During my years as a park ranger and preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) ranger I learned a lot about hiking and trail safety. Unfortunately several of these tips and pack recommendations come from experience. Either from not having them on my own hikes, or rescuing someone on a trail who probably would have been fine if they had carried the following items. Here are my day hiking essentials to keep in your pack.

1. Day Pack. I love and recommend the North Face basin 36 pack for day hiking (or something similar). It’s not too bulky, but provides good support and lots of space and pockets.

2. First Aid. I like the Adventure Medical Kit series. You can find something similar, or make your own, but these kits are reasonably priced and contain all of the essentials. They’re lightweight, waterproof, and even include items to help patch up a blister which can make all the difference in the world when you’re hiking!

3. Headlamp. Petzl is the best quality for the price in this space, in my opinion. I’ve had several over the years, and my fave is the Actik series, but they have all kinds of options depending on your needs.

4. Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a pretty personal decision, some people like lotion, some like sprays, some like sticks, etc… Personally I like Sun Bum products – they’re vegan and reef friendly, and they smell great so they’re usually my go to. But whatever your preference, bring it, and re-apply!

5. SPF Lip Balm. It’s amazing how such a small item can bring so much relief. I like this natural lip balm with zinc oxide. Zinc Oxide is about the best natural sun protection you can get. This one is smooth, soft, and has a slight hint of coconut – love it!

6. Compass and map (and know how to use them). I know this one might seem like it’s becoming obsolete with all of the map and trail apps out there. But you never know when service or batteries will fail you. I can’t tell you how many hikers we had to locate because they got lost on a trail and didn’t have cell service. I like this pro-sight compass, but there are a lot of good options out there. I also really like the Tom Harrison maps for hiking, but again, lots of options. If you need to brush up on your map and compass skills, start here.

7. Fire Starter. I know this is not one that many people think about, or ever think they’ll need, but can literally save your life. Not only to keep you warm if necessary, but fires are taken VERY seriously on public lands. If the smoke is spotted (and it likely will be), you’ll have rangers or wildland firefighters there soon. Check out the options from Ferro. They’re small, light, and even work in wet weather.

8. Hydration. Always bring plenty of water when you’re hiking – more than you think you’ll need. Whether you prefer water bottles or a bladder system, you never ever want to be without water. I like the bladder systems, and in my experience, CamelBak is still the best. 

9. Bug Spray. Ugh. This one drives me crazy, but in some places it really is a necessity! And then there’s the question of “to Deet, or not to Deet”. I go back and forth. Deet is super toxic in high doses so be cautious if you go that route. But Holy Cow, it does the job. For a Deet option, I go with Sawyer Product insect repellent, just use sparingly. Start with a little and add if needed. My go-to for most hiking is either none, or the Badger product, shake and spray. This is a natural option that actually works for me!

10. Bear Spray. This one is a must depending where you’re hiking. In the back-country in Glacier National Park, this bear spray was on me all the time. I had several close-encounters with grizzlies during my seasons at Glacier – luckily I never got into a situation where I used the spray, but it was always part of our training at the beginning of each season. Keep in mind you can’t fly with it, so plan ahead. Most stores in the area sell it, or you might be able to poach some off a visitor that’s leaving if you make friends! 

There you have it! There are of course many other things I’d recommend keeping in your pack, like an extra layer, extra socks, and food and snacks (duh..). But this is what I recommend as absolute essentials. 

As always, have fun and be safe!

Looking for some inspiration to get outside? Start here!