When I’m not able to travel out of the country, I like to go on road trips around where I live so I can still go on some type of adventure. Over the past several years I’ve made it a goal to visit as many new places as possible. A majority of this includes hiking at conservations and provincial parks, finding locations with waters (since we don’t have the ocean here), and visiting quaint little towns. Since I live in Ontario, I thought it would be a good idea to take advantage of where I live and get to know the areas around me better.
Over the years as I’ve increased my efforts to go hiking, get some exercise in, and adventure-seek as much as possible, I’ve realized there are some essential items I need to bring with me. Here are 13 things you absolutely need to bring on a hike (plus 2 bonus items):
1 . A Backpack/Daypack
I actually wish I didn’t have to bring so much with me and be able to explore hands-free, but it’s always better to bring with you everything you need on a hike. Especially since you may be exploring an area that you’re not used to and could be hours of walking. A comfortable, lightweight, sturdy backpack is important for holding your hiking essentials. I currently use a mini Herschel backpack or my Van’s backpack, but neither are made for hiking. If you’re looking for something that’s specifically for traveling and hiking, this 25L water resistant daypack is great as it can also be folded up. If you’d prefer a different style, this one is also a great option. I bought my husband a similar one and I also have a Herschel one like this as well. I love that it fits a lot, is light, and can be folded and put away nicely.
2. Camera And Lenses
I can’t go on any trip without my camera. I love capturing all the beautiful scenery I come across and be able to document everything I see. I usually carry my 23mm prime lens and 50-220mm zoom lens. Occasionally I’ll interchange my 23mm lens with my 15-45mm kit lens. Having a wide angle lens is great for capturing landscape and wider shots – basically being able to capture the “entire” scenery. And a zoom lens is great for up close shots. I like using that to capture animals or to zoom into waterfalls and be able to crop people from my photos. Of course which lens I use depends entirely on the photo I’m trying to take. If you like to share photos or capture memories, a camera is much needed item to bring on your hike. Of course, you can use your cellphone as phones these days have the power to look super professional too.
3. Hiking Shoes
I’ve made many mistakes of not bringing hiking shoes with me on my hike, thinking the terrain would be easy enough for my running shoes. First of all, hiking shoes are great for not having to worry about ruining your good shoes! They’re sturdy, tough, and waterproof. And they’re made to take a beating. It also helps support your feet and ankles much better especially when you’re on uneven terrain, climbing rocks, stepping on tree branches or whatnot. If you have the proper footwear for your hike, it will make a world of a difference! Although they’re not the prettiest looking shoes, you can still do your best to looking for a somewhat stylish one. I have been using the Salomon X Ultra Mid GTX since around 2010 and North Face trail runners. I also have the Salomon Outline Mid GTX as a backup. I also have my eye on the Salomon Supercross Blast GTX to replace my North Face trail runners as they aren’t waterproof.
4. Water
Never go on a hike without water! I’ve made that mistake too. When it’s a hot day and a long hike, you’ll need to stay hydrated to keep your body going through this activity. Almost 100% of the time there will be no access to drinking water while you’re on your hike and most of the time, it’ll take very long to get back to your car. So be prepared and do your body a favor. You’ll also come out more exhausted with no water. Then you’re probably going to have a long drive to get home as well.
5. Snacks
I forget water sometimes, but I almost never forget to bring snacks with me wherever I go. Let’s just say I don’t like being hungry and having snacks with me really helps hold me over. My friends are always surprised when I pull a snack out of my purse or backpack. A few times they have gotten hungry too and my snacks have helped a lot. You also burn a lot of calories while hiking and sweat a lot so having a small snack will help fuel your energy to continue on.
6. Sunscreen
Regardless if it’s sunny out or not, it’s always important to wear sunscreen. But when you’re hiking for a full day, it’s important to bring sunscreen with you to reapply during your outing. When you hike on a hot day and the sun is beaming down, not only does this drain your energy, it can damage your skin. Wearing sunscreen will protect you from UVA/UVB rays that prevent aging and burning. You wouldn’t want to go home realizing you spent 8 hours in the sun and you’re all burnt. It gets quite painful too! Plus with the amount of clothes you wear on a hike, you won’t be getting a nice tan like you do on the beach. Here’s A Guide To Sunscreen Use And Choosing The Safest One For You.
7. Bug Spray
Depending on the weather, time, and season of your hike, there can be tons of mosquitoes and other types of bugs. I’ve been on a couple hikes where it was really difficult to go through just because the bugs were so bad. One of the hikes I went on this summer I wasn’t even able to complete because it was absolutely filled with mosquitoes and I didn’t have bug spray on me. To be honest, I don’t think it would have even helped that much and I was wearing long pants and long sleeves too. I definitely came out with more than 40 bites. But the worst amount of bites I’ve ever gotten was in Key West, Florida with over 200 bites from sandflies or biting midges, and I was only by the water for an hour. Plus, they feel worse than mosquito bites and are super itchy. Moral of the story is, it’s always better to bring bug spray for outdoor excursions!
8. Sunglasses
It can get really bright and sunny when you’re exploring during the day. And when there is no shade from trees you’ll end up squinting most of the time. Wearing your favorite pair of sunglasses on your hike will help with comfort, style (for better pictures), and sun protection!
9. Rechargeable Battery
The more videos and photos you take on your cellphone, the faster your battery drains. Also depending on if it’s too hot or too cold out, the temperature can drain your battery too. And if you’re using your phone as a GPS to go places, this can run out quickly. But you definitely don’t want your phone to die while you’re on your hike in case anything happens. I know sometimes reception won’t be great either, but it’s always safer to make sure your phone is charged.
10. Tissues
I share the brand I use in my What’s In My Everyday Makeup Bag blog post. This has come in super handy when there’s been a sneezing fit, wiping something off clothing, or even emergency bathroom trips. Tissues have always been useful to bring on a hike with me.
11. Hand Sanitizer
To be honest, I’ve been taking hand sanitizer around with me for almost 10 years now and it’s always been a lifesaver for many situations. While you’re hiking, you tend to touch things – whether it’s nature, railing bars, or even food. I like to make sure I’m clean at all times to the best of my abilities and having hand sanitizer with me gives me peace of mind. And especially if you’re eating food and it’s a bit sticky, tissue could make it worse. This is where hand sanitizer can help you take away all the stickiness and dirtiness and make you feel clean again.
12. Layers
I find it extremely helpful to be wearing layers when you’re on a hike. You could be getting to your location early in the morning when it’s still cold, it could suddenly rain, or it could be very sunny out. Wearing layers lets you have the option to keep cool or stay warm. I usually wear a sports bra and a tanktop which I can take off if it gets super hot. I also bring a long sleeve shirt if it’s a little chillier out and my Arc’teryx zip up jacket or Arc’teryx rain jacket which I can also easily take off and wrap around my waist or put in my backpack if needed. You want to be comfortable while hiking and sometimes wearing too much or too little depending on the weather that day can be far from that.
13. Extra Change Of Clothing And Footwear
After a long day of hiking, you want to be able to drive back home in something a little more comfortable and less dirty. I know I do. That’s why I pack with me either another pair of running shoes or flip flops, extra socks, and another top and bottom. Sometimes I stay in my workout bra and tanktop if I’m not too sweaty and put on a pair of shorts. But it’s always good to be able to remove my tight shoes and free my sometimes swollen feet. Also remember to bring a plastic bag to put your hiking clothes in as they may be dirty after your hike.
Bonus Items To Bring On A Hike (Not Expected From A Lifestyle Blogger?)
So why are these bonus items? Because most of the time you won’t need to use them. But it is always safer to have them. These are items I usually carry with me anyway so I added them as a bonus item.
- Whistle. I have this Fox 40 whistle which is extremely easy to blow, doesn’t have a bead in it, and emits sound that exceeds 115 decibels. When it’s a quiet night, you can actually hear the whistle from more than 600 meters away. Rescue professionals also use this whistle. I actually have this on my keychain so I never leave home without it. Luckily, I haven’t had to use it but it’s an extremely good (and small) tool to carry with you at all times for whatever emergency situation you can find yourself in.
- Knife or multi-tool. This is great to have when you’re camping, but sometimes it’s good to have just in case when you’re hiking. I like to use the Spyderco and Benchmade brands. It has come in handy a few times, but luckily I also don’t need to use this often.
Depending on terrain, climate, difficulty level, and other environmental factors, it is extremely important to be prepared for your hike. Don’t forget these items to bring on your next hike and it will make things a lot smoother and more comfortable for you. You want to be able to enjoy the outdoors and the exercise without coming home feeling defeated and worried for your next hike. One of the worst things I always say, is forgetting something so remember to add these 13 items (plus the 2 bonuses if you think you really need it) to your list!