Gear Guide

Recently some of my friends went on a hike up to Twin Peaks, I was saddened when I could not go because of work. The four of them took off early in the morning and started up the trail. Twin is about four and a half mile hike one way, but the real clincher is that over the four and a half miles the trail vertically climbs one mile. A hard but very rewarding hike—one that I must to do.

This story, however, does not have a happy ending for all—two of the four did not make it to the top. The two that did not make it up are both in great shape and they have the drive to make it. Their problem was that they were not prepared, and one got bloody feet—in some way. She even commented that she wish that I was there; because I am always prepared for trail hazards (I guess boy scouts paid off).

This made me think that knowing what to take on the trails will help to be safe all the way up. I’m sure someone might see a sacrament talk undertone in this lesson: but it is a shame to not reach the top so it’s important to take what you need, you may not need everything but someone in your party might and it is better to reach the top together than alone.

The following is a day hike gear guild; it is intended for hikes that are about 0 to 20 miles, overnight backpacking trips require more. I do not claim that this list is absolutely everything needed for a day hike. A little research on your designated trail and tailored preparation will go a long way. The list has three parts: the “Essentials” are needed for every hike, “Conditional” items are not needed for every hike but are required for some and “Optional” lists some items that I like to take or that I see other people like to take.

Day Hike Gear Guide

Essential

• Day Pack, Camelpak or Backpack
• Water—usually a 2 liter Camelpak bladder is more than sufficient.
• Small First Aid kit—these can be purchased at REI, Cabela’s or any outdoor adventure store.
• It should include: Band aids, Ibuprofen, moleskin, gauze, sterile wipes, Neosporin, tweezers, Ace bandage wrap, first aid book, and emergency blanket and so on.
• Bandana—there are many uses for these, I usually take two.
• Pocket knife
• Compass or GPS and knowledge on how to use either.
• Map of the trail
• Snacks/fruit/Powerbars/Powergel/backpacking meals.
• Camera—not a life or death item but it is essential to capturing the memories.
• Sunscreen and insect repellant
• Extra pair of socks
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight or head lamp—especially if the hike goes longer than planned and it gets dark, or if you want to explore that undiscovered cave.
• Poncho or rain coat

Conditional

• Rope or webbing
• Bear Spray
• Snow Shoes
• Warm clothes
• Tools: shovel, saw and so on. Only for trail repair.
• Water purifier

Optional

• Ipod—this is good while relaxing at the apex of the hike or if you need a little morale or motivation when fatigue sets in. HOWEVER, it is very inconsiderate to listen to an Ipod while hiking with others and it can be dangerous, it is important to use all your senses to know what is going on around the trail. Besides, listing to nature is very therapeutic.
• Camp Stove
• Hiking pan and eating utensils
• Book/scriptures—for that extra ounce of relaxation or inspiration in nature
• Walkie-talkie
• Cell Phone (a lot of trails have cell phone service), but PLEASE turn it on silent, it is even more distracting and irritating to hear a cell phone go off in nature than it is in a movie theater. It is wise to have a cell phone for emergencies.

This list may seem long but it can easily fit into a pack and with careful attention to detail it can weigh less than 15 lbs. Also, one day pack can be sufficient for 2-3 people.

Good luck on your next hike and let me know any great trails.