Take more water if there are no drinking fountains.
Also, skip the energy drinks. Water is your best bet on a hike.
Refillable water bottle
Speaking of water, make sure to carry a refillable water bottle with you. It is kinder to the environment and to you, because you’ll have to lug less weight. This is my favorite refillable water bottle (and the awesome reviews speak for themselves).
If you’re hiking in a place where the drinking water is a bit questionable, I recommend taking this refillable water bottle with a filter. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Optional miscellaneous items
With your essentials, clothing items, food and water, there are some items that I consider optional, depending on your interest, activity level, and how prepared you want to be.
Camera stand
Photography enthusiasts will want to carry a camera stand to get the best photos of yourselves. I always recommend carrying a camera stand if you are traveling solo for obvious reasons. However, even if you are traveling with a group, a camera stand is a good idea if you want to click photos together.
Additionally, if one of you is a photography pro, and are traveling with someone who isn’t, a camera stand is just helpful. That way, even if your friend doesn’t have the eye for the best shots, both of you will still end up with awesome photos of your hike!
Have I sold you yet on a camera stand? This one is a great option – go check it out!
Drone
Recreational drones are getting popular by the day. And I have to admit, flying a drone is so much fun! Videography enthusiasts will want to add a drone to their packing list for hiking asap.
We are drone enthusiasts too, and make it a point to look at the drone regulations to any new place we visit. Keep in mind that most national parks do not allow drones to be flown within the perimeter of the park. However, there are plenty of amazing hiking spots where you can fly your drone.
This is the drone we have and it is an amazing compact thing, perfect for travel!
Knee brace
An optional thing to wear on a hike is a knee brace. Battling weak knees (I know I am), or simply looking to protect them? A knee brace will help you stabilize your knee joint. In particular, going downhill is especially hard on knees.
Protect your knees by strapping on a knee brace like this one.
Hiking poles
Another optional but important item to take with you on your hike are hiking poles. They are best for rough terrain as well as hiking on steep slopes as they will help stabilize your footing. Nowadays, hiking poles are made from super lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum. So, they don’t add a lot of weight, but their weight is absolutely worthwhile if you hike a lot.
Plus, it is always nice to avoid stumbling-related accidents. Buy this uber-functional pair here.
Swiss knife
Be prepared for any event with a swiss knife. Want to crack open a beer or bottle of wine as you picnic at the best viewpoint in your hike? A swiss knife is gonna help. Brought some fruit to share with your friends on the hike? A swiss knife to the rescue. Need to cut open that bag of trail snacks? You get the gist.
Buy a solid one here.
Flashlight
Another optional but equally useful item to keep in your hiking backpack is a flashlight. If you tend to hike more in the evenings, carrying a flashlight is just a smart choice. After all, you never know if you get stuck or lost in the trail past sundown. If that happens, a flashlight could be your way out of the trail.
Most people have cellphones now with a flashlight and that is fine. But, having a flashlight is a good contingency if your cell phone runs out of service.
This is a flashlight that you should add to your hiking list.
Binoculars
Yet another nice-to-have item on your hiking packing list is a pair of binoculars. However, this nice-to-have item becomes a must-have when your hiking spot has birds and animals. I was recently in Costa Rica and went to several hikes in rainforests. Luckily, we were able to get a guide for most of the hikes who had a pair of binoculars. Else, I would have missed seeing the birds and animals properly.
This pair of binoculars will serve you well at your next birding adventure.
What to avoid in your packing list for hiking
It is equally important to know the things that you should avoid taking on a hike. Here are some to keep in mind when you start packing for your hiking adventure.
- Avoid heavy or thick clothing (unless your hiking spot specifically requires it). I can tell you from experience that you will feel hot once you start your hike and thick, heavy clothing will make you feel uncomfortably hot. For warmth, opt instead to wear layers that you can shed once you start sweating from your workout.
- I would advise against carrying a heavy water bottle. Whether you’re hiking for a day hike or multi-day hike, keep in mind the weight of everything you carry. A lightweight, reusable water bottle just makes more sense.
- Avoid carrying expensive things. The expensive items may cause anxiety to carry around and keep an eye on at all times. Plus, you don’t want to attract the wrong kind of crowd. An obvious exception is photo/video equipment if you are a photo/video enthusiast. Then, you just have to deal with the extra vigilance. 😛
- Also, avoid wearing jewelry. You will feel hot and jewelry around your neck or hand will just be bothersome.
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