7 Things To Take When Hiking For A Day Or Less
I would describe myself at best as a casual hiker, with my walks generally lasting only a day. One of the primary reasons for this is that I love to travel light. I rarely take a big bulky pack with me preferring a light rucksack filled with the essentials. The question is, what counts as being essential? To answer that, below is a list of items I feel are essentials for when out and about hiking.
A Map
It may seem obvious but a good quality map is one of the most important things you can carry. Even if you’re sticking to well defined trails, directions aren’t always obvious so having a detailed OS 1: 25,000 map, for example (in the UK), really helps. If you are going into less well trodden territory, then being able to relate landmarks in the real world to on a map is key to navigation.
Additionally, often they can point out details which you may have missed, for example the remains of a castle or iron age fort, and perhaps might even inspire a bit of exploration into an area you didn’t originally plan to go. Overall a map is a definite essential.
A Compass
The perfect companion to map, a compass can assist in making navigation easier, particularly on longer walks which perhaps go into less well known territory. It could also help simply with making sure you take the right path when several intersect. Though arguably more useful when on access land and not following a trail or path, a compass is a very important tool when out walking.
It’s important to note that there is a difference between magnetic north – i.e. what’s shown on a compass – and grid north on a map. As a general rule it shouldn’t make too much difference though it’s something to bear in mind. For more information on this, click here.
A Bottle of Water
This is a really essential, especially on longer walks lasting more than half a day. Hydration is very important as water can be lost at a quick rate through sweat and breath whilst walking. Having even a small bottle of water or some other drink (preferably not energy drinks, coke, etc.) helps combat this water loss, preventing dehydration, and can also make the hike or walk a lot more enjoyable.
General advice is to drink a small amount every mile, and more if the weather is hot or activity level more strenuous to drink larger amounts, as would be expected. Also try and have large drink before going starting the walk and after finishing, perhaps planning a route around a trip to a café or pub.
A Snack and/or Meal
If you’re undertaking a long all day hike, then taking some sort of midday meal is important to help replace the energy lost. Small snacks, be that healthier options such as fruit or more indulgent options such as sweets (I’d probably take both), can be brought along regardless of the length of walk, to give extra energy or to serve as a reward/treat. Altogether, though not as important as staying hydrated, a little bit of food can go a long way.
A Mobile Phone
In today’s world, most people take their phone with them everywhere already. Regardless, here are a number of reasons I would recommend taking a phone on hike.
Safety – If you do unfortunately end up getting into trouble having the ability to call the emergency services or family could be a life saver. Though not everywhere get signal, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Navigation – Firstly, I will always recommend using a physical map first, but online mapping services such as Google Maps are also helpful, particularly for satellite imagery I’ve found. Personally, I’ve used the OS Maps app where you benefit from the high level of detail of OS maps combined with GPS.
Photography – Many phones have good quality cameras in which are improving all the time. They offer an easy way to take some snaps to remember a particular walk.
Health Apps – You may wish to use apps which track distance travelled, heart rate, speed, etc. either with only the phone or in combination with other devices.
A Water-Proof Coat
Now personally, I usually plan my walks on days I know there is going to be little chance of rain. Being in Britain however mean that there is never really a 100% guarantee that it won’t rain. As a result, taking light water-proof coat could save you from becoming wet and miserable in an unexpected shower.
In terms of overall clothing you should take or wear for a hike/walk, I’ve cover that in a guide which I’ll link to in the future.
A First-Aid Kit
When it comes to this item I am torn on recommending it, purely because I don’t often carry one with me. In interests of safety though, I guess it would be advisable to take at least the basics, such as plasters, anti-septic wipes, a small amount of dressing, etc. just to deal with minor incidents. I would ask that people use common sense if they have any unique medical issues such as allergies, and to take what they need. As said earlier, better to be safe than sorry, and in the words of the US National Park Service, “Safety is your responsibility!”.
Well there it is, a basic list of what I consider to be some essentials when walking. It’s by no means an exhaustive selection, but it will get you through most day hikes that don’t require camping or specialist equipment. If you have anything to add, feel free to comment below.
