What do I pack for a one-day hike?

The answer is really tough, though. Many variabilities can lead me to choose different equipment, i.e.:

• Weather forecast

• Altitude

• Season

• How I perceive the risk I’m going to face (if there’s any)

• Pieces of information that I collect from other people who have recently been in the area

• A wide number of pro-hikers tipping me off.

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So, tell us more!

Firstly, I must mention that I rarely use a hiking backpack, I do prefer my mountaineering one. The main difference can be found in the number of pockets: the more pockets there are, the more your backpack is suitable for hiking. For instance, I have none but I manage my space easily anyway.

Secondly, let’s consider the size of my backpack: mine’s full capacity is around 53l (including the 5l of the removable top). When one goes hiking for a day a 38l will do (the more the pockets, the more you can put in the main room of your backpack).

Here’s a list of things I usually put in my backpack for a single-day hike:

• Hardshell jacket and trousers;

• Quilted jacket;

• Emergency thermal blanket;

• Enough food for the hike and some more for any emergencies;

• First aid kit (including own medicaments, some common medications for you and who hikes with you);

• GPS gear;

• Compass and map of the area;

• Clothing (the amount is up to you; I prefer using technical fabric);

• A fleece sweater (which doesn’t take up much space);

• A headlamp;

• Water;

• Water supplements (mainly used against dehydration – this is due to sweating; also used if snow or ice are the only sources of water. They must include Magnesium and Potassium);

• Spare socks and underwear;

• Tissues and cleaning tissues;

• A bag to collect your and other people’s garbage;

• A cap;

• A bonnet/beanie ;

• Warm gloves (especially for long breaks);

• A balaclava, a buff or something similar;

• Trekking poles;

• Sunscreen (body, face, and lips);

• A cover for your rucksack (if it’s not water-repellent);

• Pocket knife;

• Sunglasses;

• Power-bank.

I leave the PDF version here, you’re free to download it if you wish!

Checklist 1-day hike.pdf

Download PDF • 96KB

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Sometimes other gear can help you:

• Ice axe;

• Crampons;

• Microspikes;

• Sling;

• Some carabiners;

• A pocket backpack (if you wish to reach the summit with the least weight possible, dropping your main rucksack somewhere).

A piece of advice: clothes should be made of technical materials and kept in specific waterproof bags.

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Willing to know about different types of backpacks? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram.