Don’t hit the trails without them
On reflection, my previous post on the 10 Essentials for a Kick Ass Day Hike provided the barest bones of essential items to have an awesome day on on the trails.
So I’ve added 10 more items you shouldn’t be without on a day hike.
1. Day Pack
Duh. Honestly this should have been the number one item. Because where else are you going to keep the other essential items? I have never seen a hiker walking around carrying their snacks, water, mobile phone, first aid kit, etc anywhere other than in a day pack.
A sturdy backpack is a must-have for a day hike. It allows you to carry all your essentials while keeping your hands free.
A backpack that fits well and distributes the weight evenly on your back can make a significant difference in your comfort level while hiking.
A day pack doesn’t have to be top of the range, just big enough to carry everything you may need.
2. Whistle
Often under-rated, but you don’t know how badly you need a whistle until you need a whistle.
A whistle is an essential safety item that you can use to signal for help in case of an emergency. If you get lost or injured on the trail, a loud whistle can be heard from a distance, increasing your chances of being rescued.
Make sure your whistle is easily accessible. I usually tie mine to the front straps of my pack so I can reach it easily, even if in the unfortunate event of a fall.
Headlamp/Flashlight
I always have a headlamp in my bag. These days you get inexpensive rechargeable headlamps you can chuck in your bag and use as needed.
Pro Tip: If like me, you still have an ancient battery-operated one, you can save the battery life by inverting the battery when it’s not in use.
In other words, put the positive terminal of the battery (usually 2 or 3 AAAA batteries) on the negative port in the headlamp, so the light won’t work or switch on accidentally when you are not using the headlamp, running down the battery. (I speak from experience. Trust me).
You just need to do that for 1 of the batteries. Then, before you use the headlamp, just turn the battery the right way round. My batteries last for years if I store them this way. This is a tip I learned from Fatima “Mona Lisa’s Smile” Jacobs.
(Also always have spare, fresh batteries handy.)
Another tip: Stop attracting moths and mozzies or blinding your fellow hikers, by using the infrared setting on your headlamp. You will still be able to see in the dark.
Even if you don’t plan on hiking in the dark, a headlamp or flashlight is a must-have item in case your hike takes longer than expected or you find a cave you want to explore.
It can help you navigate the trail safely in low-light conditions, find your way around camp at night, and help signal for help in an emergency.
4. Extra Layers
Always have a warm top in your backpack. Even when it’s hot as Hades.
Weather conditions can and do change quickly on a hike, and it’s important to pack extra layers of clothing to stay warm and dry. Even on a sunny day, temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, even in the shade.
Always pack a waterproof and/or windproof jacket, a beanie or buff, and gloves to be prepared for any weather condition.
In Cape Town we have 4 seasons in a day, and even if it’s a beautiful day in the Mother City, the wind on the mountain can be relentlessly icy. Nothing ruins a hike quicker or easier than being cold and wet.
5. Insect Repellent
I am a magnet for mozzies and I never met a tick was not keen to taste my blood, so this is a touchy (as in itchy) subject for me. In forested areas especially, ticks find their way to me like I am their Mother Ship. I would be flattered if they weren’t so utterly gross.
Insect bites can be annoying, painful, and sometimes carry diseases like malaria and Lyme disease. It’s important to protect yourself with insect repellent.
Choose one that is effective against the insects in your area and apply it regularly. There are many environmentally friendly options on the market, including bangles that claim to keep the pests away.
I have found that wearing long sleeved clothing provides as effective a deterrent to bitey goggas (critters).
If you ever wondered why some people are always hiking in long pants with long-sleeved shirts (usually with built-in UV protection) this is one of the reasons, other than providing another layer against the sun and the elements.
6. Gloves
This is another item that stays in my day pack. Warm ones and also ones with cut-off fingers for grip.
Gloves are an essential item for a day hike. They provide protection from the sun, cold temperatures, and rough terrain.
They also provide extra grip and protection while holding onto trekking poles, reducing the risk of hand injuries.
7. Water Purification/Filtration
Staying hydrated is crucial on a hike, and it’s essential to have access to clean water.
I’ve added this because I realise some people may not be as lucky as we are in South Africa, where all the tap water is clean and drinkable.
And where the water on our mountains is deliciously drinkable.
But just last year when doing The Otter Trail we were advised that the river water was no longer safe to drink. Which is an infuriatingly impotent indictment on the state of our nation and the cilly sunts in charge of running it (into the ground).
Usually, we don’t need to filter or purify our water, but if you have a dodgy tummy or feel safer doing so, there are several options on the market.
A water filter or purification system can make it safe to drink from natural sources like rivers and streams.
It’s important to choose a reliable and easy-to-use filter or purification system and practice using it before your hike.
Water purification drops or tabs do leave an aftertaste, but you can mask it with a flavoured powder drink.
8. Trekking Poles
Ok, now you need to leave your ego at the door.
Using poles is not a sign of old age or infirmity. Even Ryan Sandes uses trekking poles.
Trekking poles are essential for hikers of all ages and abilities. They provide extra support and stability on difficult terrain, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. They also help to reduce the strain on your knees and improve your balance while hiking. Especially if you are a klutz, like me.
I damaged my knees in my 20s, doing insane amounts of high impact step aerobics. While my knees are fine when I run, except maybe the last 2 kms on a downhill marathon, when hiking, I do tend to feel them chat to me a bit more than usual.
On the descent, a trekking pole is a knee-saver.
On a multi-day hike, with a crazy-heavy backpack, it helps distribute the weight a bit and provide tremendous help on hill ups! You don’t want to do a hike like The Amathole Trail without a trekking pole. For the mud alone.
I am all for trekking poles. I love mine so much, I named it ‘Beatle’, after a SANparks ranger who helped us out once when we were doing the Outeniqua Trail and needed a freezer to store some of our always considerable, food rations 😊.
9. Hand sanitiser
Hand sanitizer is an important item to pack for maintaining good hygiene on a hike. It’s an easy way to keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of germs, especially when handling food or using public bathrooms.
When trekking to Everest Base Camp in 2013, I learned the value of hand sanitiser. At altitude your immune system is compromised, so its more important than ever to practice good hygiene.
When using the bathroom there often isn’t water available or the water in the tea houses is frozen in the pipes. (Sorry, no central heating in the Himalayas). Hand sanitiser became critical in maintaining hygiene and no-one in our group picked up any tummy bugs or other issues because of poor hygiene.
10. Emergency Shelter
An emergency shelter is an essential safety item to pack for a day hike. I hadn’t considered this before I started trail running.
On overnight hikes I always have a survival bag. It provides critical protection from unexpected weather or injuries, preventing hypothermia or other serious health issues.
But since I started running trail where you are compelled to have a space blanket on a race, I can see the value in having an emergency shelter on a day hike. It weighs almost nothing and takes up no space, so it can’t hurt. Thankfully I have never needed one and never will, God willing!
A lightweight and easy-to-use shelter can make a significant difference in your safety and comfort level on a hike.
I hope these additional 10 items will be added to your day pack. Please leave a comment below if you think I left anything out or if you agree or disagree with any of these items.
Hiking Safety Tips
- Never hike alone (At least 4 adults)
- Tell someone where you are going, what your intended route is and when you are expected to return. (Click on the WSAR link and sign up for their free tracking service)
- Have emergency numbers programmed into your fully charged cell phone.
- Hike early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the sun.
- If you get lost, stop, assess the situation, and reach out for help. Do not panic.
Emergency Numbers
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) 021 937 0300
•Emergency Services from cell phone 112
• Police Flying Squad 10111