17 Apr Packing for a Day Hike
A day hike can be a few miles along a local trail in your neighborhood or a dawn-to-dusk excursion through a remote area several hours from home. If you plan to go on a longer hike, it’s important to stock your backpack with essentials to prepare you for anything and everything that could come your way.
Make absolutely sure that you have enough water.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to bring a sufficient water supply when embarking on a long hike. It is generally recommended to bring at least two liters for a full day’s hike and up to four liters if you’re in a hot and dry climate. If you’re hiking in a place where there is water available to you, be sure to bring along a water filter or water purification tablets.
Wear appropriate footwear.
There is nothing worse than having uncomfortable or inappropriate shoes on while trying to climb up (or down) a mountain. We recommend a hiking shoe/boot or trail runners, depending on your comfort level. Hiking shoes provide good support and traction for long journeys, but they do tend to have more weight to them. Trail runners are a much lighter option, so you can shed some bulk and move quicker and lighter on your feet.
And when it comes to socks, we recommend wool socks as opposed to anything made from a synthetic material. Wool is excellent at regulating temperature and dries much faster than cotton if you happen to step in a puddle, have to cross a stream, or get stuck in a rainstorm while hiking.
Pack snacks, snacks, and more snacks.
Along with water, it’s essential to pack enough food for your hike…and it’s a good idea to have some extra on hand. High-energy snacks like nuts, granola, nutrition bars, cheese, and dried fruit are great to pack and don’t take up a lot of space. Consider making your own trail mix with all of your favorites! Snickers bars, muffins, and a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich are also great options.
Protect yourself from the sun.
Even if you are hiking a trail shaded by trees, it’s still a good idea to bring sun protection along (no matter the time of year). Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and SPF lip balm.
Bring layers for unexpected weather changes.
The weather can be unpredictable, especially out on the trails, so it’s best to be prepared for all types of weather. Throw a lightweight rain jacket into your backpack just in case you run into unexpected showers. Consider dressing in layers so you can shed a layer or two if you get warm and layer back up if the temperatures drop in certain areas of the trail.
Carry a first aid kit, just in case.
Accidents happen, and you want to ensure you’re prepared for any cuts, bruises, bites, or stings. Throw some band-aids, gauze, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen for pain relief, and Benadryl for allergy relief in a Ziploc bag or pouch. This should be for quick fixes – you don’t need any heavy medical supplies or equipment here. A pair of tweezers may also come in handy in the event of splinters.
A few extras to include if you have the space.
- A portable tripod is a fun thing to bring along so you can grab some epic selfies at the top of the mountain! There are some packable and lightweight options available.
- A hammock is a great add-on if you want to take some time to rest and relax up in the mountains. This one from Wise Owl is super lightweight and comes with a carry case for portability.
- Portable Bluetooth speakers are great for music lovers. While some may prefer to listen to the sounds of nature, others may use music as motivation to help them climb those last few miles to reach the top!
- An insulated flask filled with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even your favorite adult beverage to enjoy at the summit.
Now that you are an expert on packing for day hikes, it’s time to plan your next hiking and camping adventure! There’s no better place to explore all that the Lake George area has to offer than Lake George Campsites. Tent out under the stars, reserve a full hookup RV site, or enjoy the amenities of one of our cozy cottages. We’ve got accommodations for every type of camper!