1. A backpack. I use an awesome little Swiss Gear backpack that I've had since forever. I've actually been unable to find it anywhere online, and since I didn't buy it for myself I unfortunately can't tell you where to get one! The important thing is that it's super small and has just enough room to fit everything on this list - and nothing more. I like it that way, because I don't ever want to be caught with too much stuff!
2. Water. Probably the most important thing on the hike. I used to use a Camelbak bladder but I got fed up with it and now I just use a water bottle (from Cambelbak).
This is the water bottle I use. My hubby got it for me at Eastern Mountain Sports.
3. Food. On a typical hike I will pack four separate food items to satisfy my hunger. I'll pack something like PB&J and some carrot sticks for lunch and then trail mix and energy bars as snacks along the way. Don't get caught hungry!
4. Camera. This is up there with food and water for me, but not everyone likes to take pictures when they hike. To each his own, but I always have my camera ready!
5. Map. To be honest, you really don't always need a map. This is like blasphemy to most hikers, but if you're on a well-marked trail and there aren't that many other trails nearby then you'll probably be fine. Another thing you don't need on a normal day-hike is a compass, which is on a lot of hiking lists I've seen. I have personally never used a compass on a hike. It's not like I'm bushwhacking for goodness sake! Of course, if you are bushwhacking or hiking somewhere really remote or something like that then by all means bring a compass, but if not, it's really not that hard to look at the sun and figure out the general direction in which you're travelling.
6. Shoes that are not going to fall apart. You'll notice I avoid using the words "hiking boots." Let's break this down. Hiking boots are outdated. There are some places you might want them, but on your average hike they're just too heavy to warrant. You will want sneakers on your average hike. I use the same pair of Nikes that I bought for like 35 bucks in high school and they're fine. I usually also bring flip flops or water shoes in case I want to dip into a waterfall :)
7. Band-aids. I am always happy I have band-aids. I usually use them to prevent blisters, but if you get a nasty scrape they are useful then, too! I break the rules of always bringing a ton of first-aid stuff with you. Sorry, scouts, but you seriously don't need an entire first aid kit on a single-day hike. If you know general first aid then you can makeshift whatever you need, especially if you're only a few miles from help.
Note - don't go cheap on the band-aids. Buy the name-brand hard-core sports ones. You'll be glad you did.
8. Bug spray. To be honest, I only bring bug spray after rain or if I'm going to a place that I know is super buggy. But I put it on this list because when you need it, you NEED it!
I admit to using the don't-screw-around Deep Woods DEET stuff. Yes, it's horrible for you. But, as my husband said on our most recent camping trip, there are times when it just might be better to die of cancer later than blood loss now. My advice is to only use it when you really can't take the bugs any more. Also, be sure to shower as soon as possible after your hike.
9. Sunscreen. I am a sunscreen fanatic. If you don't want burns/skin cancer, put it on!!!
People all the time ask me what sunscreen I use. This is it. Yes, I use SPF 100+. Told you I was a fanatic! But seriously, this is the best sunscreen I have tried. I hate the slimy look sunscreen gives you. This doesn't do that.
10. Cell phone (optional). This is the controversial one. Hikers are always arguing about whether or not to take their cell phones on a hike. Pro-phone people say, "What if there is an emergency?" Anti-phone people say, "You can't escape into nature with a phone!" I say, "To each his own." 9 out of 10 times I do bring my phone, just in case. Especially since I have a smart phone, I know that there are lots of emergency situations I could use it in. For example, I have a flash light app. My phone could also help me make loud noises in the unlikely case of meeting an unfriendly bear or something. However, I am really good about not checking it. I guess if you're one of those compulsive phone-checkers you should save yourself the temptation and leave it behind.
These are the 10 items that I don't hike without. There are other things that you may wish to bring along for various reasons. Sometimes I'll bring a jacket in case I get cold. Sometimes I bring toilet paper, if I know I'll be out for more than four hours. Just think about the type of hike you're going on and imagine what else you might need. Chances are you'll be fine with this stuff.
Enjoy your hike, and keep wandering!
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