NEVER HEAD OUT Without These DAY HIKING ESSENTIALS! 2021 Day Hiking Gear Load Out.

[@kcricket39]

I bring everything you mentioned plus a buff, a small lighter, my tiny Leatherman multi tool, and my Silva Guide compass. My dad is a forester, so I grew up in the woods watching him using paper maps and compasses for work. I usually also have my dogs, so I add a couple have things to my mes kit kit them and bring treats and a Ruffwear collapsible water bowl that clips to the outside of my pack. My pack is the Osprey Flare which they unfortunately don't make anymore. (Mine is from 2013.) Also, I've been on a KZbin hiatus, so this is my first chance to say congratulations on 10k! Very well deserved. :)

[@inkblots-life1111]

Day set up ULA Photon Pack, snacks/water, poop kit, water filter, rain jacket, first aid kit, small knife, lighter, cell phone with ear buds, Small emergency blanket. Another great vid

[@john_kelley]

Great stuff!

[@r.waynekelley5257]

John, Excellent information. Thank you for a nice post. A couple of things you will enjoy having with you that wasn't mentioned. One, a sit-pad between you and the wet ground, and two, either coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to take the edge off a chilly day. As you well know, an alcohol stove adds minimal weight and it is kind of nice to relax a few minutes and enjoy a hot drink while taking in a beautiful vista or waiting out a rain shower. Three, some form of lighting. Dark is dark and stumbling through it without a headlamp is a bad idea. Keep up the good work. Catch you on the next go-around.

[@chriskeiper7117]

Congrats on the weight loss! I’ve seen your weight drop as I have watched your videos, but in this video it really stands out.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Chris!!!! It’s been a long road, and there’s more to go, for sure. I really appreciate the kind words!

[@chriskeiper7117]

@@john_kelley About 1.5 years ago I was 275 pounds and now I’m 190. It can be hard at times, but the important thing is to stick with it. Which you are doing well.

[@john_kelley]

That’s awesome!!! Congrats! I was 305, now I’m around 240. Still a long ways to go.

[@chriskeiper7117]

That’s really good! I bet the trails are a lot easier now. I sure noticed a big difference.

[@john_kelley]

Absolutely! And they’ll be getting even easier.

[@bucky716]

I've started shoving a cheap sit pad in my bag for day hikes. Doesn't take up space and sure beats sitting on something wet if it had been raining.

[@john_kelley]

That’s a great idea!

[@TsugaCanadensis1979]

I don't always day hike, but when I do, my kids are with me and that means extra stuff. Much like you are I carry more on this day hikes.

[@john_kelley]

Always extra stuff. Those kids make it fun, though!

[@TsugaCanadensis1979]

@@john_kelley I wouldn't have it any other way!

[@john_kelley]

Exactly!

[@paulcontursi5982]

My loadout is similar but I also bring matches and/or a lighter, some kind of small pocket knife and a sit pad for breaks.

[@RonOrud]

In the long run, a paper map without a compass can let you down. I think the watch you use has one, but a compass cant run out of power. I know you carry a knife, but may have been good to mention. A small tarp or poncho tarp is nice if you got lost. Shelter is big Love the videos. Love the podcast

[@KirstenBayes]

Good choices! If I am day hiking with a group on the hills, I usually take a group shelter which we can get into quickly if the weather turns. Or if we just fancy lunch out of the wind. If it's just me, I carry an emergency insulated bivi bag. Both weigh about half a pound. Alas the weather sucks here, so are needed for safety.

[@john_kelley]

Your location always plays a HUGE part in what you bring.

[@KirstenBayes]

@@john_kelley definitely! Not sure my altimeter (essential for mountains) would be much use for a beach hike. "It says we're at sea level" "well ok then"

[@ROMEKBNY]

A medical kit helps not only yourself or your group, but anyone you might pass who might be without what you have. Throwing extra bandaids, gauze, hand warmers etc… adds insignificant weight and will be overly appreciated. Keeping a bigger kit in your car is important too. I’ve helped more fellow hikers at trailheads/parking areas than on the trail.

[@radio_voice_royce]

I like a puffy jacket too for a day hike. Stopping for some lunch or just to check out a view for awhile, I have gotten a chill because of being a sweaty dude. Puffy jacket to the rescue.

[@john_kelley]

I’m cooler weather, definitely. In KY in the summer, no need. It’s way too hot!

[@jenniferbrown4459]

I definitely carry maps,first aid kits snacks and water,and other items when I hike. Great video.

[@droghaden]

I always have a few ways to start a fire, knife, a whistle and extra food. Just about everything else you feature in your video I carry as well. I ordered the Mile this past week based on the video Miyagi put up with you in it. I've been interested in the lighter frameless stuff but I have been hiking with internal and external packs since I was a kid in scouts (30 years).

[@john_kelley]

Great stuff! A lot of us started in scouts.

[@christopherchan1776]

I'm diggin your videos, specially your Sheltowee Trace vids. You just earned yourself a new subscriber! oh! by the way I LOVE the backpacking podcast! I literally listened to each episode TWICE!! The poop stories, Jeremiah's gonex cracks, and the realness I feel from you guys...PRICELESS!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks so much, Christopher!

[@rickalexander2801]

Great video and I always carry a good compass with a declination scale with my map. Know how to use them.

[@emmaland1347]

You are always so nice and informative!! I super appreciate your videos.

[@john_kelley]

Thank you, Emma!

[@Oldsparkey]

To paraphrase what you said , " Everyone walks to a different drummer ". For day hikes I do something different and it works for me. I use a Mountainsmith Drift ( Lumbar pack , 5 liters ) or a Mountainsmith Day ( Lumbar pack ,13 liters ) as day packs. The liter size depends on the Three W's.( Where , When and Weather ). I really enjoy the freedom of a day pack without shoulder straps. Probably nothing more then something physiological. "O" Well back to reality , I have the Waymark Day on order to use as a Ultralight Backpack this Fall.

[@john_kelley]

Nice! I know a few guys who really swear by the lumbar packs. It would be interesting to try one.

[@ROMEKBNY]

Keeping a flashlight/headlamp is good in case you are out a little longer than expected. A map should be accompanied by a compass and learning how to use them! Also, a lighter and a knife/multi-tool. In addition to the bug spray, you should bring sun protection.

[@MegKT11]

I definitely always carry an emergency shelter,1 or 2 ways to start a fire, and a knife. Ya never know!

[@john_kelley]

Nothing wrong with those.

[@doncoddington3246]

what are those bags for water (mesh) and phone (red) you have attached to your pack during the rain portion of video?

[@carlosmunoz8495]

do the water bottle pockets on the sides have drains on the bottom

[@woodsy6904]

Curious if you’re looking to try the Grayl filter. I’m a BeFree fan as well.

[@john_kelley]

I’ve seen a few people use them. I’m definitely curious.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

I use my normal pack because that is all I have. Therefore, I carry a bunch of stuff as filler but the important stuff is snacks, water, First Aid Kit, Hygiene Kit and depending on forecast pack cover and rain jacket.

[@john_kelley]

Use what you’ve got, Warren. Looks like you’ve got a good setup.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Nice choices man! Heads up on the frogg toggs xtreme lite rain jacket. Theirs a cool design feature if you were unaware.? One of the pocket zippers is actually double sided, that way you can stuff the jacket into the pocket and zip it closed. Packs much smaller that way! Cool design feature alot of people didn't know about. I practically lived out of this jacket during a 4 day 4th of july camping trip that rained almost the entire time! Almost zero condensation when wearing it. The skin soft inner material eliminates that clammy feeling some rain jackets give you. Their dri-pore 2nd generation outer material sheds water easily! My only complaint with this jacket is durability. Kinda have to be careful with it in that regard. Can't be running through bushes or anything like that. Lol..The only wear and tear i have found overtime on mine is around the waist area where the drawstring is. Good thing i bought 2 of them one is still brand new and will be my backup. Do wish it had pit zips but it does have pit grommets. Better than nothing. I have found one other rain jacket out there called the compass 360 which is almost identical to the frogg toggs xtreme lite but this one has a back vent. Both are a good affordable lightweight rain jacket options. That being said i'm about to pull the trigger on a zpacks vertice or enlightened equipment visp. Haven't decided which one yet, but both are near identical also. Leaning more towards the vertice because i like the wrist cuff pull chords. Both are expensive though, at around $250 dollars a piece, but from what i see its worth it. Hope this helps some people.! Stay safe! Hike on!

[@mustang774]

John I carry much the same but I always carry a light of some sort, usually my headlamp. If you do happen to get stuck out on the trail after dark (it happened to me several years ago) it is nice to have a light........Take care, Bluefin.

[@john_kelley]

Great call!!!

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

Essentials for a "remote" day hike: Knife, fire starter (2 types, lighter and ferro rod). birthday candles, tinder, first aid kit, multi tool, poncho (which acts as a tarp also), cordage, extra shirt or jacket pending location and season and extra socks, flashlight, water, food.

[@john_kelley]

Yes to all of this.

[@tamaracheeseman183]

We never go out without a safety kit, cheap poncho, space blanket, some Para cord , a lighter and fire starter. Total is less than a pound and fix in a 3 litre dry bad.

[@john_kelley]

Great Stuff!

[@alexjohnson668]

Did they happen to give you a discount code that will help on shipping. I’m fixing to buy one.

[@dugie5246]

Like the idea of LG. water bag, great idea, as well as paper map. Why wasn't phone in water proof bag? The only item I have other than you is poncho. Can be used as shelter. And I have twice snacks. maybe someone else might enjoy. Great video, safe travels

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

You can never have too much waterproof ing. I have a rucksack rain cover, a pack liner, my kit is organised into different dry bags so that I don’t have to have my pack open very long, and every individual piece of clothing (and my maggot) is in its own tied plastic bag

[@SlyDvl]

I add a headlamp, multitool, fire kit, phone charger and cable. Odds and ends like sun block, hand sanitizer, duct tape, some cordage. Oh yeah, gotta have my light jacket and extra socks. 👍

[@john_kelley]

Awesome!

[@Love2Wander]

It what we do most day hiking you have a nice loadout. I use the osprey daylite plus nice 20L pack liking the your pack what size is it. Stay safe on your outdoor adventures

[@john_kelley]

Thanks! You do the same!

[@natlovell122]

That Waymark Mile in that slate grey is exactly what I want!!!

[@john_kelley]

Get it!

[@natlovell122]

@@john_kelley Gotta convince my wife to let me buy another haha she thinks there is such a thing as too many backpacks

[@john_kelley]

@@natlovell122 My wife doesn’t get it either, lol.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

You're looking great! Cool video. I love gear video's and dayhikes are just as important as backpacking if you ask me.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks! I would definitely agree with you.

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hello John this was a good video man. When I go hiking I like to make sure I have plenty of beverage , snacks , seat , full charge cellphone in case of emergency. That was a good reminder. I see you lost some weight man & that is awesome man. you are looking good man keep up the good work man. I'm glad to see it's working out for you. Doctor keep telling me if I want to keep driving trucks 🚛 i got to lose some weight.

[@john_kelley]

Hey Mack!!! Thanks for the kind words. I’ve still got a ways to go, but I have lost quite a bit. I know you can too!

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@john_kelley you are welcome man. Oh yeah I have lost some weight when I had my foot surgery but I don't want you to lose my Truck 🚛 license because I own my own truck and it's almost paid for. DOT does not play around when it comes to your health and driving a tractor trailer cross country.

[@john_kelley]

You’ve got this, Mack! I believe in you!

[@RonOrud]

Mac, low carb/keto and intermittent fasting makes that weight loss easy. I'm diabetic and dont need insulin any longer. The fasting is the key. You can do it

[@elliotw5918]

Daypack contents: water bottles and filter, sandwich and chips, bug spray and done.

[@lucasvalleau4764]

Something I always bring is a power bank, never know when you might be out there longer than expected or in case I forget to charge my phone before hitting the trail

[@chrisholmes5765]

Waterproof matches and an emergency shelter. I won't take 5 steps into the woods without that. My opinion is anything beyond that is personal preference.

[@john_kelley]

Good stuff.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Great work bud!!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you, Mr. Buck!!!

[@kiltrohiker5568]

Hey I'm thanking to get the Zoleo... do you have some kind of code to get it for cheaper?

[@john_kelley]

I don’t have one. Fortunately, it’s priced really well.

[@bucky716]

Recent REI sales have had them $50 off. If you aren't in a hurry wait until the next one. Like John said, they're still priced really well. I got one and love it.

[@AS-yg2kf]

Good choice for a video and as always, great content

[@john_kelley]

Thank you!

[@davidshirley6850]

Another great video

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@queenanne94101]

Looking FIT Mr. Kelley! 🏋🏻🏔⛺️🗺

[@larrygarrett842]

I'm watching this at the second campsite before hansons right now lol

[@john_kelley]

That’s awesome!

[@aquafinaspringwater9814]

On my day hikes I bring water and an energy bar.

[@john_kelley]

Nice!

[@inkblots-life1111]

Also you’re looking great man. Thinner thru the face and neck. Weight is droppin off. Keep it up bud. ✌🏼

[@john_kelley]

Appreciate it, brother!

[@TheTrailDancer]

JK, our day hiking kits are very similar! :) Almost exact! :) Different brands, but similar.. Exp water filtration. Nice vid! Hope you're well!

[@tktdog]

I take a compass too. And I always have a knife on me.

[@kyridgejumper]

The trimmer done a good job on that beard👍

[@john_kelley]

Lol. Thanks! I’m growing it back out. My wife misses the beard, too. 😂

[@kimberlymayo9951]

Chair, sunblock,and a empty sandwich bag to pick berries along the way.

[@john_kelley]

Great stuff!

[@KrizAkoni]

Mmm, that’s some nice backlighting…. Great vid!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks! Gotta love Prime Day! 😁

[@woodchip2782]

I bring my Helinox chair mini...🤣

[@john_kelley]

😂

[@eddieearl2286]

Hand gun, never go anywhere without it.

[@john_kelley]

Nice!

[@coreysmith7102]

Your thumbnail made me laugh so hard. Thanks for all the good stuff jk

[@john_kelley]

😂

[@justjonoutdoors]

Here’s my day pack “base list” - add to it the paper map for where we are going, and whatever meals/snacks I want for the day: lighterpack.com/r/kmwta7

[@john_kelley]

Nice!

[@Johnnywalleye1]

Headlamp

[@john_kelley]

Good call

[@leeennddaa853]

LOL KZbin Algorithm: "I don't even know what that means, tbh"

[@john_kelley]

😂😂😂

[@kaiserwilhelmnh932]

Analog Map>Anything digital

[@john_kelley]

Never leave home without them.

[@lifthearth]

You keep looking smaller and smaller!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks! It’s been a long road, and I’ve still got a long way to go.

[@lifthearth]

@@john_kelley, as do we all! What are you doing that works best?

[@john_kelley]

I’ve been doing Keto for the last 4 or 5 months. That’s played a huge part. Exercise has played a large role too.

[@lifthearth]

@@john_kelley me too! High fat, Low carb, moderate protein and fasting! Life changers! Keep up the great work and great posts! You are seriously excellent behind a camera.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks so much!