Ask and you shall receive! Here is a list of everything that we pack for a typical 4-8 hour day hike:
- Day Pack (we use a MEC Air Hike 22L with hideaway rain cover)
- Water (we use a CamelBak Antidote 3L Reservoir)
- Knife (we use a True Utility SmartKnife)
- First Aid Kit (we use a 79-piece camping First Aid Kit purchased a few years ago (continuously restocked & updated), but it has been discontinued – Adventure Medical Kits makes a comparable First Aid Kit)
- Emergency Whistle (we have a MEC sternum buckle whistle included with our day pack, but you can purchase one separately from Gear Aid and add it to your pack – then you never forget it)
- Flashlight (we use a Petzl TIKKA headlamp)
- Waterproof Matches (we use Coghlan’s waterproof matches)
- Hand Sanitizer (we often use Les produits de MaYa ointment instead)
- Toilet Paper (we take the cardboard out of the middle to make it more compact)
- Lip Balm (we use Burt’s Bees lip balm)
- Garbage Bag (we use a Planet Wise small reusable wet bag)
- Extra Clothing (this depends on the weather and we pack extra clothing for all 3 of us)
- Food (we tend to pack trail mix, granola bars, meat & cheese, fruits & veggies, and sandwiches)
- Diaper Bag (we use a Funky Fluff double pocket wet bag with our Lil Helper charcoal change mat, a diaper and wipes in the front pocket.)
- Map (obviously this depends on where you are going, but waterproof paper is ideal and a compass is also useful)
- Selfie Stick (we use a ReTrak SelfieStick)
Not pictured, but necessary when hiking with a dog:
- Collapsible Cup(s) (we use Dexas Collapsible Travel Cups with Carabiners)
- Trail Mix Cookies (check out our Dog-Friendly Trail Mix Cookie recipe)
- Trowel (we use a Sea to Summit Alloy Pocket Trowel)
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This is a great list, which included a lot of things I would not have thought about like a knife and waterproof matches. I always hook on a collapsable bowl for my dog too.
I love how you had everything organized outside the bag, I always have to do that before I pack too, but I tend to overpack so this is helpful for a reference!
Oooh what a great list!! I don’t even think I would add anything!! Maybe bug repellent and sunblock just in case 🙂 The bugs here are AWFUL!!
Thanks for this list! You brought to mind some things I should pack along for longer hikes but never thought of.
Great list, we use collapsable bowls for our dogs too.
This is a very helpful list. I would like to get more into hiking with my kids. I have a three year old and a 10 month old, but I am nervous about taking them out alone. Any tips for two kids one adult?
The Hike it Baby blog has a wealth of information on that. Here’s a great example: https://hikeitbaby.com/one-mama-two-kids-how-to-hike-when-you-are-outnumbered/
Good to know and a list anyone who goes hiking needs to see.
I need to include a whistle when we pack up. Great post!
Depending on where we’re hiking we sometimes take along bear spray and our hiking poles.
I love Collapsible Cups and bowls. I even have them for my dog to use as water bowls when we go on an adventure.
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great list to have on hand, writing this down. 😉