Get ready for your next hike with our comprehensive day hiking packing list! We’ve handpicked the best Amazon hiking gear to match both functionality and the perfect hiking gear aesthetic.

Whether you’re planning a summer hike or need a day hiking packing list for women, our guide has it all. Our one day hiking trip packing list will ensure that you’re prepared for any trail—start packing with our top hiking gear recommendations for a day hike! You can find each of the items mentioned below in our curated list on Amazon.

If you’re new to hiking, it can be difficult to know what to pack and what to leave at home. I’ll never forget the time I saw an ill-advised tourist hiking in the Canadian Rockies – wearing gumboots!

You can’t make this stuff up! Apparently, someone had told him it was going to rain, so he thought gumboots were the solution. Unsurprisingly, his feet were covered in blisters. I gave him some Compeed for the worst ones – ouch!

He clearly hadn’t read this day hiking packing list essentials.

I’ve also ran into hikers who begged for water on numerous occasions. In each case, they had attempted a long hike with not enough water.

That’s when things start getting scary. If you get lost and end up spending the night in the mountains, you can die from hypothermia.

It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop below freezing in the mountains overnight – even in summer! Don’t worry, that’s not going to happen to you. Once you know what to pack for a day hike, it’s easy to stay safe and not overpack. You can shop our curated list here on Amazon.

day hiker on the Laber in the Ammergau region of the German Alps

Who Designed This Day Hiking Packing List?

My name is Laurel and I’ve been hiking almost every weekend for over 20 years, plus at least one multi-day hike every year. I also offer hiking tours and advise clients on what to pack for their hikes.

My day hike essentials have evolved over time and continue to do so as new products and technology come out. When I first started hiking, fleeces were really thick and bulky. I’m so glad to see how hiking gear has evolved to become lighter without sacrificing warmth.

As I hike almost every weekend, sometimes doing multiple hikes on a weekend, I’ve learned what to pack and what to leave at home. That’s why I created this Day Hiking Packing List and made it convenient by putting everything on a curated list that you can shop on Amazon.

Day Hiking Packing List:

You can see the recommended day hiking packing list that I’ve curated, along with an explanation below for each item.

When hiking, it’s essential to layer so that you can easily add or take off layers as you sweat or as the temperature changes.

Upper Body:

Base layer: for wicking sweat off your skin. I LOVE Merino wool as a base layer but quick-drying polyester will also work and is cheaper. Never wear cotton, you’ll be too hot or too cold. This can be a merino wool t-shirt or long sleeve shirt that’s loose enough that you can push the sleeves up if it gets too hot.

Mid-layer: this is for insulating and helps your body retain heat. I always bring a mid-layer, even in summer, since temperatures can drop very quickly. I have a lightweight fleece for summer and a warmer fleece for winter.

Outer layer: this is a shell to protect you from wind and rain. I always bring an rainproof outer layer, even on sunny days. Weather can change quickly, and it can often be cold and windy at the summit.

Lower Body

Hiking Leggings: I like to either wear these or bring them with me on winter hikes, spring, and fall. I don’t wear them when hiking in summer.

Convertible Hiking Pants: These are my favourite essential item of hiking gear. They are full length pants that zip off at either just below the knee and/or also zip off above the knee, turning them into shorts, depending on the style.

I almost never hike in regular shorts. These are much more practical should the weather change.

Waterproof Pants: These are worth buying and then you can assess before each hike whether or not to bring them. If rain is in the forecst, then obviously bring them.

If the forecast is for sun, I don’t usually bring mine for day hikes of 4 hours or less, but I will bring them on longer day hikes.

Hiking Shorts: If you are hiking in warmer weather then shorts are an acceptable option. However, I still prefer the convertible hiking pants mentioned above.

Hiking Socks: Socks are one item you don’t want to cheap out on. A good pair of socks will help prevent blisters by wicking the moisture away. They’ll also help regulate your foot temperature.

All it takes it getting a bad blister once for you to be convinced of the value of a good pair of socks. Trust me, don’t learn the hard way.

Gaiters: These are always in my backpack and are only an essential in my opinion if you’re doing difficult hikes with scree. However, if you’re hiking at lower elevations on a wide path, you don’t need them.

Having said that they’re great in snow and mud for keeping your legs warm and dry. They’re also good in summer on scrambles. They keep tiny rocks from getting in your boots.

Besides, even in summer, you may encounter mud, or even snow higher up! They also add another layer, so can be used if you’re cold, or to keep the wind out.

Hiking Boots: You’ll want to invest in a good pair of hiking boots. Your feet will thank you for it. I always buy a 1/2 to 1 size bigger, since your feet swell after a day of hiking. I recommend trying them on near the end of a day, when your feet are already swollen.

If you have weak ankles, I’d definitely recommend hiking boots over hiking shoes for extra support.

Trail Runners: If you are not one for hiking boots and are hiking on easy trails then trail runners are a good option and they’re lighter than hiking boots.

If you are looking for light shoes that are versatile and still have traction then these would be great for a day hike..

Related Reading: 18 Best Leggings for Hiking

Day Hiking Packing List Accessories

Neck Warmer/Buff: As silly as it sounds, a neck warmer is in my backpack on almost every hike – even in summer because it can be used against the wind. I carry a thin one in summer and a fleece one when hiking in winter.

Baseball/Suncap: You definitely don’t want to get sunstroke while hiking so bring some kind of hat that will protect you from the sun.

Merino Beanie: When hiking in colder areas, a good Merino wool beanie is perfect. This one offers moisture wicking which makes wearing it a little more comfortable as you are bound to sweat even if it is cold.

Hiking Backpack: 20L is fine if you’re doing short day hikes, otherwise, I’d recommend 30L if you’re doing longer day hikes. Look for one that has a built-in rain cover. It will fit better than if you buy one separately.

Also, buy one that has space between the pack and your back to prevent back sweat. It can be uncomfortable and can have a huge impact on your body temperature. Check for more tips on how to choose the right hiking backpack. I’m a big fan of Osprey and Deuter backpacks.

Sports Bra: Obviously, this one is for women only. Ladies take care of your girls while staying comfortable and look for one that’s breathable and quick drying to prevent uncomfortable moisture. y6 ……mk,

Day Hike Essentials: Hydration & Food

Water Bottle: You can just use water bottles to hike, or a combination of a water bottle and a water bladder (my preference), but always have at least 2 water sources in case one leaks and you find yourself without water.

Water Bladder/Water Reservoir: I prefer hiking with this since I find I drink more, preventing dehydration and can hike and drink at the same time without having to stop and break my pace.

Electrolyte Tablets/Powder: These stay in my First-Aid kit. If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or have low blood pressure, these can make you feel better in a flash.

Energy Bars: Energy bars are a great food source on the trail. I always keep one or two as an emergency stash in my backpack. Also check out what I recommend for hiking lunches and hiking snacks here.

Nuts: Nuts, seeds, trail mix are all good choices as they fill you up and don’t take up much room.

Safety Items for Your Day Hiking Packing List

Emergency Thermal Blanket: This is tiny, but may save your life if you get stranded on the mountain since hypothermia is a real risk if you unexpectedly end up having to spend the night on a mountain. I never hike without one. See my post where I talk about why a survival blanket is a must when hiking.

Mini First Aid Kit: For day hikes you probably don’t need a full-size First Aid Kit. I use a mini one which has the basics. Find out more about what should be in your First Aid Kit.

Day Hike Essentials for Avoiding Blisters When Hiking

Anti-Blister Stick: Bring instant comfort to those spots that feel like they are going to blister, especially on a hike. Prevention is key. You want to use it before it turns into a blister.

Compeed Blister Cushions: I think Compeed is the best blister treatment on the market! I always carry a few in my backpack.

Check out my post on How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking for further tips.

Navigation Essentials For Your Day Hike

Smart Phone: I highly recommend downloading the GPS tracks of your day hike into a hiking app such as AllTrails, Gaia, or Mapy, before you go hiking to ensure that you don’t get lost.

While you can bring another GPS device, I prefer a smartphone since you can also use it to take photos of your hike.

Paper Map: Always bring a paper copy of a map and a description of your hiking route. It’s fine to use hiking apps/electronic versions, but bring a paper one as a backup in case the electronic version fails.

Miscellaneous Items for Your Day Hiking Packing List

Head Lamp: I always carry a headlamp in my backpack, on longer day hikes. You can get lost, injured and find yourself unexpectedly hiking in the dark. It’s happened to me more than once.

Bear spray: if you are hiking in bear country then you should carry this with you at all times.

Bug spray: This is a small item to carry and is essential in my book.

Toilet Paper: If you’ve ever been without toilet paper while hiking and had a #2 bathroom emergency, you’ll understand why you should always bring a roll with you.

Plastic Bags: You have two choices, either bury your #2 business, or carry out your used toilet paper. Yes, it’s stinky and gross, but do it anyway.

Sunscreen: Sun protection is really important.

Sunglasses: A must on the trail. I never go on a hike without them.

Related Reading: Gifts That Hikers Will Love

Optional Items for Your Day Hiking Packing List

Cooling Towel: A cooling towel is an optional item when you are hiking in warmer weather.

Wipes: Cleansing wipes can be useful if you want to freshen up but aren’t essential. I love that these are biodegradable.

Hiking Poles: I don’t recommend buying hiking poles if you are just starting out. But for avid hikers, poles can come in handy on a trail. You can also check our tips for choosing the right hiking poles.

Waterproof Phone Case. Having a waterproof case for your phone on a hike can be a great asset if you’re hiking in a wet area and have your phone out a lot for navigation.

Related Reading: The Best Trekking Poles.

After Day Hiking Items

Foot Roller: I don’t actually bring this with me for day hikes, although I do for multi-day hikes, but I have it at home for after the hike. It feels soooo good!

Guasha Tool: I love using my Guasha tool on sore muscles, particularly on my shins, calves and feet after. along hike. You rub it firmly along the sore spot 5-10 times. It hurts but feels SO good afterwards.

You’ll also want to check out our tips on how to reduce muscle soreness after your hike. The tips we’ve included here make a HUGE difference.

Day Hiking Packing List: The Essentials To Bring On Every Hike