Keep it light. Keep it light; keep it simple. That’s my theory when stuffing any pack I’m carrying on my back. Daypacks, especially, because I’m usually carrying these along on half-day or all-day hikes. The daypack is on my back the entire time I’m hiking, so I carry only what I really need.
I’ve compiled a checklist of my daypack must-haves, things I never leave home without. Not when I’m hiking anyway! I often have more with me, but never less.
Ladies Hiking Daypack ChecklistWater. Your body needs it to replenish, and besides, – and here I say, talk to my hiking companions; they’ll back me up - thirst can make a hiking lady cranky.
 First Aid Kit. Buy one ready-packed, or create one yourself. Just make sure you refresh it periodically and check the shelf life on its supplies. For day hikes, you usually just need the basic supplies. It’s nice to have band-aids if you fall and scrape your knee. I usually keep some waterproof matches in w/the first aid kit, too. Just a handy place to stash them.
Map. Always know the trail, where you are, where you are going. If in a park, pick up the park map. If on forest land, bring a trail map with you. If you’re following directions from a book, bring that map. Or pick up a topographical map at a sports store. Not knowing where you are is a very scary feeling.
 Knife. If you’re a hiker, you absolutely must have a “Swiss Army Knife” – doesn’t matter what brand, but you’ll want your pocket knife to have sharp blades and rugged dependability. Corkscrew’s nice to have on there, too. Extra snacks. If you’re out longer than you intended; if you’re hungrier than you thought you’d be – you’ll be happy you brought along extra. Nice to have something to share, too, in case you run into a hungry hiker on the trail. I sometimes carry a package of Gu energy gel, too, just in case I need a really quick burst of energy. Extra layer of clothes. I have a great little windbreaker in a bag that I always have with me. Not beautiful, but efficient. I’ve pulled it out on a few occasions, and I’ve been surprised at the need for it each time. Lesson learned: Stuff an extra layer into your daypack.  Small Flashlight. All you really need is a mag-light, and a very small one at that. You’ll thank yourself if you’re caught out after sunset; those trails can get dark pretty quick.
Cell phone. On the trail, cell phones are for emergency use not for chatting with friends. But that’s just me. I like hiking to be a time with nature, not technology. Besides, I hate the dirty looks I get if I'm blathering away on the phone in the woods. Many trails are within cell phone calling range.
Adjust for the weather, for the duration of your hike, and for the remoteness of your location. When hiking, common sense wins the day.
Nature has been for me, for as long as I can remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion. -- Lorraine Anderson, Sisters of the Earth, 1991. |
Trail Tips and Gear 
