What to Pack for a Day-Hike and Multi-Day Trek
Are you a beginner, an avid hiker, or a person who loves outdoors? Nothing can ruin a one-day hike or multi-day trek than the wrong gear. That's why we've put together the list of the best hiking gear we love to use. Here are the tips on what to bring on a hike and what to leave behind. This guide also includes basic packing tips.
Do you find it hard to figure out what to pack when heading outdoors and what to bring on a hike? We've been there.
It is actually not that easy to find the best hiking gear, and then decide on what to bring with you. Every backpack has its limits.
The most important thing is not to overpack but at the same time bring with you all the essentials.
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities. It is all about reconnecting with wonderful nature, exercise, and getting out of the comfort zone. It's also a great way to stay fit and healthy while traveling.
And you do not want to spoil your trip by heavy loads on your back or, on the other hand, not having the stuff you need in your backpack.
We love hiking and spending time outdoors. When we are choosing the next destination we are going to visit, we often subconsciously choose a country where it is possible to do a hike or two.
Well, maybe our choice is a bit influenced by the fact whether it is possible to take a trip and get lost in the mountains or meadows.
It does not need to be a multi-day trek, even a short walk will do the trick.
That's why some of our favorite travel destinations are Nepal, New Zealand, Canada, or Patagonia, a vast region shared by Argentina and Chile.
When we were inexperienced travelers and hikers, we often found it hard to balance what to pack and what to leave behind.
We did not want to underestimate the conditions as it is quite dangerous but did not want to overpack either and make our trip more uncomfortable than it was necessary.
Over the years, we've created the routine packing list we use for hiking.
It includes all the stuff and accessories we think are essential for a day-hike or multi-day trek.
The packing for a day hike is a bit different since you do not need that much stuff, but we found it is not such a difference to pack for a two-day or six-day trek, especially in cold mountainous areas.
You just need more clean socks and one or two extra t-shirts, but that's it.
However, the main idea is the same. Keep it light and make it waterproof.
Are you preparing for a hike, but not sure what to pack? What gear to use for hiking?
We've put together this hiking packing list to give you an idea of what we usually like to have with us, including hiking gear that never failed us.
Of course, you need to adjust our tips a bit to your planned destination and the weather conditions, but this is the list of the best hiking gear we use on most of our outdoor adventures.
BEST HIKING GEAR FOR A DAY HIKE
The essential packing list for a one-day or multi-day hike is usually similar, so read this section first, and then add equipment according to the length of your walk and nature of your trip according to the next article focusing on multi-day treks.
We like to pack light, but even a one-day trip, especially to the mountains, requires us to be well-prepared.
That's why we always pack warm layers so we can still dress more in case of need.
Of course, if you are hiking in Atacama or El Valle De Anton with temperatures exceeding 30°C, a down jacket might not be necessary, and you can pack more light than when hiking in Patagonia.
But you still should have at least one t-shirt with long-sleeves just in case.
Hiking Boots | Different trails require a different type of footwear.
Sometimes it is enough to wear runners like for the day-hike in Petra; sometimes, it is fine to wear trail walking shoes or even sandals for short hikes, but most of the time, sturdy hiking shoes are must-haves.
It is a good idea to invest in good quality hiking boots. I have mine for about seven years, and even though they were quite expensive, I cannot imagine traveling anywhere without them.
The right hiking boot should be waterproof and fit your foot with even thicker hiking socks in it.
And wear them a few times before any serious hike or trek to prevent blisters.
30L Daypack | 30L backpack is usually enough for a day hike in the mountains. Again, a quality backpack is worth investing in, so do thorough research before buying one.
The choice of the backpack can both positively or negatively affect your hiking experience. Once you buy a backpack that fits, with the waist strap, you should barely know about having it.
Your daypack should be big enough for all the extra layers, snacks, water, and your camera.
For less serious hikes, in warmer areas, or if you want to hike really fast and light, then consider a small 10-20L daypack.
Hiking Socks | To keep your feet dry and prevent blisters, pack a pair of hiking socks that you can trust. We like specialized above-ankle high hiking socks that fit perfectly.
Most of the modern functional materials cover the smell, so you do not need a new pair of hiking socks for every day of your trek.
But make sure when the conditions are wet or when you know there won't be time to dry them overnight, that you will always have extra hiking socks.
Trust us; there is a hardly worse feeling than starting your day with completely wet socks.
Also an extra layer of warm socks is great for cold night in the camp or hut.
Functional underwear | Functional underwear is light, breathable, and very comfortable, that's why we would avoid clothes made of cotton. If you ask us how we choose the best hiking gear, we usually have two main requirements.
It must be durable, and so comfortable, that we almost do not know we have it. The latter condition is twice as important when it comes to underwear.
Shorts | It depends on the destination you plan on traveling, but we hiked almost everywhere, at least for a while, in shorts.
Even when you travel to colder areas, it might be a good idea to pack shorts as an extra layer you can put on your leggings.
If you plan on staying outdoors overnight, we also found useful having shorts when going to shower.
Hiking Pants | Hiking trousers or leggings are a must-pack item, especially when hiking in the mountains where the weather can change several times a day. Make sure your pants are comfortable.
Rain Pants | We never had rain pants until we hiked in Los Nevados National Park in Colombia with a company that rented us those pants as a part of the package, and since then, we never travel without them.
Rain pants are super foldable and light, and it does exactly what you expect, protect your regular hiking trousers before being soaking wet.
Once it starts raining, put the rain pants quickly on, altogether with other rain gear you have for the wet weather.
Short-sleeved T-shirt | When it is warm, a functional short-sleeved t-shirt is no brainer.
We do not recommend tank tops, though. First, you can get sunburnt easily, and second, it can be uncomfortable to carry a backpack on naked shoulders.
But we usually pack short-sleeved t-shirts even when the conditions are a bit colder. It is possible to wear it as another layer on a long-sleeved t-shirt.
Then once you get to the top, take off this layer and change to the dry one.
T-shirt with Long Sleeves | One of our favorite things to pack for hiking are merino long-sleeved t-shirts.
It is the best hiking gear for colder weather, frosty mornings, evenings in a hut or campsites, or even for sleeping.
Fleece Jacket | Another must-have thing is a fleece jacket. We usually do not hike in a fleece jacket as we really want to keep this layer dry. The time for fleece jacket then comes typically when we reach the top of the hill with beautiful views, where we want to sit for a while, but where it's also usually pretty windy.
When you pack for hiking, make sure you have enough layers that will keep you warm.
Of course, you do not need a fleece jacket when hiking in Tayrona National Park in Colombia, but make sure you pack it for most of the hikes.
Waterproof Jacket | Waterproof and windproof jacket should be resistible, but also light, and it should not take that much space in your backpack.
It is also a perfect insulation layer to have just in case.
Down Jacket | For hiking in colder conditions, we cannot imagine leaving down jacket behind. It is one of our favorite things to have as it is super-cozy; it is light and very foldable, and it gives us a feeling of comfort.
When you have your down jacket with you, make sure it does not get wet.
Rain Poncho | It seems that all the equipment you should pack with you is only for the bad weather.
Yes, we sometimes overpack with gear that should protect us against the wind, cold temperatures, and rain, but we think it is still much better to have it with you ten times when you do not use it, then not to have it one time you desperately need it.
Luckily, most of the functional hiking gear is light, and it fits in your backpack, the same as this rain poncho.
We would never go hiking without a rain poncho unless you have one of those expensive things such as this one rain jackets.
Gaiters | It's optional to pack gaiters, which is one of the few items on this hiking packing list we do not pack every time we go out.
If you know that chances for the wet conditions are high, that you will be walking in the snow, mud, or across waterlogged meadows, pack gaiters that will protect part of your hiking shoes and trousers from knee to ankle.
Trekking Poles | Before we started to hike extensively, we considered trekking poles as hiking gear only for the elderly. But once we tried them on Annapurna Circuit ourselves, we found out that the poles are actually great for everyone.
It helps you to keep balance and protect knees, you will also feel much more safe walking on a slippery surface, or going downhill in general.
You may not need them for a very short hike, but we would definitely recommend you packing hiking poles for demanding day-hikes and for longer multi-day hikes as well.
If you are traveling long-term and do not want to carry poles all the time, you can very often rent them.
Sunscreen & Lip Balm | You do not need many hygiene products when hiking just for a day, but sunscreen and lip balm with SPF. If you plan on hiking for three or four hours, it is enough to apply sunscreen in your hotel room, and you do not have to bring it with you.
If your hike is longer, pack the bottle (hopefully you have the mini version) to reapply it during the day. Protecting your skin against sunburn is very important.
Water Bottle | Staying hydrated is essential when exploring the beauty of the hiking paths in a destination.
Always make sure you have enough water all day, and enough liters for every person in your group. Check your options in advance, whether there will be a chance to refill your bottle along the way.
As we try to be more sustainable travelers and use less plastic when we travel, we use reusable water bottles.
If you travel in a country where tap water is not drinkable, think of purchasing either a water bottles with integrated filters , Lifestraw or SteriPen .
Mobile Phone | We know that many people cannot imagine traveling without a mobile phone for the simple reason they use it instead of a camera.
We know it is sometimes tempting to leave it in a hotel room and not worry about yet another electronic item.
One of the things you should do abroad is to buy a local sim card, so you can call in case of an emergency, and always make sure your phone is fully charged.
Mirrorless Camera | Even though many people find using a camera too heavy to carry, we are still quite old-fashioned.
We've switched from DLSR to a much smaller and lighter mirrorless camera.
With all the extra lenses, it's still much heavier than the phone, and we know that this is one of the things we want one day leave behind, but at the moment we can't because of the very nature of our job, plus it is our hobby as well.
When hiking with the camera, make sure you have extra SD cards and extra batteries, just in case.
Hand Sanitizer | What we love the most about hiking outdoors is the fact that things are simple.
In fact, the facilities are quite often so simple that there is no access to running water to wash our hands. For situations like this, we always carry a small hand sanitizer.
Sunglasses | To protect your eyesight, always make sure you pack sunglasses. The sun can be harsh, even when it is cloudy. When hiking in high altitude, sunglasses are one of the most important things to wear.
Gloves and Hat | Having gloves and hat is highly seasonal. For example, in Patagonia, we were glad we had them in our daypack even when it was summertime.
In Peru, we hardly remember wearing them, so packing this gear really depends on the conditions.
Multifunctional Headwear | Hiking all day under the scorching sun is not fun, that's why you should cover your head to prevent sunstroke.
In winter, use beanie.
BEST HIKING GEAR FOR MULTI-DAY TREK
For multi-day treks, no matter how long, you will need all of the things mentioned above. Do not forget to multiply some pieces of clothes according to the hike length, plus add camping gear to make your overnight experience smoother.
Multi-day treks can be quite challenging, depending on weather and trek profile, so make sure you have all the necessary hiking gear packed and handy.
Backpack | For multi-day hikes, you are most likely going to need a larger backpack, 40 - 55 liters, depending on if you need a sleeping bag or tent or not. Similar rules as for a daypack applies.
Your backpack should be comfortable, and it should not be too full, so you can comfortably carry it on your back several days in a row.
Do not try to save money on your backpack, it is really the most essential thing you will use all the time, and your overall experience depends on it.
Headlamp | We hope you will always make it to the hut or camp before the dark, but still, you will need a headlamp. It is very useful for getting around the campsite after dark, or when you need to find something.
And of course, if you plan on going somewhere for a sunrise or sunset, you will need headlamp for the actual hike.
Even though you might think that having a torch on your mobile phone is enough, it is actually much better to have your hands free.
Toiletries | When packing for a multi-day trek, packing toiletries is one of the hardest things, as the little you pack the better.
Make sure you'll take with you only essentials such as soap and shampoo (when you know there will be a place to take a shower available), deodorant , toothbrush , and toothpaste.
Check out our post with tips on eco-friendly products if you are looking for alternatives on how to be a more responsible traveler.
If you wear contacts, make sure you have multi-purpose solution.
Travel Towel | No matter where we travel, we take a travel towel with us on every multi-day trek.
Travel towels are light, they dry quickly, and we often use them instead of a pillow. At least, when it's dry.
Dried Food | Unless you trek with an all-inclusive tour, chances are that you will need to cook all meals during the long hike.
For a day hike, it is quite easy, you can just pack a snack, energy bars , couple of bananas, and eat a proper meal later, but for a multi-day trek, you should have enough energy.
After many failures and carrying heavy food with us for even a six-day hike, we found out that the best alternative is dried food. You can buy it in packs, and the only thing you then need is hot water and a few minutes of time.
It is a bit more expensive; on the other hand, it is real food that will keep you going. Even backpackers on a tight budget should consider this option.
Tent | If you are embarking on a camping trip, choosing the right tent is very important.
You need your tent to be as light as possible, but also durable and waterproof.
A quality tent is quite an investment, so ask yourself whether this trip is an only once-in-a-lifetime type of tour, or whether you are going to use it more often.
If you are traveling long-term, consider renting a tent, as it is quite annoying to carry it in a backpack all the time as it really takes a lot of space.
Sleeping Bag | A few years ago, we bought a down sleeping bag, and we could not be happier with it. It is super light, and we can squeeze it and make it very small.
The sleeping bag is one of the essential hiking gear that is worth investing in, so make sure you choose the right one.
We often see that people keep sleeping bags outside the backpack, but if you do that, make sure that when it starts to rain, you have enough space inside to fit the sleeping bag there, or you are about to have a very miserable night.
Simply put, always keep your sleeping bag dry!
Silk Liner | One of the things we never set off on a trip without? Our cocoon or linen if you like.
It is excellent as an additional layer when it is too cold during the night, but we also use it when we sleep in a hut on mattresses, and their cleanliness is a bit questionable.
In hot areas, cocoon can replace sleeping bag completely.
Sleeping Mat | Air-mattress is another great tip when you plan on camping somewhere overnight.
It is light, and it isolates you from the cold ground. And no, having only a sleeping bag is not enough.
Cooking Set | Multi-day hiking usually requires a bit of cooking. Buy a specialized cooking set that is light, plus all the things fit together.
Make sure your cooking set comes with utensils. In case not, do not buy plastic utensils, but the more eco-friendly alternative, for example, from bamboo.
Foldable Knife | You cannot go camping without a foldable knife, right?
Duct Tape | You would not believe, but duck tape can turn to be a life-saver. It can be a hole in your tent or broken shoes; duck tape can fix (almost) everything.
Stove & Gas | Stove and gas are essential for cooking food in the backcountry. As it can be windy, having a stove screen is not a bad idea either.
Lighter | If you pack things for cooking, do not forget lighter.
Power Bank | If you know the trek will take over two or more nights, we would consider packing a power bank that will keep your electronics fully charged even when you do not have access to electricity.
Power bank is highly optional though, you want to keep it light.
Flip-flops | For every overnight hiking trip, we pack extra shoes we can use after the hike.
It can be flip-flops, sandals, or either light sneakers - pack whatever you are the most comfortable with, the main reason is to give a break to your legs after the hike.
PACKING TIPS
Always keep your stuff dry. There is nothing worse than to realize after a long day hike in heavy rain that your supposedly dry clothes are no longer dry. It's also imperative to pack your backpack correctly.
In a nutshell, there are three zones - bottom, middle, and top.
The middle or core zone is the most important one. Stash there the heavy things you won't need during the day.
We like to put our lighter camping gear and other non-essential hiking things at the bottom.
The top layer is for essential things you might need access to during the hike, such as rain jacket, rain pants, or any extra warm layers.
Rule of thumb, never put heavy items at the top of the backpack.
Dry Sack | To keep your valuables safe and dry for the whole length of the hike, we have only words of praise for dry sacks.
This is a must-have for hiking in the mountains, or wet areas in general.
They sell them in different sizes, so you can fit multiple things into your backpack to keep your things dry and safe.
To be frank, we use them on every journey.
Even in dry countries like Jordan, to protect our stuff from the dust.
Packing Cubes | Packing cubes are very popular travel accessories, and even though we do not think they are absolutely essential, they are quite helpful to keep your backpack organized.
We would not pack them for a day hike, but for a longer treks, when you will need to separate your used and new things, we would give it the green light.
Honestly, we rarely use them, as we prefer other alternatives, though we've seen people using them, so there must be something good about them.
Plastic Bags | Nowadays, a lot of the travelers' work hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, to compensate for the damage traveling does to the environment.
But there are times when good all plastic bags do their job so well it is hard to give up on them.
We know it is very old-fashioned, but when we are about to hike in a very wet area such as Fiordland in New Zealand, and don't have dry sacks, we put all our stuff in a backpack into plastic bags, especially sleeping bags, to make sure they will stay as dry as possible.
Regular garbage bags will do the job, though, if you want to be more eco-friendly, try these biodegradable garbage bags.
HIKING OUTDOOR SAFETY
The most important part of hiking is staying safe the whole time. We really hope that you know that jeans and flip flops are not suitable hiking gear.
GPS Watch | We all have probably at least once read a horrible story of people who got lost in the mountains.
To increase your chances of arriving safely, bring with you reliable GPS navigation and learn how to use it before you go.
First-Aid Kit | Even though we hope your trek will go smoothly, you should be prepared for the situation that might require a first-aid kit.
Always pack at least the basics, such as blister patches, painkillers, or pills for diarrhea. Medicaments you use on a daily basis should go without saying.
When hiking in the winter, you should pack the following items for your safety:
Avalanche transceiver | Avalanche Probe | Snow Shovel | Ice Axe .
We cannot emphasize enough that hiking in winter conditions is usually much harder, and suitable only for well-informed and experienced travelers.
Always ask local rangers what do they think about the conditions on the trail, and tell someone your plans.
That is actually a smart thing to do before any trip.
Happy hiking!
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
