Today’s post is all about what’s in my daypack!  Many hikers I see on trail are carrying only a water bottle or, sometimes, nothing at all.  Best practice, however, dictates that we should be carrying gear to meet ten essential needs. This applies every time we step on trail, whether for a week-long hike or one lasting only a few hours.

The list of “Ten Essentials” dates back to the 1930’s but has since been revised to reflect modern gear and practice.  It is recognized by many reputable organizations involved in backcountry travel.

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The ten essentials are…

Navigation

Sun protection

Insulation

Illumination

First-aid

fire starting

repair kit and tools

Nutrition

Hydration

Emergency shelter

Yes, you can fit all of this in your daypack and you should.  Most of the items you pack are things that you will hopefully never have to use.  However, it is important to be prepared in case of unexpected circumstances that may result in being in the wilderness for longer than originally planned.  Severe weather, injury, and navigational error are examples of problems that become exponentially more dangerous when a hiker is ill-equipped for the situation.  

Below, I share what I am currently carrying in my daypack, why I am carrying these items, and how they fit into the context of the ten essentials.  It is not a packing list or a recommendation of what you should be carrying on your day hikes.  The ten essentials list was designed to allow hikers to use their own judgement to choose gear that best meets their needs on each hike.  For reference, it is currently mid-summer. I live in New England and that is where I do most of my hiking. The items in my pack may differ on different hikes and will change as the seasons change or if I travel to a different part of the country.

1.  Navigation

Compass and applicable map – I have a compass that is kept in my daypack at all times.  For short, local hikes on familiar walking trails, a detailed topographic map may not be necessary.   Often, when basic trail maps are offered at the trailhead, the maps are also available online.  Whenever possible, I like to print my own ahead of time in case there are no more maps left when I arrive.  On occasions where no paper map is available at all, I use my phone to take a picture of any information posted at the trailhead.

2. Sun Protection

Hat and sunscreen – I carry a generic baseball cap and a travel sized container of sunscreen.  Your clothing, and any extra that you may pack (see #3 Insulation), can also offer protection from the sun.

3. Insulation

Light layer and rain jacket – Extra layers should be carried even in summertime.  My rain jacket is one of my favorite pieces of gear. Besides keeping you dry and providing some warmth, a rain jacket can also protect against bugs, sun, and wind.  This year, I upgraded my rain gear and opted for the Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket.  At six ounces and a packed size of about five inches square, it is easy to toss into even a small daypack.  Most of the time, I am also carrying a light insulating layer. I like my Smartwool 150 Baselayer Top for summer.  It layers well, provides just enough warmth for cool morning starts or breezy summits, and I think wool feels less “sticky” than synthetic fabrics in humid New England weather.

4. Illumination

Flashlight – I have a small but powerful generic LED flashlight that I keep in my daypack at all times.  For me, this is easier than remembering to charge and pack my headlamp before every hike.

5. First Aid

REI Day Hiker First Aid Kit –  The REI brand kit that I am carrying is no longer sold but appears to have been replaced by this mostly identical model by HART Health.  It is rated adequate for two people for one day.  The contents include bandages, gauze, medications, antiseptic and antibiotic ointments, sting relief, moleskin, tape, scissors, splinter removal, and a first aid guide.  I like that is is lightweight and compact and the contents are well organized and everything is clearly visible when you open the kit. There is also enough room for me to add a few extra items as needed.  Remember to replenish your kit if items are used and to check expiration dates on medications. REI sells refill kits containing the small packets of common medications.

6. Fire Starting

Lighter, matches, and dryer lint – In an emergency situation, starting a fire can be so essential that I feel it is worthwhile to have a backup fire starting method.  I carry a standard lighter as well as a book of matches. I also usually have a handful of dryer lint. It is free, weighs practically nothing, and helpful in getting a fire started, especially in wet conditions.  The lint and matches are sealed in a zip-top plastic bag.

7. Repair Kit And Tools

Duct tape and knife – On day hikes, it is unlikely that you will be carrying gear that requires a specialized repair kit.  Duct tape will provide a quick fix for a torn pack or jacket. It isn’t necessary to pack the whole roll, however, so I wrapped a small amount around my lighter.  You could also choose to store your duct tape on a trekking pole or water bottle. I also carry a small pocket knife.

8. Nutrition

Extra food – The idea is to be prepared in case your hike takes longer than expected, so after I pack what I plan to eat on my hike, a make sure I have a little extra.  For me, that often means tossing in an extra Cliff Bar or two. (Blueberry are my favorite.)  They are filling, keep well, and don’t look too much different after being squished in the bottom of your pack.

9. Hydration

Water bottles and water treatment – One liter Nalgene bottles are my water bottle of choice off the trail and I usually bring them on day hikes as well.  It is wise to also pack water treatment, especially for longer hikes. Even if you are carrying plenty of water, the weather could turn unexpectedly warm or you could spill a full bottle halfway through your hike.  And again, there is always the possibility that you could end up being on trail much longer than expected. Some hikers keep a few iodine tablets in their pack but I usually throw in my Sawyer Squeeze filter.

10. Emergency Shelter

Emergency blanket – Emergency blankets are small, lightweight, and inexpensive.  I keep one in my daypack at all times.

Other Items In My Daypack

Cell phone – for navigation, illumination, emergency calls, and taking photos

Toilet paper – plus zip top bags to pack it out

Whistle – to signal an emergency, mine is actually part of the buckle on my pack’s sternum strap.

Hand sanitizer

Wondering about my pack?  It is the North Face Aleia 22 and has been my go-to daypack for about three years now.  It works well for my needs and has held up wonderfully.

What’s in your daypack?  If you have any tips or packing strategies we would love to hear all about it in the comments below!