What to carry in your Day Pack

Day pack are necessary for hiking to keep your hands free and organize the gear appropriate for the trip.  Generally any type of "book bag" will do, but some of my favorite features are:

• Padded back (keeps thing from poking me)
• Outside water bottle pocket(s) -- I don't like to have leaky bottle inside the pack

• Waist band -- When hiking rough terrain this keeps the pack from bouncing,

General for most trips:

• A kit -- Click here for contents
• A handkerchief or two.  These all purpose cloths can serve as a head cover, wash cloth, towel, head band, bandage, etc.
• Water bottle(s).  Pack at least a quart, more if the trip is long or the weather is hot.
• Snacks.  I like granola bars as a minimum; light and compact.  A full lunch in a plastic container is nice for longer trips.  I like to snack along the trail so I favor small items.  Avoid items that might spoil in the heat. Some suggestions of things that pack well:
  • String cheese
  • oranges, apples, carrots
  • chocolate bars (keep cool)
  • granola bars
  • Juice boxes
  • Train mix or nuts
  • PB & J on a tortilla (fold in quarters)

Clothing:

Dress in layers and bring gear appropriate for the weather.  Some suggestions are:

Summer (hot)

• Sun hat
• Light weight long sleeved shirt or wind breaker (sun protection)
• Wind pants (more for sun protection).  Wear shorts.

Fall & Spring (cool)

• Hat
• Fleece jacket or wool shirt
• Wind pants or long pants (if wearing shorts)
• Wind breaker or Rain jacket (doubles as a wind breaker)
• Poncho if weather looks like rain

Winter (cold)

• Hat
• long johns (top and bottoms for cold weather)
• Fleece jacket or wool shirt
• Wind pants or long pants
• Wind breaker or rain jacket
• Poncho (useful as a shelter)
• Foam sit pad
• Gloves
• Sunglasses (snow)

Fun stuff to bring:

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Bird/plant ID book
• Frisbee
• Packable kits (windy days)

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