New to Hiking? Don't Go Anywhere Without These Essentials!

Looking to hit the trails for a day hike? In this video, we'll go over the essentials you need to bring along for a safe and enjoyable experience. From proper footwear and clothing to hydration and navigation, we'll cover everything you need to know before hitting the trail. So whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to the outdoors, this video is a must-watch before your next day hike. Get ready to pack your bag and hit the trail with confidence!
Sponsored By Mystery Ranch: www.mysteryranch.com/
Gear in this video:
Coulee 20: www.mysteryranch.com/coulee-2...
Grayl Water Purifier - bit.ly/3HtXDBy
Ledlenser NE01R Headlamp - bit.ly/3LL8QhR
Wiley X Sunglasses - www.wileyx.com
Gear I have tested and recommend:
Day Hike Backpacks and Hiking Gear:
Mystery Ranch Men’s Coulee 20: bit.ly/3VRTQDA
Mystery Ranch Men’s Coulee 30: bit.ly/3VPF68r
Mystery Ranch Women’s Coulee 20: bit.ly/3I1wxl7
Mystery Ranch Women’s Coulee 30: bit.ly/3O14yWI
Komperdell Explorer Contour trekking poles
Tents and Camping Gear:
Big Agnes Copper Spur bit.ly/3XWSpn4
Durston X Mid trekking pole tent durstongear.com/product/x-mid-1p
Sea to Summit Ascent AcII Sleeping Bag: 15F Down bit.ly/3JTea1h
Zenbivy 25 Degree Lightbed zenbivy.com/products/zenbivy-...
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad bit.ly/3DbbCcO
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow bit.ly/34n4749
Clothing:
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket bit.ly/3iwmivF
Big Agnes Zetto Ultralight Down Jacket www.bigagnes.com/products/zet...
Arc-teryx Beta Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie bit.ly/3XR4WZm
Fjallraven Keb Agile Trouser
Coalatree Trailhead Pants coalatree.com/products/trailh...
AKU Selvatica Mid GTX Hiking Boots bit.ly/3eSMmvy
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock bit.ly/3qLVyaI
Hestra Bike Ergo Grip Tactility Glove amzn.to/3GWeADc
Camp Kitchen:
BeanVivo: beanvivo.com/
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove bit.ly/34mBc06
Sea to Summit Alpha Pot - 1.9 Liters bit.ly/3tdCZ23
Sea to Summit Watercell X bit.ly/3wv3ost
Platypus Big Zip EVO Reservoir Water Bladder bit.ly/3t2SrxF
Grayl Geopress Water Purifier bit.ly/3DbOCun
Lifestraw Peak Squeeze Water filter straw bit.ly/3Bjk88U
Pinnacle Foods Freeze dried food pinnaclefoods.co/
Vosteed Nightshade Folding Knife amzn.to/3J7XOnn
Matador 8L Flatpack matadorup.com/products/flatpa...
Trail Gear:
Ledlenser Neo 5R Headlamp amzn.to/3Jd8Pnu
Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Tool bit.ly/3UGgFYO
Zoleo Satellite Communicator amzn.to/3WBDRIK
Special thanks to my Global Partners for supporting my mission of inspiring and educating people to get on the trail and enjoy the benefits of sustainable outdoor adventure.
Wiley X: www.wileyx.com/
Mystery Ranch: www.mysteryranch.com/
Cotopaxi: www.cotopaxi.com/
BeanVivo: beanvivo.com/
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Produced By
Heliconia Productions: www.heliconia.ca/
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Instagram: / epictrails365
Facebook: / epictrails365
Blog: in4adventure.com/
#dayhiking #dayhike #dayhikinggear #gearfordayhiking #backpacking #backpackinggear

[@sway_onthetrail]

I just bring all 10 essentials with me every time I day hike personally. Even as a moderately experienced backpacker, I don't take my chances with nature no matter how small my trip. I always tell myself that if something happened to me in nature, I'd rather make it back with an incredible story than be a statistic that dissuades people from enjoying nature.

[@tombprospectorvulcan6440]

Dude where are you hiking?

[@stephenbesch5331]

Great list! The only thing I would add would be a reliable way of starting a fire, even if it's just a bic lighter in your pocket. If you don't make it back to your car for any reason and end up spending the night out unexpectedly, a fire can turn a potentially life threatening scenario into nothing more than an inconvenience. Cheap, compact, and light - it's a no-brainer.

[@jimbort_de_breces]

A whistle for effective signaling for help. Yelling takes a lot of energy and one may be too weak or injured to be heard. Also a whistle can be heard at greater distances

[@PwnageFury]

This is a great list. I just did a short 2 mile loop in a local refuge and still brought - water, jacket, bandaids, my phone and a bar. Years ago a good friend who fell and broke her ankle really badly just walking her dog near home. She had not brought her cell phone and had to crawl out of the wooded area to flag down a passing car for help. A trip does not need to be long or far for things to go sideways.

[@simplepyeman]

Sounds pretty much like scout essentials for a hike: Cub scouts - 6 essentials 1. First Aid Kit 2. Water Bottle 3. Flashlight 4. Trail Food 5. Sun Protection (I usually amend this to weather protection) 6. Whistle Scouts BSA - 10 Essentials 1. Map and Compass 2. Sun Protection 3. Extra Clothing 4. Flashlight 5. First-Aid Kit 6. Matches and Fire-starters 7. Pocketknife 8. Trail Food 9. Water Bottle 10. Rain Gear

[@gordontyree4308]

Yep! The Boy Scouts have it right! BE PREPARED!!

[@dwightWSmith73]

I was on the Alpine Rescue Team back in the early 70s. We were taught about the ten essentials which if I recall correctly, came from the book, "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills". I live very close to Rocky Mountain National Park and I'm stunned by the countless day hikers out there with nothing more than sneakers and a water bottle.

[@user-zw3kw4fs5u]

I'm from the UK and read this book. fab read.

[@ericbain507]

Valid! A battery pac and bic lighter always make my list as well. I do typically carry a "space blanket" as they are light and take up little room, as long as people are aware of the short comings of these items and know how to use them, then I think they too are valid. 😊

[@douglasconrad8969]

Although i'd love to through hike for 6 months it is day hikes that actually happen. Thanks for covering "doable" stuff!

[@johncheeseman6764]

Hi Eric, I always carry a safety kit, emergency poncho, space blanket, 25 ft para cord and matches. With my trekking poles i can make a lean to. I always take my zeleo.

[@rawnwild]

“Day hiking is a gateway drug to happiness”, amen to that. Nothing is better than either going for a nice hike and enjoying the scenery or scrambling down a hill while having an absolute blast.

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

REI 10 and the Bushcraft 10 will see you through pretty much anything. I carry them all. It's earthquake country here, and I've been through the Northridge quake in LA. Better to carry a bit too much than too little if you get stuck out there. Always carry extra stuff in your vehicle, too.

[@platesweightspeaks]

I take a 28L pack day hiking because I am a sucker for my dog, and don't make him carry his own water or jacket 😂 I also go on some extended day hikes, and need room for lunch and snacks! And in case I get lost I have a tarp and a travel sized rumpl. But the pack has a trampoline back and its amazing!!

[@R-Barchetta]

I started carrying a backpack and most of the items you listed after a couple mile stroll unexpectedly turned into an all day adventure. Tons of switchbacks, lots of elevation gain, no shelter when surprise rain came, no insulation when the temp dropped, no extra water (only 16 oz) and no snacks. It sucked and I never wanted to feel lime that again. Now I carry a pack with water, snacks, a jacket, and first-aid kit at the minimum, and have a few day packs ranging fron 12L through 35L and I'll choose & pack depending on where & when I'm going. Also wanted to mention that I lived in a very hot desert environment (like 115-120 or more for 3-4 months) and learned to cover up when it's hot. It seems counterintuitive, but you actually stay cooler in long, loose, and light layers because your sweat doesn't immediately evaporate.

[@KirstenBayes]

Always good to see something for us ordinary day hikers! I'm aware that most search and rescues are caused by people either losing the trail or falling off it; most deaths are caused by exposure; and if you are not found within 48 hours the casualty rate rises sharply. So, carrying stuff that helps reduce this is wise but there's definitely a balance. I tend to carry a compass with a mirror, and an orange drum liner, which hit a bunch of these needs (the mirror and orangeness are signalling thingies), and come in at around a pound (400g) total. I also always have the gear to make a cup of tea but that is just being British.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. You're set for just about any emergency. Stay safe out there. 😮

[@Jarrych83]

I like my 35l pack for dayhikes, but I like to bring stuff to cook lunch/make warm drinks, and always have a small camera with a few lenses. Added to the backup jacket/accessories, bathroom tools, and the rest of the big 10, and it definitely adds up. But, if I go lighter for a few hours, guaranteed sun, what have you, the pack isn't too big or heavy as to be awkward and wobbly. But, your video is a great overview of the 10 essentials from a practical starting point.

[@rfdinesen4027]

Great video as usual! Helpful tips and confirmations. Thanks so much for making it.

[@iceman857]

I keep most of my 10 essentials in my day pack so I don't have to think much about what I put in it. I do think it's worth bringing a shelter, TBH. You 'll only need to use it once to find the value. I think that I have had the same SOL emergency bivvy that I bought for $20 be in my pack for at least 7 years. I used it once in a situation where I was helping other hikers look for a lost companion, and found it very valuable that day/night!

Yeah, you need it when you don’t have it. Good call on the bivy.

[@davesi56]

Very informative, thank you very much. Just do day hiking but not always prepared, thanks again!

Shout out to Grayl! Saved the day multiple times.

[@maxviking3210]

Good video, I always use maps and compass and use phone as a back up or to check if I am doing right. My philosophybehind that is that it is easier to take out the phone fully chargedand use an app when things goes wrong then the other way around. Start using a paper Map and a compass can be a bit difficult and maybe you forgoten how to use it when you need it the most.. so to make sure I am familiar with those tools I want to use them even on very easy trips.. a good way to learn how to use them. :)

[@thefisherking78]

Awesome insights, thank you

[@markheming3507]

Great video as always Eric. Even being a crazy UL gram weenie I always carry a similar gear list, but once many years ago I made a huge navigation error that almost turned my dayhike into an overnighter. so I always carry my Zoleo & my cotton balls / magnesium fire stick

[@willk7184]

Good one bro, thanks!

[@Olyphoto7]

The most important thing you don’t need to bring is telling one or more people where you’re going, how long you plan to be there and when to expect you will come back. It’s really hard to get rescued if nobody knows where you are. I always carry the essentials including a few methods of starting a fire. Be safe out there, come home relaxed with some nice pictures and maybe some new stories.

[@creekgeek]

I think you covered most items. I would throw in a lighter or Firestarter just in case. Good video👍

[@gillessprecher4674]

Best day hiking essentials and advices video inhere! And I've watched a lot :) The only things I'd add is a spare pairs of socks and a lace.

[@Patrickjohnphotography]

Great video. Living in a big city is similar to day hiking :) I carry all of that in my daily bag AND I found a $20+ raincoat at Mountian warehouse that comes in a little bag. This has saved my bacon over the past 3 years 100's of times. If I go hiking , this raincoat always comes with me. if you are starting out, consider their raincoats. Well worth it.

[@nprwikeepa6082]

Have a Pakka from MW and used it many times in 2yrs! Great value

[@alexwilliams6022]

You don't know you need a survival bag until you need it. I needed one and didn't have one luckily made it through the night and now never leave for a hike without one. Good list though mate 👍🏼

[@johnorourke7484]

Thanks

[@gordontyree4308]

First time viewer here…I subbed! Really well done video and very informative. My day hike philosophy is simple….as an old Boy Scout and USAF veteran, “BE PREPARED!” has always been my mantra! With that in mind, i always include survival gear as part of my load out, usually following the 10 c’s of survivability. This applies to any trail I hike no matter the length. My survival kit is very basic, light and takes up very little room in the pack. That being said….a few thoughts. Solo day hiking is great fun, but consider taking along a companion. Much safer and if something does happen, ie., injury , etc., there is someone there to help you. I also recommend as part of the first aid kit, a 2-3 inch ace wrap if not included in the FAK. An elastic wrap can be a real lifesaver if a twisted ankle occurs and the wrap is multi-functional! Last but not least, and not meaning to injure anyone’s sensitivities….I carry both pepper spray and handgun on every trail I hike. I realize this is a very personal choice and that’s fine, but it fits very well into my “BE PREPARED” personal philosophy. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it! My day hikes are more enjoyable knowing I’m prepared for any situation I might encounter on the trail. Well, that’s my two cents worth! Thanks for the video and keep them coming!

[@SplayBook-95]

Love the video! I was also skeptical of spending $15-20 on a pair of socks, but once I bought some merino wool socks I realized they're worth every penny. One of the best comfort investments on the trail for sure

[@melissaverdoni845]

yes worth EVERY penny

[@douglasconrad8969]

Darn tough @ $25

[@ek8652]

@@douglasconrad8969darn tough on sale $13-$18. I thought spending that kind of money was crazy. I bought 6 pairs just in the last year.

[@medicus5565]

I found Grip6 socks to be just as good (maybe a bit more comfortable) with the same warranty as Darn Tough. Love them!😃

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

I only wear Darn Tough. Yeah, expensive, but worth every penny. I've never had a pair wear out!

[@coreylarocque1694]

Depending on your region BEAR SPRAY is a must. I live near the Canadian Rockies and bears are highly populated

[@strangerous1313]

Talk about a timely video.....while you were featuring your Coulee 20, the FedEx guy delivered mine! Same color you show here. I found that my 30L pack was just too much pack for short dayhikes, and decided to try a smaller one. I think it will work out fine. I live in Arizona, where the need for sun protection and lots of water is a given, and I can bring enough for my dog as well. I would like to see you do a video for desert hiking in the near future.....it's getting hot!

[@joshmiller2725]

Great choices you made in your gear. The mystery ranch coulee 20 is amazing. Probably the best pack on the market of that size. And that badger sunscreen is great too. I tell everyone about it. It works better than any chemical sunscreen I’ve tried, and it just uses non nano zinc, so no chemicals getting into your bloodstream.

[@Axe_North]

nice video as usual !

[@Amphibax]

I have a lot of experience in hiking so I'm just here because of the entertaining video and also I'm interested in what other people have to say about gear and all that stuff.

[@bmwman63]

Enjoyed the video sir. I'm old school and grew up with map and compass navigation. But, I'm finding physical maps are getting harder to find. Lately I've been taking a screenshot of my OnX and printing it . I guess my goto lately is, primary=OnX, Secondary Garmin Watch, and shit hits the fan = a 4 in one,(whistle, magnifying glass, compass, something else I can't remember), and a physical, printed out, map.. Keep making um and I'll keep watching um Sir.

[@matthewsnyder4053]

Great video! Iʻd add a fire kit and cordage...thatʻs just me. Keep up the videos!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good list, but very expensive for a beginner going on a day hike. I would also recommend basic survival items/10-Cs, like firemaking etc.

[@100mattsimpson]

great video

[@manueldelgado5336]

Awesome list! Any recommendations on other bags that could be used for day hiking? Or for longer hikes?

[@richarddaugherty8583]

I'm 67 and a solo hiker so I always bring enough that I could spend an uncomfortable night out if I turn my ankle or something happens. It's really not about the likelihood of needing any particular item, it's about what it would mean if I need it and don't have it. In other words, it's not about the odds; it's about the stakes! I carry more than most folks do for sure, but also, at my age, the strength training is not wasted! I carry more in the winter so I use my backpacking backpack so the bulky stuff will fit, but still keep the weight down. My goal is to still be out hiking when I'm 80!

[@kristofsportingdogs3549]

I navigate with my Garmin watch. It has battery for more than a week while gps in use, it has all the topographic maps on it, my phone is my secondary way/backup for navigation. I do use my phone if I want to see far ahead on the trail, to see what still coming during the hike. Because for that the watch is too small. But in general it's very hard to get lost if you have a Garmin watch with topo maps on it and a full battery.

[@winstonsmith3690]

Nice looking knife.

[@936anyst]

For a day hike, I'm bringing a proper lunch with fresh fruit. Also, little stove to make coffee...

[@jasonsims6273]

Dude’s got more shoes than my wife! 😂. Just kidding with ya man! Great video!

[@GenX_outdoors]

We also always have a poop kit with us on day hikes… just in case. 😮

[@JamieEnglish]

What model Cotopaxi hoodie is that? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

[@dangernba]

I'd just add a whistle. Other than that, my pack is just like yours, including a camera.

[@dennisleighton2812]

11:40 Generally it's good to have tools with more than one use so I always carry a Victorinox knife (I have several different ones) with appropriate tools on them. I would, however, never go without a belt knife (camp knife?) for more serious work. My choice is the Cold Steel SRK San Mai III version. For day hike in known territory I might dispense with the SRK, but I'd sort of feel naked without it and it's not much hassle, so I would probably take it.

[@Op3rate]

Maybe I’m unusual but I bring these in my pack for any day hike even little 1 milers: Extra water Water filter system Snacks Electrolytes Small Fire starting kit Whistle Emergency bivvy/space blanket Small first aid kit Large pocket knife Some form of light or headlamp All this (minus water) weighs about 6lbs + the bag. Way too many weird stories out there to not cover your basics if you did get stuck overnight somehow (unlikely I know).

[@Hallouminatiee]

What is the Merrell shoe in this? It doesn’t mention them in the “gear in this video” section. Thanks.

[@thefisherking78]

I'm in violent agreement with you about sun protection. I grew up in the tropics and now live in the SE US and I've been covering up since my teens. I wear super-light hooded long-sleeved shirts almost exclusively all summer while working or playing outside.

[@LiahusN]

I always carry a head torch with extra batteries

[@billheckman5937]

I frequently hike alone. I have a small id tag affixed to my shoulder strap with emergenycy contact info and and drug allergy info.

[@Steven-hf7rg]

Sizing Question??? I wanted to buy the terraframe 65. My question is should i downsize to the medium size backpack since the belt on the large is to large where as the medium is only 1 inch shorter than my torso but the belt is the right size? I am 21 inch torso and 33 inch waist. Please Help. I am new to backpacking and want an all around pack that will allow me to pack more weight for my girlfiend or child when they go...

[@JMyers79]

The GutHooks a.k.a. Far Out is another great crowd-sourced hiking app.

[@staysalty5192]

I know you don’t mix your photography with this channel but would love to see some of your images that you have created on your trips

[@BackpackingTV]

I post the photos to my Instagram account, check it out: instagram.com/epictrails365/

[@patrickdicerbo7524]

Why not a simple lite weight tarp and bank line??

[@xJackH]

FYI Quite a few of the links in your description are broken :( Looks like the ends of them are getting cut off

[@suewheeler5795]

Im in the UK and we have OS maps which cover all the UK. Do you have something similar in the US?

[@shanksmare]

You can get USGS Topo maps for all areas. Check out "usgs . gov"

[@TheBabadush]

The fact that bringing a compass and paper map is foreign to some people is interesting. Even if you think you know where you are when the phone dies doesn't mean you are correct.

[@lukewaite9144]

Lol I live in UK it’s always wet and boggy

[@marklanders630]

I carry a cellphone in an arm band. No shirt, just shorts, shoes&socks. My desert trail runs are 5-10 miles. No water or food. But I'm not new to hiking. I know my area like the back of my hand. I have been injured on the trail in the past and because I have the local rangers # in my phone, I had them on the trail helping me in less than an hour. Plan your hike and hike your plan. I'm sure you could do an entire video for new hikers on preparation and planning that could include things like bringing friends that know the area or joining a local hiking club for support.

[@AndrewB416]

Day hiking is inexpensive .... hmm... All my Osprey gear says I must have screwed up lol.

[@jimmeek8621]

Your Grayl link doesn’t connect to ant Grayl products.

[@franciscszakacs3278]

Awesome, but where are the trekking sticks? In my opinion are more important than any anti wrinkles cream or lamp , we going to war without a weapon?! 😊

[@joni4632]

Grayl and headlamp links didn’t work. FYI

[@KatrinaNorman-hu3wy]

Lots of expansion occurring energetically and physically in my upper Chakras. I lost my job recently due to the Contract ending. My last day at work, I was so sick from my neck up. The next day was much worse. The throat Chakra, wow, hurt like hell. All about my voice and more and I finally worked through it. After that it moved to my lower Chakras and visiting the toilet was not fun. That was short lived thank God! After all of it was completed, I now feel like I am this new being feeling lighter, not dense, feeling more open to what is next for me. Let's Go! 🔥🔥

[@naps3386]

Personal protection device with many freedom seeds.

[@dwightWSmith73]

Garmin inReach. Even if you're injured to the point and cannot walk, you can just hit the red button.

[@adamhudson2511]

Great video, but you left out one of the most important pieces of gear for a day hike or backpacking trip...a pice of paper. A piece of paper with your intended route and estimated time of return left with a responsible party. Any time that you venture into a wilderness area, unexpected things can happen, irregardless if it’s your first trip into the woods or your thousanth. No one who has to be rescued by search and rescue ever expects that it will happen to them, but then it does. Just ask Dan Becker.

[@paull1033]

179.00 backpack for 1 day hike is pretty expensive…

[@acewastxken]

First

[@underdgk9]

"Uncomfortbility"?

[@elizabeththompson4424]

WOW, those are expensive packs!!! same for Grayl, there's much cheaper alternatives NOT going to happen on my budget

[@m.hernandez1404]

Dude, I thought you had gone to prison.

[@vinnyt42allday]

A bic lighter should also be on this list

[@rungavagairun]

"You can get into backpacking without spending a lot of money." ...Here's a $200 day pack. How about a $100 water purifier? 🤣

[@melissaverdoni845]

i am all for honesty, but i dont get WHY people feel the NEED to advertise so much that they never bring a space blanket. it is super important, its under 20$, if you hurt yourself badly, lying on the group is the best way to hypothermia, it can takes hours for someone to get to you. it is not an optionnal item like a compas. i have a backup battery for my phone and use hiking aps to navigate if i get lost. but a blanket is one of those items you never need until you NEEEDDDD opne and it can save you. never without it , and my min first aid kit and some advil. a water filter and headlamp are other non négociables.

[@vr2186]

Because they don't bring it, why lie and say they do. I don't see the point. If you have rain protection and extra clothing and all that you actually need. I don't see the point in a plastic sheet that rarely in real life situations ever gets used. I personally do in warmer weather carry a heat exhaustion kit and extra instant cool packs.

[@frankhupp7402]

A way to start a fire.

[@qtas101]

Space blanket is one of the biggest hoax of our times. Doesn’t help with hypothermia, may be useful as a shelter/wind protection.

[@jamesbowen5573]

Another great name for this video is how to get yourself killed because you're poorly prepared in case of an emergency. Either that or what to pack in a perfect world where nothing ever goes wrong

[@valentinursu1747]

So, at the beginning, "...backpacking is great for Vitamin D". At the end of the video: "...use anything that can keep the sun off your skin"

[@gatorbyte5254]

A person can absorb their daily necessity of vitamin D in less time than it takes for their skin to burn.

[@TheJu2ber]

WOOTER

[@JoshSweet]

If you are going to do ‘beginner’ hiking videos, or gear videos, you need to explain why things are important and define terms. Otherwise it comes across as, “Do this because I say so.”

[@Rossi_21]

whats with the stupid thumbnail?

[@Rossi_21]

whars with the stupid thumbnail?

[@user-dr1hi8if8f]

Great video as usual! Helpful tips and confirmations. Thanks so much for making it.