What to Bring With You on a Day Hike

While you can leave the sleeping bags and tents behind, going on a day hike does require some essential items. For most one-day excursions you’ll need little more than some basic supplies: food, water, a backpack and weather-resistant clothing.

Food -- Depending on the length of your planned hike, you may want to prepare a meal in advance. If this is the case, consider making yourself a sandwich before you go, along with a few snack items. One trusted sandwich is peanut butter and banana, because of the protein and rich nutrients. In terms of snacks, grab some granola, nuts or trail mix.

Water -- To stay hydrated throughout your hike, you need to bring plenty of water. You can either bring a traditional water bottle, or invest in a hydration pack. The bonus of a hydration pack is that it can also double as your backpack. A good rule is to have about 2-3 liters per person, but it’s always better to carry more, when possible.

Backpack -- Choosing the right hiking backpack is important to stay comfortable along the trail. Since you won’t have to carry many items, opt for one specifically designed to handle the needs of a day hike. Hiking packs should be as lightweight as possible.

Weather Resistant Clothing -- No matter what the forecast says, you should be prepared for rain or a drop in temperature. It’s a careful balance between grabbing enough clothing and keeping your pack lightweight, so be discerning in your clothing choice.

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