what do I pack for day hikes ?
In my last day hiking trips I did a major redesign of what I pack and what I pack it in.
First, I reduced by hiking pack from 18 to 10 liters. I was noticing that the 18 liter pack was never full and all the weight was at the bottom of the pack. Also, 18 liters would tempt me into bringing shit that I did not want or need. I am a loyal Osprey fan for many reasons, that doesn’t translate to backpacking bags (I want to do super ultralight for those and I didn’t mind the expense for other brands).
This is what goes into the pack and why:
a knife, to cut rope, self defense.
a GPS for the routes. No matter how easy the route is, I want to know distances so I can time if I can afford side trip.
A headlamp, just in case it gets dark or I get stuck overnight.
Batteries for both the GPS and the headlamp.
If there is a chance of rain, rain pants and shirt.
Paracord.
A shovel and toilet paper for you-know-what.
A small container for sunscreen.
A first aid kit (bandages, scissors, antiseptic, tylenol, allergy pills, tape, etc)
My camera (hanging from my shoulder) and a second lens; most likely a zoom lens. Lens cleaner liquid and napkin.
TWO bottles of water and, of course, a water filter.
a Garmin inReach device in case I get injured and need to send an SOS signal. I just activate the subscription during the months that I hike.
Either a hoodie or a thermal shirt, which I take off and put in the pack once my body gets warm. That also helps if I get stuck overnight.
Food, which at this point is just spicy beef jerky. That is the only food that I can tolerate eating. I am not hungry at all when I hike and that becomes a problem when I backpack (when I list my backpack items, there won’t be a stove. I literally lose all appetite and can not force myself to eat).
All of this fits in the 10 liter pack easily.