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Beginner Day Hike Packing List
On a first day hike, American Hiking Society recommends starting with the ten essentials.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Choose your trail first. American Hiking Society says trail details, such as distance and elevation gain, help you plan what to bring. Any backpack you own will do at first. American Hiking Society recommends beginners start with the ten essentials: navigation, extra clothing, extra food, extra water, sun protection, headlamp, first aid kit, knife, fire and shelter. Pick a short trail with little elevation gain to begin. Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains, so check the forecast before you pack. This list covers a first day hike. It leaves out snow gear and overnight kit.
Why these items are on the list
- Navigation: map, compass, or GPS. When phones die, get lost or break, a map and compass still work. Learn to use them.
- Extra clothing layers. A hot trailhead doesn't mean a warm summit; Madelyne once turned back freezing, jacket unpacked. Pack layers.
- Extra food. Hiking builds appetite, so pack beyond what you plan to eat. Madelyne's no-cook favorites include trail mix and granola bars.
- Extra water. Pack more than you expect to drink. A reservoir lets you sip on the move.
- Sun protection. On any trail, sunscreen and a hat cover the basics.
- Headlamp with spare batteries. Thick forest canopy can block light, even with daylight left. Madelyne has needed hers that way; carry it anyway.
- First aid kit. On every hike, not just long ones, keep a small kit in the pack.
- Knife or multi-tool. A knife is on the ten-item list. A multi-tool is good to have on hand.
- Matches or lighter. On an average day hike you probably won't use it. It's an emergency item.
- Emergency shelter. Odd for a day hike, but it's there just in case.
- Daypack, or any backpack you own. Moore Misadventures: daypacks typically run 18-28 L. Camera or coat: 22-28 L. Hiking light: 18-22 L, even 16.
- Hiking boots or trail runners. Low-ankle suits casual hikes; high-ankle gives support on challenging, uneven terrain. Trail runners offer less ankle support.
- Thick socks. When trying on boots, wear them so the fit matches the trail.
- Moisture-wicking clothing. Skip cotton and denim, which hold moisture. Polyester, wool or nylon dry quickly.
- Rain jacket. In the mountains especially, weather can change fast.
- Portable phone charger. Not one of the ten essentials, but phones die, so it's worth the space.
- Hiking poles. On uneven ground, snow or climbs, they help. Many beginner hikes don't require them.
- Trail permit, if required. Before you drive, check: some hikes, like Angel's Landing, need advance permits, says American Hiking Society.
Tick it off at home, then check it again at the trailhead. Screenshot it first, since service may not follow you there.
When to use it
Use it once you've picked a trail, before you start packing.