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Hiking is the best way to explore the outdoor, whether you’re traveling the world or staying close to home! Hiking is a great way to get exercise, breathe the freshest air, and take in incredible viewpoints. But to ensure your day hike is a success, it’s so important that you’re prepared. I have made packing for a day hike super easy with this detailed list. The day can turn very bad if you aren’t prepared with all the essentials.
I seriously think hiking is amazing in any weather, as long as you’re prepared, rain, hail, or shine, a day hike is always worth the effort.
Over the last few years, I have been particularly enjoying hiking in the snow, or locations surrounded by snow. New Zealand, Nepal & South Korea have all provided me with some of the best winter hiking experiences.
But these winter climates can provide some pretty intense situations so being prepared for a day hike in winter is even more important.
I’m sure you know there’s a lot that goes into a day of hiking, finding the perfect trail, weather forecast, food & being prepared with all the best winter hiking gear. These are all super important and if you follow this list & my recommendations, I’m sure you’ll have a stress free day exploring the great outdoors
Also, keep reading because at the end I have included some bonus tips!
Packing For a Day Hike [in winter]
What to Wear Hiking in Winter
Clothing is one of the first things people think about when planning a day hike. What should I wear?
Wearing the correct clothing can make or break your day! You want to be comfortable, and at the right temperature in all conditions.
I recommend trying to avoid cotton clothing. Cotton is very slow to dry and won’t provide you with insulation in cold weather.
Layering is also very important. Even if you’re hiking in freezing temperatures, once you get your body moving, especially if the sun is out, you’ll start to heat up. That’s why layering & wearing lightweight clothing is so good. It’s easy to take one layer at a time off and carry it in your backpack or around your waist if necessary.
Clothing & Footwear Recommendations;
Hiking Boots
The correct hiking boots are essential if you want to avoid blisters and sore ankles. You’ll want boots that are lightweight and waterproof or at least water-resistant because when you’re hiking in winter there is a good chance you’ll come across wet or snowy conditions.
Base Layer / Thermal Top
This will be an essential part of your “layering system” and go against your skin, it’s so important to keep your core at a good temperature throughout your hike. A long-sleeve thermal or woolen top that is fitted will be perfect.
Mid Layer Top
The mid-layer will be another long sleeve top to provide extra warmth when hiking in cold temperatures. I know everyone has a different tolerance to cold climates so that’s why the layering system is so good because it’s easy to dress down during the hike if you need to.
Lightweight Fleece or Synthetic Vest or Jacket
Depending on the temperature I would either wear a vest or jacket to act as my insulation layer. These provide a good amount of extra warmth and are easy to take off if you start to get too hot as your hiking.
Waterproof Hiking Jacket
A waterproof jacket is an absolute must on any day hike. They’re comfortable to wear & lightweight and you no doubt regret it if it starts pouring with rain or snowing! Make sure your choice of hiking jacket has good pockets, so you can keep them filled with items you’ll regularly want to use, like your phone.
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Continue; Clothing & Footwear Recommendations;
Thermal Pants / Wool Leggings
Now to your bottom half.
Leggings or thermal pants will depend on the temperature and if you’re going to be hiking in the snow. If it’s going to be below zero I would advise wearing them but above that, you risk feeling too hot once you get your body moving.
Knee-High Woolen Socks
Another option for keeping your legs warm is wearing knee-high woolen socks. If the temperature isn’t going to be low enough to wear thermal pants or leggings, knee-high socks are a great idea because they will keep you very warm but it’s easy enough to take them off along the trail if you’re getting too warm.
And, you should also be wearing or have in your backpack a spare pair of woolen crew socks, to ensure your feet are always warm and comfortable.
Waterproof Outer-layer Pants
These are an obvious one but just make sure they are loose-fitting, flexible, and definitely waterproof. The pants I would recommend are The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants
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Then a few additional items you should always take with you on a day hike to ensure you’re warm and comfortable are; Gloves (make sure you get smartphone gloves), Beanie, and Scarf or Neck Gaiter.
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What to Bring on a Day Hike
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin.
Everything below is what you’ll need to include when packing for a day hike. And, I have also listed optional gear & what not to take! Once you’ve started your hike there’s no turning back! So make sure you’re well prepared. I recommended packing & getting organized the night before.
Hiking Backpack
Arguably the most essential piece of hiking gear. Your backpack needs to be the right size & have the most practical compartments. I would also recommend ensuring your backpack comes with a waterproof cover in case it starts to rain and a pocket on the side for a drink bottle.
Osprey Sirrus 24 Hiking Backpack
Water Bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated during your hike, even when you’re hiking in cold temperatures. Each person should carry at least 1.5lts of water & I always like to have a drink bottle that has a handle or straps. So, I can comfortably carry it if it’s not in the side pocket of my backpack.
Hiking Poles
I think the need for hiking poles depends on where you’re hiking. Although they do take a lot of strain off your joints, mostly your knees, when you’re hike involves a lot of steps or uneven ground.
When I hiked the Hooker Valley Track in New Zealand I didn’t take poles as I knew the path was reasonably flat & even. But whenever I hike in Nepal I always need poles as there is generally a lot of steps and more hilly terrain.
So packing hiking poles for a day hike should really depend on where you’re going. But I can assure you they are very helpful with keeping you balanced and do help ease pressure off your joints.
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What Should You Pack in Your Hiking Backpack
Food
The best type of food for a day hike is lightweight snacks and food that can be enjoyed throughout the day. Such as trail mix, seeds, whole fruits like apples and oranges, carrot sticks, hummus (I transfer a small amount into a container), and whole-grain tortillas.
First Aid Kit
Hopefully, you won’t ever need this, but a first aid kit is very important to have with you, just in case!
Navigational Tools
Never solely rely on your phone maps during a hike as it may lose signal. It’s always a good idea to carry a paper copy of a map of the area. And, if there’s a map at the beginning of the trail, I will always take a photo of that as well. Also, I would recommend carrying a compass with you.
Hand Sanitizer
Try using refillable travel bottles with keychains for your hand sanitizer.
Power Bank
If using your phone for photography or listening to music along the trail it’s important to take a power bank charger with you so you’ll never get caught out with a flat battery.
Polarized Sunglasses
Sun Hat
Hiking Head Lamp
Even if you’re just packing for a day hike, a headlamp is still a good idea just in case something unforeseeable happens later in the day.
Whistle
Just any whistle, they’re important in case you get into danger or have a serious fall.
Toilet Paper
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Optional Winter Hiking Gear
Thermos Flask
When hiking in cold temperatures there’s no doubt you’ll get cold at some point. And, when you’re stopping to admire one of the amazing viewpoints, there will be nothing better than a cup of hot coffee or soup to warm you up.
The only reason I have put this under optional is that Thermoses can be heavy and take up extra room in your backpack. Plus there are so many other lightweight meal options.
But if you can be bothered carrying it, Thermos Flasks are a great idea to pack for a day hike in winter.
Heat Pack / Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are amazing and I really could have used them when hiking in the snow in Nepal. Because my fingers got so cold I thought they were about to snap off. But if you aren’t too sensitive to the cold climates and have a really good pair of gloves, these may not be necessary.
Metal Straws
Metal Straws are lightweight and an environmentally friendly option to take with you along the hiking trails if you prefer to drink out of a straw.
Reusable Cutlery Set
So another environmentally friendly option you could take with you hiking is a reusable cutlery set. I have this under optional because it would depend on what kind of food you brought with you whether it would be necessary.
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Hiking With Camera Gear
Even though they take up extra space, I always go hiking with my DSLR camera. I love being prepared to capture all the amazing sights along the way!
I will list the few camera gear essentials I always include when packing for a day hike. Although I don’t take everything I have with me, so I’ve also listed some “non-essential” camera gear.
Camera Gear Essentials
- Lightweight DSLR (I use Canon EOS 200D)
- X 1 Lense (I only take one lens with me on a day hike, wide lenses are the best for landscape Photography)
- Make sure your lease is fitted with a filter (UV filter is recommended)
- LensPen, to make sure none of the elements dirty your lenses and negativity affect your photo
- Drones. These are so amazing to get an even better view of your hiking trail and surrounding scenery. I recommend a DJI mini Drone, these are a much cheaper option and only weigh about the same as a smartphone.
Non Essential Camera Gear, If Packing For a Day Hike
- Extra Lenses; although you never know what you could come across during a hike, I just think carrying multiple lenses, along with everything else will become heavy and unnecessary.
- Tripod; unless you have a very small & lightweight tripod I wouldn’t recommend it. Tripods can be useful but professional tripods can be bulky and difficult to carry for long distances.
Photography Tips; A few things I always make sure I do while packing for a day hike is making sure my camera gear is well prepared, to avoid any stress or frustration along the way.
- Clear my memory cards (It’s so annoying if they run out of space)
- Ensure the date & time are correct on your camera (this is more so when you’re traveling and have arrived in a new time zone)
- Fully charge my camera battery (good camera batteries last a few days so if your battery is fully charged at the beginning of the day there is no need to carry spare batteries)
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Hiking Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Backpack Do I Need For a Day Hike?
Anything between 20-35 liters is perfect for a day hike. And, the backpack’s pockets are so important. Separate compartments and a few small pockets are essential as there are some items like your phone or map that you’ll need easy & regular access to.
What Should I Pack For a Day Hike Lunch?
I don’t recommend packing one big meal for your hike! As it’s not a good idea to eat too much at once and then feel bloated & heavy while you hike. So instead I would recommend taking multiple high-energy snacks like apples, carrots sticks, nuts, and energy bars.
What Should You NOT Take on a Hike?
- Jewelry
- A large amount of cash
- Nice shoes (especially white ones)
- Extra toiletries – only take the essentials, even sunscreen, I definitely recommend wearing it but don’t carry a bottle around all day. If you put it on in the morning that will be good for the day.
- Bulky towel
- Big tripod
Is it Ok to Hike in Jeans?
No, jeans are heavy & restricting. Plus, if they get wet they’ll be extremely uncomfortable.
Bonus Hiking Tips:
- Tell someone where you’ll be and what time you’re expected back. Whether you’re hiking with someone or alone, it’s always safest if someone else knows your whereabouts and what time they should expect to hear from you.
- Take Rubbish Bags with you. Because no trace of you should be left on the hiking trail, make sure you take everything home with you.
- Hand Wipes. These aren’t the most environmentally friendly option, but I know sometimes they are just easiest when cleaning up. But always make sure you take every single one with you & put them in the rubbish bin when you get to one.
- Plastic Poncho. If there’s a lot of rain forecast a plastic poncho is an awesome and easy idea to keep everything extra dry. They’re big enough to cover you, your backpack & your head. And although your gear is probably waterproof if it’s a big downpour these can be really helpful.
I hope you found this list helpful and are now more prepared for your upcoming hike! Make sure to share this with all your hiking friends.
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
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So informative, thank you!!
Thank you heaps Amy
I love this list. Your right it’s all about layering for winter hiking and proper foot ware, that way you stay warm and dry.
Thank you so much, and yeah for sure, makes the day much more enjoyable
When we were kids we used to see people ski in jeans and I always thought that would be so miserable! It’s winter and jeans get SO heavy and cold when they are wet lol!
Exactly haha it’s so crazy that people would even consider it
Cramptons are also an absolute must for winter hiking as the trails can get quit icey! When prepared, Winter hiking is the absolute best!
Great recommendation, thank you. Yeah it’s so amazing
Really great list! My trekking poles are a game-changer, but when I first started hiking, I didn’t have them. Thank you for this!
Thank you so much. Yeah they’re really great, saved my knees in Nepal lol
Fine! A lot of useful information and tips! Thank you! I agree with you that walking is a great way to enjoy all the wonderful views and sights on your trip.
We love winter hiking being from MN, these are great tips!
I agree that you can hike in any weather as long as you’re prepared. This is a great list of what to pack for a day hike in the winter.
We’ve never bought or used hiking poles and we’ve been thinking about investing in them! They seem like a great idea in especially icy conditions. (Which we get a lot in Kentucky.)
Yeah for icy conditions I think they’re a must
Such a great list. Thanks for sharing!
Your layering ideas are excellent. I am a big fan of merino wool and, on colder days, use it as an underlayer as well as the top layer (add a waterproof layer on top of it all for rain or snow). As NZ is quite outdoor aware, there is a motto – “cotton kills” and most schools and classes involving outdoor education drill this in.
Oh wow I’ve never hear that one Lol. Yeah cotton would definitely be no good in NZ
The great list shared on hiking will facilitate future journeys for backpackers.
Thanks so much San, really glad you find it helpful
Great list! I guess the only things I would add are microspikes (or snowshoes if you know you’ll be at high elevations with snow) and maybe a thermos full of a hot drink (as it is sooo nice to have a hot cuppa on winter hikes!)