What's the Right Gear for a Day Hike? | What I bring on all my hikes, and why

Do I need to take gear for a day hike? What gear should I bring for my hike? What is the right hiking gear for dogs? The answer of what gear to bring on a day hike will depend on personal preference, local conditions, as well as experience. I will show you everything I take on my day hikes and talk about why I bring each of those items. I'll also show you items I take depending on different conditions. Different hikers will have different approaches to what the right gear for day hikes is, but my philosophy is that it's better to be prepared. I would love to know what gear you take for your day hikes, or if you think there is something I'm leaving out of my gear loadout that you think should be there!
📺Watch Next📺
-Osprey Talon 33 Review: • The OSPREY TALON 33 | ...
-DIY Hiking First Aid Kit: • DIY HIKING FIRST AID K...
-Trail Runners for Hiking & Backpacking: • 3 Reasons NOT to use T...
-Amazing Slot Canyon Hike with my Daughter: • Dad & Daughter SLOT CA...
🏕️ 👉 Help Support AND Shape Dose of Dirt through Patreon: / doseofdirt
You can vote in polls to help decide what gear to buy, test, review, and then give away to Patreon members! All gear purchased with Patreon funds will be given away to Patreon members! (Lots of other benefits too!)
⚙Gear List with Links (if applicable)⚙
-Osprey Talon 33: amzn.to/3yC0qlK
1. Navigation
2. Power bank: amzn.to/3z5a0N4
3. Calories
4. Water (Katadyn Befree): amzn.to/3A4xT8R
5. First Aid Kit (link to my DIY first aid kit video: • DIY HIKING FIRST AID K... )
6. Emergency Blanket: amzn.to/38WHfHP
7. Knife or multitool: amzn.to/2Xg2OR6
8. Light
9. Extra layers
10. Buff
11. Cell phone
12. Poop shovel & TP
Bonus items from first aid kit:
a. Anti-chafe cream (SNB): amzn.to/3E6JYN3
b. Water treatment tablets & gallon ziploc bag: amzn.to/3tHhmFu
c. Sunblock
Items depending on conditions:
a. Packable rain jacket (got it in London and don’t have a link. Sorry!)
b. Puffy coat (Costco baby!)
c. Microspikes: amzn.to/38YT5kq
Dog Gear:
a. Leashes (leash I use I love: www.k9lifelinestore.com/produ... )
b. Tons of water (Ruffwear ultralight bowl: amzn.to/2Vya7mr )
c. Treats (Aid dried food: amzn.to/3E8LIW7)
d. Poop bags (compostable poop bags I use: amzn.to/3tzFFov)
Some of the links above are affiliate links. Buying things with the links doesn’t change the amount you pay, but helps support the channel since I would get a percentage of the sale. Thank you so much for supporting Dose of Dirt!
📬Want to send something to Dose of Dirt? Send it here:
Jeff at Dose of Dirt
P.O. Box 173
Aldie, VA 20105
🔖Bookmarks🔖
0:00 Intro
0:29 Do I need to take gear for just a day hike?
0:54 Favorite day pack
1:01 12 items I take
6:11 Bonus items from DIY first aid kit (link to this video here: )
6:48 Items I take depending on conditions
7:29 Dog gear for a day hike
8:22 Total Weight
8:47 Wrap up
REMEMBER, LIFE IS BETTER WITH SOME DIRT IN IT!

[@DoseofDirt]

🏕 👉 Help Support AND Shape Dose of Dirt through Patreon: www.patreon.com/DoseofDirt You can vote in polls to help decide what gear to buy, test, review, and then give away to Patreon members! All gear purchased with Patreon funds will be given away to Patreon members! (Lots of other benefits too!) ⚙Gear List with Links (if applicable)⚙ -Osprey Talon 33: amzn.to/3yC0qlK 1. Navigation 2. Power bank: amzn.to/3z5a0N4 3. Calories 4. Water (Katadyn Befree): amzn.to/3A4xT8R 5. First Aid Kit (link to my DIY first aid kit video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5LZfaaonql0b9k) 6. Emergency Blanket: amzn.to/38WHfHP 7. Knife or multitool: amzn.to/2Xg2OR6 8. Light 9. Extra layers 10. Buff 11. Cell phone 12. Poop shovel & TP Bonus items from first aid kit: a. Anti-chafe cream (SNB): amzn.to/3E6JYN3 b. Water treatment tablets & gallon ziploc bag: amzn.to/3tHhmFu c. Sunblock Items depending on conditions: a. Packable rain jacket (got it in London and don’t have a link. Sorry!) b. Puffy coat (Costco baby!) c. Microspikes: amzn.to/38YT5kq Dog Gear: a. Leashes (leash I use I love: www.k9lifelinestore.com/product/k9-lifeline-transitional-leash/ ) b. Tons of water (Ruffwear ultralight bowl: amzn.to/2Vya7mr ) c. Treats (Aid dried food: amzn.to/3E8LIW7) d. Poop bags (compostable poop bags I use: amzn.to/3tzFFov) Some of the links above are affiliate links. Buying things with the links doesn’t change the amount you pay, but helps support the channel since I would get a percentage of the sale. Thank you so much for supporting Dose of Dirt!

[@northeastfamilyadventures9186]

Nice video. Essential items, all of them, and wouldn't take anything out. Going to one up you on this and say, zip ties. Weigh nothing, have come in handy for us on 2 occasions. 1, had a zipper fail on an old backpack, were able to cinch it back up enough to get us through with a combination of zip tie and carabiner. Second was a broken chain on crampons, and the main reason we carry them. Allowed us to replace the broken link, get them back functioning, and get us off a mountain. Super clutch. I'm also positive there about 50 uses for zip ties I can't even think of. They fit well in the first aid kit.

[@DoseofDirt]

Zip ties are genius! Before I finished reading your comment I thought ‘I should throw some in my first aid kit!’ Definitely going to do that! I have a bag of them just sitting out in the garage right now. And you’re right, they would have a million uses out on the trails! Thanks for watching!

[@clemansky3320]

I have been hiking for years but love watching these videos to make sure I'm not missing anything - great overview! We pack pretty much the same stuff - my small power bank also serves as a battery charger for an 18650 battery which I can swap into my headlamp if needed as well.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! I am the same way! I love seeing what other people take so I can continue to evaluate and dial in what I’m hauling. I really need to upgrade to a rechargeable headlamp for the exact reason you mentioned! So far my cheap AAA powered one keeps working so I keep using it. I sort of wish it would break so I could justify a new one! 😂 Thanks so much for watching!!

[@retireddac]

A) First, this video is great. B) many things made me smile because of our overlap. I get teased all the time by my wife and live in niece that I carry too much but they always eat my “extra” snacks and drink my “extra” water. Lol C) I carry the leatherman version of your multi tool. I recently got it and absolutely love the tiny size, light weight and legitimate functionality without a ton of weight. By far better than the huge knife or heavy multi tool I carried in my younger years. (Pro-tip one version has a big scissors and the other has a pliers as the main large tool. D) I didn’t know where to ask this. I wanted to know what sunglasses you wear. I am legally blind and have an annoying level of eye sensitivity. I switched to high end glacier glasses a few years back due to the light blocking available. Your sunglasses seem to provide a large amount of sun protection but since you use them for running I imagine that they breath better than glacier glasses. What brand are they? Do they breath well? Do they block bright light well? Thanks for all the great videos.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks Thor! I really appreciate that! Ya, it’s amazing how all of your “extra” and “excess” stuff gets used by others who thought you were bringing too much! 🤣 Cannot tell you how many times I’ve used the first aid kit on hikes or even on family trips where I happened to bring my hiking stuff! I’ll have to look into the leatherman version! I didn’t realize they had a small one like the gerber dime! Thanks! It’s funny you ask about sunglasses because they have been a bit of a battle for me. My eyes are also pretty sensitive and to make it more difficult, I have an extra large head. 🤷🏻‍♂️ the white ones are actually some super dark ones I found randomly at a gas station. I like that they hug really close to my head so I don’t get any sun coming between the frame and my face. I’ve tried to find some nicer ones but can’t find any that 1) are dark enough 2) hug my face closely, and 3) are big enough for my head. I’ve tried goodr (great other than not hugging my face), blenders, and several from Amazon. But just haven’t found any I love yet. And sadly the white ones got broken by one of my kids so I’m really in trouble now. Lately I’ve been using a pair I got from aliexpress when I was road cycling. Something like the link at the bottom. They fit my head and have a nice big lens, but aren’t quite as dark as I would like. Wish I had a better answer, but if I find the perfect pair I’ll let you know! Link: m.aliexpress.com/item/32982042718.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.4c3b4672jmitGD&browser_id=13355c6288e34b308824540983f06a31&aff_trace_key=658af020a06f4b21bc767fd21f0d277b-1639093035557-09057-UneMJZVf&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=rbiffxxomtscauok17dc0dc16de132b08cbf9e1cea&gclid=

[@mountaineer5596]

Good info, nice presentation. Good advice on water. I live and hike in Arizona. I have given water to other hikers I’ve come across on the trail many times, some of them with really bad dehydration.

[@DoseofDirt]

Doesn't surprise me at all! I've done the same in both Utah and Virginia. It's easy to underestimate how much you need, so I always take extra!

[@davidhauschel692]

Dog leash is a good idea. Recently hiking on a leash free trail my dog and me encounted a sick(rabies or distemper) racoon. I was able to leash my dog and keep her safe.

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

TOTALLY agree with you, I'd rather pack for bear and not need it than need it and not have it and end up a statistic somewhere....because U didn't take the basic survival gear. I'd add 2 contractor bags. 1 for shelter and one to stuff with leaves if you had to sleep on it.

[@DoseofDirt]

Great additions! contractor bags are so light but you can use them for so many things!

[@EdeFamily]

Nice sharing, great tips! 💖👍💯🙏

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you, Ede Family! What a gorgeous place you live in!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you, Ede Family! What a gorgeous place you live in!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Great advice dude. I have Alltrails pro too and it rocks (most of the time). I still rock the Sawyer but the BeFree seems to be the new rage.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks man! Ya, I definitely like the BeFree but the sawyer is solid as well. Next video is worst backpacking trip ever! Haven’t forgot about it, just ran into a few kinks last week and had to dig up some pictures!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@DoseofDirt no worries on the video dude!!

[@alexandrugrigorciuc8591]

lk6 thanks for sharing :) have a nice day friend!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you!

[@junior83brotheravila]

Nice to discover you today. Thank you for sharing these tips for hiking. New subscribers here. Have a great day

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you, Luis & Ylsen! Glad you found it helpful and thanks so much for subscribing! Really means a lot to me!

[@albertosoto6213]

Thanks for this brother, I am going to zion in May and Bryce canyon, this is much needed info.

[@DoseofDirt]

Zion and Bryce are INCREDIBLE! I recently moved to Virginia but lived in Utah before that and loved heading down to Southern Utah. The landscapes down there are just unmatched! Enjoy the trips!

[@Packsalot]

Good picks for a day bag. I have similar gear in mine plus a bit more. I think it is better to be prepared too. Take care.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! Couldn’t agree more! Just saw you have a video on winter camping in the Uintas and added to my watch later. I’ve been thinking about trying that, so looking forward to watching your video when I have more time!

[@Doc_Watson]

You know I just found you because of your vivoactive 3 review. I've been watching some of your other videos and subscribed. All great suggestions and I bring most of them too. I almost aways bring something to sit on either a Z-Seat or my new favorite, a flannel-lined waxed canvas ground cloth. It's just big enough to protect my torso if I want to lay down and watch some clouds at a lookout. On longer day hikes, I include an emergency kit, in addition to what you've mentioned before it includes a whistle, fire making kit & cordage. P.S. I love the Dime multi-tool also - small & versatile.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, man! Ya, I need to look into a Z-seat! It's not something I've brought before, but seems like it would be really nice! Some fire making stuff is a good idea for those full day hikes. Glad I'm not the only Gerber dime knife fan. It's seriously the best little multi-tool for almost no weight! Thanks for watching and subscribing, man! Truly appreciate it!

[@y.sangare1238]

Tick and moskito repellent. We are swamped with ticks here. They don't even lie dormant in the winter anymore as it is far too warm most years, so tick repellent it is year round for me. Have you ever considered buying wee doggo backpacks for your dogs for them to bring their own bowls, water and food. Most dogs love to do this makes them feel working dogs and sooo important ;-) I'd get one if the dog I am walking now wasn't a mini poodle. All he could schlepp weightwise would be his treats and that would be kind of counter productive. :D Once again great video!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Y.! Always appreciate your comments! I am definitely planning on getting them some doggy packs, especially since I just weighed my pack for a 3 day trip this week and it came in at 40 lbs with their stuff! 🤣 I've been holding off on packs for them until they are a little older. Your comments on ticks are timely! It's not usually something I have to worry about in Utah, but with the warm winter they are supposed to be bad this year. So I am treating my clothes with permithrin before I go!

[@jas77450]

Just came across your channel, great job. Should have many more subs.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! Very kind of you to say! Just getting started over here, so hoping to be able to reach more people! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jas77450]

@@DoseofDirt you will grow fast. Thank you for the information.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@jas77450 thank you! I truly appreciate that! Thanks so much for watching!

[@johnnyuutah]

I'd also recommend considering a rescue harness for your doggos

[@DoseofDirt]

THANK YOU! This is something I have been meaning to get. Do you have one that you like? I've looked into them and then gotten discouraged by bad reviews.

[@johnnyuutah]

@@DoseofDirt we have one by Ruff Rescue Gear. Fortunately we haven't had to use it in any emergency situations, but we've practiced with it and like it.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@johnnyuutah Awesome! Thank you!!

[@leaossandro]

Bonjour de France, nouvel abonné ! dude

[@DoseofDirt]

Bonjour!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Hey bud, saw your comment on my latest video but it disappeared again! Don't want you to think I'm being rude. Lol

[@DoseofDirt]

I would never think that! Not sure why my comments are sometimes difficult! 😂🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Tru_G.R.I.T]

Eye drops and electrolytes