The 10 Essentials: What Every Hiker Should Have in Their Daypack, No Matter Where You Are

I hike all over the world—from summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro to trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc to taking on Peru’s Salkantay Trail. But when I’m home in Florida, heading out for a training hike, I’ll admit—sometimes I’m a little laissez-faire about what makes it into my daypack. It feels “less serious” when I’m not halfway around the world on a mountain, right?

The truth is, though, that the 10 essentials aren’t just for remote wilderness or multi-day expeditions. They’re for every hike, no matter how short, flat, or familiar. Emergencies can happen anywhere and often for the simplest reasons: not enough water, no rain gear when a storm rolls in, or a dead phone battery when you need navigation.

Whether you’re hiking a local trail or climbing to new heights abroad, these ten items belong in your pack every single time.

Be prepared even for shorter hikes!

1. Water

It sounds obvious, but it’s the #1 mistake I see hikers make. Dehydration sneaks up fast—especially in heat or altitude. Always bring more than you think you’ll need, and if your hike is longer than a few hours, carry a way to purify or filter water, too. I always carry a 1L nalgene of water and electrolytes in addition to my water reservoir.

💡 Pro tip: I aim for at least 2 liters, even on shorter hikes. For longer or high-altitude routes, I carry 3.

2. Snacks (and a few extras)

Fuel is everything. Bring calorie-dense snacks like nuts, jerky, energy bars, or dried fruit—and a few extra snacks in case your “quick hike” becomes a long one. You never know when a wrong turn, an injury, or helping another hiker might extend your day.

3. Navigation Tools

Even if you’re familiar with the trail, don’t rely solely on your phone. Batteries die. Service drops. Always have an offline map, downloaded GPS track, or a simple paper map and compass.

4. First Aid Kit

A small kit with essentials—bandages, blister care, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers—goes a long way. Tailor it to your needs, and don’t forget personal medications.

💡 Bonus: Toss in a pair of gloves and a small triangular bandage—you’d be surprised how useful they are.

5. Headlamp or Light Source

Even if you plan to be back before dark, pack a headlamp. Trails can take longer than expected, and darkness falls fast in forests or mountains. Always bring extra batteries or ensure it’s fully charged.

6. Rain Gear

A lightweight rain jacket (and sometimes rain pants), or a rain poncho can make the difference between a soggy, miserable trek and a manageable one. Weather changes fast—even in Florida.

7. Bathroom Kit

Because nature calls anywhere. A small trowel, toilet paper or wipes, a ziplock for packing out used paper, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer keep you prepared and Leave No Trace–compliant.

8. Sun Protection

Even on cloudy days, UV exposure adds up quickly. Sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and a hat belong in every pack.

9. Insulation

Pack an extra layer—even in warm climates. A lightweight fleece, puffy jacket, or base layer can save you if temperatures drop or you’re stuck out longer than planned.

10. Emergency Shelter

A small, packable emergency bivy or space blanket takes up almost no room but could be life-saving if you or someone else needs to wait out weather or injury.

Preparedness Is Community

Having the 10 essentials isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about being ready to help someone else. The trail is a community, and every prepared hiker contributes to its safety and resilience.

I always tell my groups: “Be your own rescue—and someone else’s helping hand.” You never know when your extra snack, extra layer, or spare headlamp might make a difference for a fellow hiker.

Preparedness is one of the simplest acts of kindness we can offer each other on the trail. So pack smart, hike safe, and keep showing up for the people and places that make adventure meaningful.