Men wearing backpack

Hiking essentials - What to take on a hike

Here we take you through what to bring on a hike, including footwear, food and toiletries. These are your no-nonsense hiking essentials. 

 It can always be useful to pack a full kit, both for training purposes and to add a little weight (resistance).But when you just want a quick, light and stress-free stroll, here’s your absolute essentials.

Hiking Essentials

1. Backpack
2. Navigation
3. Clothing
4. Emergency shelter
5. Food and water
6. First aid kit
7. Sun Protection
8. Toiletries

On a day hike you are going to need a smaller backpack and less quantities of each item, but its always important to include these for comfort and safety.

Footwear

Perhaps the most important item on this list. 

Get to a shop. Try them on. Walk around a bit. And, most vitally, break them in. 

Wear your walking shoes inside the house and wear the socks and insoles you'll be wearing on the trail. You'll thank yourself later.

Depending on the terrain, it's important to choose between walking shoes or walking boots.

While many assume hiking boots provide significantly more ankle support than shoes, research suggests the difference is minimal. 

However, boots do offer added protection from rocks and rough terrain. Many hikers prefer sturdy boots in colder, wetter months for warmth and durability, switching to lightweight trail shoes in drier, warmer conditions.

Of course, if the weather surprises with snow in June, the boots make a quick return

Man wearing backpack while hiking

Suitable backpack

On a day hike you can get away with a small backpack, a 10-30 litre will do the job here.

For longer hikes, a large 60L backpack is a better option.

Compass

Compass and map

Always a necessity in the outdoors, a walking compass and map are must haves. Although a battery pack for your mobile phone can double up as a more modern navigation tool. 

However, you'll know as well as us that signal can be unreliable when out on the trails. That's why it's essential to bring a physical map as a failsafe.

Besides- hiking is all about connecting with nature. You don't want to be staring at your phone all day. Put it away. 

Two people hiking in greenery

Clothing

When it comes to clothing day hikes aren’t really any different to longer hikes. Always make sure you have seasonally appropriate gear, a waterproof jacket, and a mid-layer in case the temperature drops.

You may also want to consider bringing further water-resistant clothing, such as a poncho or waterproof trousers.

Two women sitting down and drinking water

What food to bring on a hike

Even on a day hike food and water are incredibly important. You should be drinking around a half litre of water per hour of hiking, per person, and some people may require more to feel optimally hydrated.

Food-wise, you’ll always want extra provisions in case of emergency, while some energy, protein or trail bars can be a lovely snack as you ramble. Beef jerky, nuts and fruit are also great, lightweight snacks.

Man handling first aid kit

First Aid Kit

You can put together your own first aid kit, or pick up a pre-packaged kit specifically for hikers such as the Aptonia range or the waterproof Topenzorg BV.

This is an essential item to bring on a day hike. 

Woman spraying sun screen on

Sun Protection

Perhaps less needed when hikng in the British winter or autumn, but when your out in the elements, alongside rain, wind and snow, an often forgotten danger is the sun.

Make sure you always carry sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses, particularly when you are heading on elevated hikes.

Filled toiletries bag

Toiletries

When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. Don't get caught short - bring toilet paper.

One thing often missed out in these lists is a lighter for burning the paper.

If you're camping over night, you'll need a toothbrush and toothpaste. A small bottle of shower gel might also come in handy.

You can be more relaxed on more public and paved routes, but adherence to the hiking essentials is always helpful to keep you safe and keeping to best practice when in the great outdoors.

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Hiking Essentials: What to take on a hike