Whether you want to go for a long distance Mountain scramble or stay closer to flat ground, packing the correct kit is important. It is always good to follow a planning checklist (example) to make sure all equipment is needed and packed.
The backpack
The most important item with any hike is the backpack. This should accommodate all items easily but not be too large so items move around or too small the items might not be able to fit. A good rule of thumb is looking at the litres each backpack can hold. Personal preference is a must and at Canny Adventures, we have hikers that are six-foot males using 18 Litre backpacks for basic and sometimes up to 33 litres on the more adventurous hikes.
Drybags
Backpacks aren’t waterproof but may come with a rain cover built in. For the backpacks that don’t, the use of dry bags are very handy. With the basic kit, one large dry bag inside would be enough, but for the more adventurous hike, smaller dry bags may be required and used as different items.
Depending on what type of hike you are going to do there are two ways to pack a bag.
- Well marked or sign posted path’s
- Arduous/adventurous trails
Well marked path’s or sign posted trails
Packing for this type of walk requires the basic essential. An everyday hike will follow a similar pattern and items will always be included. These items are called the 10 essentials (link).
Adventurous or arduous hikes
These types of hike will require extra kit since you maybe out for longer or arriving safely in the dark. Sometimes these hikes may not have path’s and require advanced navigation or scrambling. Items included with such a hike are GPS, head torches and warm clothing. With technology being used more and more, power banks are becoming more essential on any type of hike.
Breaking down a brief day hike checklist
This would include:
- A suitable backpack
- Whether appropriate clothing
- correct footwear
- food and water
- navigational aids
- first-aid kit
- knife or a multitool
Always check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the condition. Be prepared for the weather to change or an impromptu night if lost. It’s also good to remember what protection you are likely to carry for either wind, rain or sun. The footwear determines what to wear based on the terrain you will be hiking in. Hikes for smooth trails or paths would not require the same type of footwear as a rugged trail or scrambling. More details about using the correct boots or the 10 essentials (link) can be found in separate articles.