What To Wear: My Day Hiking Kit and Essentials
Over the course of the last ten years hiking has gone from being a pastime with my family to one of my biggest passions. I regularly head to the mountains and peaks as I just love lacing up my boots and being in nature. One thing for sure over the last several years as I have hiked much more regularly, I have been able to determine my preferred hiking kit.
I have put together a list below of my most favourite hiking basics for a day hike. They have been tried and tested over the years on all the different trails across the world and still withstand the test of time!
Before I talk about the necessary kit required, and you are new to hiking, I have written a beginners guide to hiking. This will get you started on all the basics of what your requirements are, how to locate your hikes, what to do especially if you are hiking solo, plus your safety.
Right, here is the kit list:
Hiking Shoes or Boots:
The shoes or boots I wear really depends on the day trip, multi-day trip and location I am hiking in. Typically I prefer ankle support in my boots - especially my winter ones. There are boots I have had for fifteen years, and are still going strong, to my current boots. Other times when the climate is warmer I edge towards trail trainers that have just enough grip on them. They are lightweight and walking is made easier. I always recommend getting the correct fit wherever you are in the world (UK - Cotswold Outdoors, or GO Outdoors) as they can tailor the right fit for you.
I recently purchased these quickly before I left for a trip this summer 2023. For the price of them they have been amazing. No blisters, haven’t needed to wear them in and great grip. Highly recommend if you need something that’s better for your spending budget.
Great boots with ankle support, especially good for winter hikes when the terrain is less predictable, sturdy shoe.
Tops:
I swear by my energy Lululemon Sports bras which are buttery soft and provide a good amount of support. They always come in a range of colours and seem to last forever - so worth the money long term. They are great under your t-shirts and longer sleeved tops.
Leggings and Shorts:
I usually wear my Lululemon Align leggings as they are super comfortable, sit high on my waist, and come in a number of colours. I also opt for X leggings as they have pockets on the side. This is extremely handy for when I need a place to store my phone in readiness for taking some scenic snaps as I hike. As for shorts, Lululemon X is my absolute favourite product. Again super comfy, dry quickly, and easy to wear.
Waterproof Trousers:
These are absolutely essential for the downpours (lots of rain talk - but you never know with the weather). I love the fit and style of Marmot X as a backup.
A Waterproof Jacket:
This is one of the absolutely key items you should be taking with you in your hiking wardrobe. I always recommend investing in a jacket that is designed for extreme weather conditions because with the mountains you just never know what you may encounter; It is mother nature after all. Plus as you get into hiking more and more a quality jacket is a better investment. They can be pricey but it means it is seriously waterproof. I have a few (I can’t help it), but the one I use most often is the Mountain Equipment XXX.
Dry Bags:
For even more safe keeping I bring a dry back for that extra safety from the rain. I have a bunch of different ones from 1L to 12L depending on what I am carrying, but I tend to use the X. You can find most higher quality ones that do the same job.
A Day Backpack:
A good backpack is another great investment, especially as you start going for longer hikes it needs to be ergonomic and fit well. I recommend getting one with hip straps, chest straps and space for a water bladder. For day hikes I tend to use a 20-30 litre pack (it also depends on what I am taking, especially if I have my drone and camera, I need the extra space). My backpack brand of choice is Osprey and the larger pack I personally use is the Osprey Tempest 30 Litre Pack.
My smaller day pack I always use to carry my essential belongings is by Marmot or Osprey.
A Backpack Cover:
Backpacks are designed to be waterproof. You will need to double check your backpack to ensure your valuables are kept dry, especially if you may be in inclement weather for a few hours.
A Water Bladder:
It’s super important to stay hydrated during your hiking as you are using up a lot of energy and require water not only if you are in high altitudes or the heat, but on day hikes too. Typically I use a water bottle (I remember to have water often). However I recommend that if you need to have water more often, and need an easy solution, then using a camel bag is going to be my recommended choice for you.
For shorter hikes I typically bring a couple of my insulated Lululemon X water bottles that keeps my water nice and cold. In Europe and the UK I love being able to fill up with fresh mountain water - the taste is amazing. Naturally with water in other countries you have to be wary of the source so as not to become ill from it.
Socks:
I love a good chunky sock and these depend on the shoes I am wearing as to the choice I make. For my ankle supported boots and lightweight summer boots I like higher socks for support and keeping warm. For trail trainers I like something lightweight and proven to not create blisters. I have listed a few options below for you.
Warm Accessories:
I always love a beanie, gloves and a buffer to help break the chill on those windy, wintry days. When that wind and rain picks up there is nothing better than to feel snug and with extra protection in the cold. I love my two Rab pair of gloves for colder climates, usually opting for the thinner pair and the larger pair ready for the increased chill level. I love my Rab and Carhartt beanie hats for that extra warmth. A great bonus when your hair is a mess and you try to look cute on the hikes (if that’s your vibe) ;). As for a buff I always tend to pick up a new one. A buff is a great windbreaker that you wear around your neck.
Warm Layers:
I love bringing layers on a trip, but it really depends on the hike, location and what the weather is saying on the day. Knowing that you will always heat up when hiking, layers can be removed, but when you are resting layers are important to keep the heat in and keep you well insulated. I always bring one to two extra layers so I can keep warm. A favourite of mine is always having a lumber jacket type of shirt over a t-shirt as I find it takes the initial chill off but I do not get too hot wearing it. Next up is if it is a cold day, or you are at the top of higher mountains extra insulation is essential. For warmth I use my Rab and my Marmot down jackets or my new favourite is my Phalanx Fleece from Thru Dark.
Snacks:
I always recommend bringing more snacks, food and liquids than you think for the hike. Not only are they for the predicted hike duration, but also if for any reason you are out later than expected. For the full lowdown on what to pack when it comes to nutrition and hydration purposes check out some key points below:
1-3 litres of water or of known streams you can top up your water (safety conscious regarding the water).
Oat and chocolate bars to give you the carbohydrates and energy you need
Pack a sandwich
Fruit is always a great one to bring up the mountains. Bananas are a favourite but they do not carry too well so make sure you place them out of harm's way (bag crushing way - or like me you learn the hard way)
Electrolytes like Nuuns are a great way to give you an energy booster in your water and something used in endurance races.
A Torch/Head Torch:
This is one for safety, especially if you get lost, or you walk into the night. A head torch is great to help guide you back and not use up all of your phone battery. I have a number of head torches, but I recommend purchasing one with a chargeable pack to always be prepared.
A First Aid Kit:
I think you will agree with me on this one - packing a first aid kit is paramount for your safety. The outdoors is an easy place to sustain an injury whether it be a sprained ankle, cut, or another injury so it is key to ensure you are prepared with the basic kit.
Just going to add to this my favourite blister plasters that have helped me no end when I have ended up with the worst blisters. These have been a game changer, especially if I feel a blister coming on. I will put a plaster on before it gets worse and I have found these to be really useful.
Sunscreen and Bug Repellent:
Sunny days on hiking trails can lead to many hours exposed to bright direct sunlight, so I always make sure I have that factor 50 on my face and a cap to protect my head and possible sunstroke. Also, in areas where there are mosquitos (potential for dengue fever) make sure you bring a bottle of natural bug repellent.
A Portable Charger:
With mobile phones being used a lot on the trails through apps, taking photos, maybe charging the torch and so on you will find your battery drains quickly. Where you can, reduce how much you are using your phone. However, to be prepared, bring a portable phone charger to continue to assist with navigation, as well as being contactable in case of an emergency. I have used a number of the apps, like AllTrails, which are great but they tend to zap your phone battery life. So a tip when using apps is to have them pre-downloaded and then to put your phone on airplane mode to save more battery.
A Map and Compass:
And finally, download or print a hard copy of the map of the trail you are hiking and a take compass. Whilst technology is amazing, we also want to be able to navigate with these two methods off the phone just as much as on. This comes with time to help you with your navigation.
Emergencies:
If you are in the middle of nowhere and do not have your exact location a useful app to have is ‘what3words’. It works by identifying any location within the world within a space of three metres. The three words that appear when the app is opened are unique to the three metre area. This is how the emergency teams will find you if you can send them these words.
The list above is just an outline of a kit checklist and gives you a good start into making sure that you have everything that you need. This will vary day-to-day and hike-to-hike so ensure you trial and test the above with what works for you. As with anything it is an important reminder that you are out in nature, and nature can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to the weather. So be as prepared as you can and put into operation the very things that you can manage.
Happy hiking team!
Lizzie xxx
Bottom Line: Embrace the great outdoors! Use the comprehensive list above with all of the clothes you can to prepare for a day hike or a multi day considering the trail and the weather you may encounter. Remember it’s always better to be over prepared than under.
Now, if this blog tickled your adventurous bone and you're keen on stepping into the world of hiking or levelling up your outdoor game, I've got you covered. Dive into those blog posts, the ones that'll guide you through those baby steps or those daring leaps into the wild. Because, hey, my mission? To get both the ladies and gents out there, basking in nature's glory, uncovering its secrets, and embracing all the goodness it has to offer!
If you’re on a quest to get fit for the mountains then look no further and join me on my 8 week Adventure Fit programme. The aim is to help you build your fitness, build your strength, and bulletproof your knees and joints to withstand the mileage you’ll be trekking. Find out more about the programme here: Adventure Fit GYM - 8 Week Strength & Fitness Programme or Adventure Fit MINIMAL - 8 Week Strength & Fitness Programme (great if you’re on the move and don’t have much equipment with you).
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