The only day hike packing list you’ll ever need

Well-fitting rucksack

An uncomfortable rucksack can be the difference between a pleasant
day out in the countryside and an endurance session. Look for one around the 20-30l mark with an adjustable back, waist straps, a sternum strap and compression straps so you can amend the fit of your pack to suit your body and load. Other handy features to look for are easily accessible pockets, such as on the hip belt, an opening for a water bladder and an in-built waterproof cover

Hiking poles

Not just for taking the load off tired knees. Poles are super handy for some extra stability on slippery sections and downhills, as well as being all-important bog depth testers!

Sit mat

Nothing ruins a snack break quite like getting a cold soggy bum! Sit mats are inexpensive folding foam pads that serve to waterproof and insulate, and I wouldn’t be without mine. If you don’t have one, a sturdy carrier bag can be a good alternative.

Water

I take either a 2l water bladder or a sturdy leak-proof bottle, or both, depending on the weather and the length of the hike.

Adequate food and snacks

I like to pack a range of sweet and savoury snacks in reusable plastic tubs to avoid any squashed sandwich situations.

Resealable rubbish bags

For any rubbish, both yours or that you may collect on your way!

An emergency snack

This is in addition to a normal day’s worth of snacks for if the trip goes
pear-shaped and you find yourself in need of some quick energy. I go for non-perishable and sugar-laden options that can happily sit at the bottom of a rucksack until required, like jelly babies or squashies.

Waterproof jacket

An absolute must in the UK with its changeable weather patterns. Even if it’s not raining, a waterproof layer can also act as a windshield and help to retain body heat if it’s a bit blowy.

Waterproof trousers

Not always necessary but definitely a very useful item of clothing to pack. Try to go for a pair that are easy to get on and off over boots to save time on the trail.

Spare insulating layers

Be sure to pack a couple of insulating layers, such a fleece or a puffy
jacket. Though it can get warm while you’re exerting yourself, you can quickly cool down when you stop and it’s always worthwhile to have something warm you can pop on quickly. I usually pack good gloves and a woolly hat too, even in summer sometimes!

Cap

Undeniably useful if it’s bright and sunny, but also really handy if it’s raining to shield your face and stop your hood from slipping down over your eyes.

Neck gaiter

Small and light, a neck gaiter can be great for both keeping out chills or covering up from the sun, as well as doubling up as a handy hairband or ear warmer

Sunglasses

Useful against sun and brightness, but also handy to shield your eyes if it’s blowing an absolute hoolie and the wind is making them water.

Paper map and/or guidebook

Phones can be fantastic quick navigation tools, but a physical copy of your map or route can’t run out of battery! Maps are also useful for being able to orientate yourself in the landscape and identify wider features.

Compass

A compass is small but a powerful tool for navigation. Though it can be a bit daunting if you’ve never used one before, there are plenty of resources available online – practice makes perfect!

First aid kit

As a bare minimum I take a basic first aid kit with plasters, fabric strapping tape and antiseptic wipes. Other handy things to pack are painkillers, antihistamines, bite cream and tick tweezers.

Tissues

Nothing will bring on a runny nose quite like an exposed hilltop, but be sure to keep tissues securely to stop them blowing out your pockets and littering.

Sun cream

Even in the UK the strength of the sun can catch you out sometimes, especially if it is breezy or cool, and painful sunburn can be a bad memento of an otherwise nice day out. I usually go for factor 50, being sure to reapply in areas that might get sweaty or rubbed, such as the back of the neck or around rucksack straps.

SPF lip balm

Wind and sun can be a perfect recipe for dry and chapped lips, so be sure to stay on top of the lip care with SPF 15 or above.

Hand sanitiser

Small but mighty! Our hands can touch all sorts of things while we’re out hiking, and a lot of them we’d probably rather not eat. Keep on top of your hand health with regular squirts, especially before eating or delivering first aid, especially if no hand washing facilities are available.

Survival bag

Hopefully something that can sit at the bottom of your bag and never be used, but a survival bag does exactly what it says on the tin and could save your life if you get into a dangerous situation. It can also double up as a nice big waterproof sit mat for your lunch!

Whistle

Tiny but handy! The sound of a whistle can carry over a longer distance than a voice, and is much easier to use. The international distress signal is six blasts on a whistle followed by a pause of a minute, and can then be repeated as required. Many backpacks now have a small whistle built into the sternum strap.

Headtorch

Another small item that can be worth its weight in gold. If a walk takes longer than you anticipated, it’s nice to know that you’ll be able to both see and be seen. Many headtorches are now USB-rechargeable, which can be easier than remembering to change batteries. Like with a whistle, if you find yourself in the dark and in need of help, six flashes followed by a minute break can be used to guide assistance to your location.

Toilet paper

You’ll be glad of it if you or anyone in your group gets caught short while on the trail. Be sure to keep it in a waterproof plastic bag, and ensure that all used paper gets packed out and disposed of appropriately, not buried or left under a rock.

Menstrual products

Not just for girls! Keeping a few pads or tampons squirrelled away could keep you in good stead with any hiking companions that may get caught out.

Flask

Great for warming the hands and the heart, a flask of something warm and tasty can elevate a snack stop in all weathers.

Portable charger

If you’re planning a long day out in the hills, packing a small charger can give you the peace of mind that your electronics can stay charged and functioning. Be sure to keep it in a waterproof bag while stowed away in your rucksack.

Insect repellent

The warmer months can be prime for biting insects and the resulting annoyance and itchiness. Keep them at bay with a small bottle of insect repellent.

Binoculars

A half-decent pair can be relatively small and inexpensive. Handy for looking at wildlife, landscape features or just checking if there’s a table free in the beer garden of the post hike pub!

Field guide

Knowledge is power. Learn about the landscape and environment around you while on the go with pocket guides.

Gaiters

Useful when conditions are wet or snowy underfoot, gaiters can be used to protect your legs against moisture or debris getting into your boots or onto your legs. They can also add an extra layer of protection against ticks.

Microspikes

An absolute godsend when there are icy conditions, microspikes are a lattice of metal chains and small spikes that attach onto the sole of your boot by strong rubber straps.

Personal Locator Beacon

If youʼre heading into more remote regions, PLBs can use GPS in areas with no mobile signal to inform both you and others of your locations. Most PLBs also have an SOS feature where the emergency services can be alerted.

Duct tape

A true wonder material, duct tape can help repair anything from boots to bags and waterproofs. Wrap a length around a straw for easy storage.

Mini trowel

To be paired with the toilet paper in emergencies! Be sure to dig any latrine holes at least six inches deep and away from any paths or natural features that people might explore, and pack out any tissue.