Howdy, thanks for the log invite!
I’ve been thinking about your upcoming hikes and wanted to tell you my full day hike gear list. We covered most in my log - @ChickenLittle and @donnerschweer also have great advice - but I wanted to explain the reasoning behind some items.
I’m not into the ultralight hiking mentality. When I’m in the boonies, I want sturdy gear that won’t break down. Also, for some items, it’s better to have and not use than to need but not have. On wilderness day hikes, after adding water and food, my pack weighs around 15-20 pounds. That’s heavy compared to ultralighters, but I just see it as extended strength-endurance training. Ironically, it can be as easy to get into trouble on day hikes as on backpacking trips, so having the proper gear is worthwhile.
By systems, here’s what I carry in my day hiking pack:
Sleep
Tarp, 550 cord for staking down and guy lines, emergency space blanket
- It may not be a comfy night, but these things will keep me out of the wind and rain.
Hydration
Hard bottle with lid, water purification tablets, one gallon of water + electrolyte beverage (baggie of Gatorade powder), electrolyte tablets, long elastic tube (in an emergency, can suck water from hard to reach places)
- Soft water bottles crush or get holes very easily. Losing water carrying ability can mean death so, in addition to several water bottles, I carry a 40 oz. stainless steel Kleen Kanteen bottle with its lid. A Nalgene-type bottle is good except it can’t be used to boil water in an emergency.
Fire
Fire steel/metal match, steel as striker (fixed blade knife), tinder (anything that will light with a spark - Vaseline-soaked cotton balls carried in an empty pill bottle work great.)
- In your case, you can buy a couple lighters and a box of heavy-duty matches when you arrive. I also strongly suggest the Vaseline-cotton ball mix; bring a couple empty pill bottles for matches and tinder. Lighters will run out of fuel, but the striker will still light small tinder.
Safety/First aid
A first aid kit with some additional items - moleskin, electrolyte tablets, triple antibiotic ointment, extra ibuprofen, antihistamine, decongestants, Tums, Tylenol, Imodium, N95 mask, rubber gloves
Clothing
Extra pair of non-cotton socks, extra non-non-cotton boxer briefs (crotch rot is real!), wind breaker!, light hoodie/soft shell jacket in warm months, light beanie (for unplanned overnighter or unexpected cold), lightweight long-sleeved polyester or wool shirt, light wool socks, thin pants if I’m hiking in shorts, polyester liner gloves
- When in the desert, the windbreaker, non-cotton socks, light pants, and beanie’s importance can’t be overstated. The wind rarely stops. It can be a welcome relief on a hot afternoon hike, but when the sun sets and the temperature drops 30 degrees, the wind quickly saps body heat.
Navigation
Signal mirror, signal whistle, map and compass when I’m in the boonies
- I wear my whistle and mirror on a lanyard around my neck. Secure cargo pockets are ok, too. If I were to fall or lose my pack, at least I’d have my emergency signaling gear.
Tools
Duct tape, headlamp + extra batteries, leather work gloves, small sewing kit, 550 cord (listed for redundancy), fixed blade knife, multitool, folding knife, trowel/ camp shovel, portable knife sharpener, pencil, sharpie, waterproof notebook
- Since you aren’t checking luggage on your flight, I’d advise you to pick up a small Swiss Army Knife or quality, inexpensive folding knife; Bucks and Kershaw are good. I actually wear my camp knife and a fire steel on my belt.
Food
Jerky, protein bars, PB&J, apples/ oranges, trail mix, scoops of protein powder in a Ziplock, crackers/ carb source
Sun protection
Sun glasses, hat with brim, sunscreen
This looks like a huge amount of stuff, but when stored in Ziplock bags and nylon pouches, it’s actually compact. If anyone else has suggestions, feel free to chime in!
