I love to go on all day hikes in more remote wilderness areas. Planning for a harder remote day hike is not difficult, but it will take a little more planning and gear to have a successful day. Here is a summary of my Tips for a Local Day Hike.
- Plan Ahead
- Have a Trail Map
- Dress Appropriately
- Don’t Hike Alone
Beyond basic hiking tips, what you choose to wear and carry will impact the quality of your day and your safety, so take a little extra time before you go to make sure you know the Difficulty Rating for your hike, bring a trail map and have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable hike.
What to Wear Hiking: From a Hat to Boots
Starting at the top, I always wear or carry a lightweight floppy brim hat on my day hikes. That is most comfortable for me, but you may prefer a baseball style hat. A hat can protect you from the sun and keep you warm, so don’t forget a hat. The best way to dress your body is in lightweight layers because it may be chilly early and late in the day and blistering hot in the middle of the day. Choose synthetic fabrics (not cotton) that wick moisture away from your skin. I like to hike in hiking pants or leggings, a shirt with short sleeves and a long sleeve top that I can pull on or off as needed. And the right type of socks and boots are helpful so you don’t get blisters or sprain an ankle.
What to Carry when Hiking
First you will need a Day Pack. A Day Pack can be a school backpack or one specifically made for hiking, just don’t use the ones with drawstrings because they will dig into your shoulders and hurt from the weight of your water and supplies. Next you will fill it with enough water (typically 2 liters but it depends on the weather, time and difficulty of the terrain) and food. Bring a healthy and filling lunch and many snacks including salty ones. For your safety you should bring The Ten Essentials, and a Jacket - appropriate for your area. Even if you expect hot weather, always carry a jacket in your pack in case of an emergency. In the wilderness you will also want a hygiene kit and possibly hiking poles. Hiking poles are nice to have on hills but they are not necessary unless you think you need them for stability. For a detailed list on what to wear and bring, go to my Hiking Checklist: What to Take.
Share your Plan
When venturing out into the wilderness, always share your plan with a family member or friend back home. It only takes a moment to tell or text someone where you are going, the trail you plan to take and what time you expect to be back. This is for your safety! Have a wonderful hike, but don’t forget to let your contact know when you are safely off the trail. At some parks you can check in with a ranger and some trailheads have a sheet you can write on with your name and the time you started, but these are not very common so always let someone know where you are going.
I am glad to hear that the article helped you.