Related topics: •  Bicycle Day Touring: What to Take •  Overnight Backpacking and Camping: What to Take •  Walking

Going on a day hike is a great low-maintenance way to get out of the city, but it still requires some thoughtful preparation. Below is a checklist of all the gear you'll need. When you're deciding what to take, consider the particulars of your trip -- season, weather, location, individual needs -- and customize this list accordingly.

Just print out this list and check items off as you pack them. If you want a more specialized list, you can copy and paste this article into a Word document on your own computer and add your personal essentials.

•Daypack (with good padding on the back panel and shoulder straps)

•Drinking water (16 ounces for every hour you'll hike)

•Wilderness first-aid kit

•Map of the area

•Pocketknife

•Waterproof matches

•Compass

•Sunglasses

•Sunscreen

•Insect repellent

•Whistle (to call for help in an emergency)

•Small plastic bag for trash

•Identification

•Sun hat or baseball cap

•Quick-drying swimsuit (if you'll be near a lake or swimming hole)

•Breathable, lightweight jacket

•Rain gear

•Hiking socks

•Extra socks

•Hiking boots or shoes suited to the terrain

•Energy bars

•Gorp (short for "good old raisins and peanuts") or trail mix (nuts, seeds, or dried fruit)

•Raw veggies or fruit

•Toilet paper

•Handkerchief or bandanna

•Lip balm (with sun protection)

•Hiking staff

•Gaiters (to keep loose stones or snow out of your boots)

•Gloves

•Camera and film

•Binoculars

•Flashlight with fresh batteries (if you think you might be out after dark)

•Reading glasses

•Watch

•Moleskin (for blisters)

•Field guide (to vegetation, wildlife, terrain, etc.)

•Money

-- Benj Vardigan is a senior editor for Consumer Health Interactive and the winner of an Outstanding Young Journalist award from the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

References

First published May 11, 1999
Last updated April 17, 2007
Copyright © 1999 Consumer Health Interactive

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