What to pack for a day hike
For a day hike, pack more than the hike seems to need: plenty of water, snacks with some extra, a warm layer and a rain shell, a headlamp, a map with the route marked, a small first aid kit, sun protection, a whistle and a fully charged phone with a power bank. Tell someone your route and when you will be back, and turn around at a set time whatever happens.
About 15 minutes to learnTake care: injury or damage if careless
Mark it once you can do it without this page open.
How to do it
- Check the forecast and the trail conditions the night before.
- Pack about half a liter of water per hour of hiking, more in heat.
- Pack snacks for the hike plus some extra in case you are out longer.
- Add a warm layer and a rain shell, even on a sunny morning.
- Add a headlamp, a paper map of the area, a whistle, a small first aid kit, sunscreen and a hat.
- Charge your phone and download an offline map, and bring a small power bank.
- Text someone your route, where you are parking and when to raise the alarm.
- Set a turnaround time before you start and keep to it.
Stop and call a professional if
- Someone is injured and cannot walk out, is confused from cold or heat, or you are lost and it is getting dark: call your local emergency number, 911 in the US, and stay where you are.
Common mistakes
- Relying on the phone as the only map and light.
- Starting late with no plan for getting back before dark.
- Heading out without telling anyone the route.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
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Teach: What to pack for a day hike
What to say
For a day hike, pack more than the hike seems to need: plenty of water, snacks with some extra, a warm layer and a rain shell, a headlamp, a map with the route marked, a small first aid kit, sun protection, a whistle and a fully charged phone with a power bank. Tell someone your route and when you will be back, and turn around at a set time whatever happens.
What to show, in order
- Check the forecast and the trail conditions the night before.
- Pack about half a liter of water per hour of hiking, more in heat.
- Pack snacks for the hike plus some extra in case you are out longer.
- Add a warm layer and a rain shell, even on a sunny morning.
- Add a headlamp, a paper map of the area, a whistle, a small first aid kit, sunscreen and a hat.
- Charge your phone and download an offline map, and bring a small power bank.
- Text someone your route, where you are parking and when to raise the alarm.
- Set a turnaround time before you start and keep to it.
When to stop and call a professional
- Someone is injured and cannot walk out, is confused from cold or heat, or you are lost and it is getting dark: call your local emergency number, 911 in the US, and stay where you are.
The check question
Ask: Why carry a headlamp on a morning hike?
Related skills
- What to do if you get lost hiking
- How to use a map and compass
- What to do in a lightning storm outdoors
- Every skill in Outdoors
Sources
- National park and forest service visitor safety guidance, current edition. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .