What YOU need to bring on a day hike - Day hiking essentials

Planning to do some day hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Wondering what gear you should bring on a Day Hike? In this video, we go over exactly what you need to bring with you on a day hike, by opening up our pack and reviewing the contents. We also discuss proper clothing, footwear, and why it’s important to be prepared, even on a simple day hike in the mountains.
Products Mentioned in this video:
Some of these links may be affiliate links, which pay us a small commission if you purchase the items. There is no additional cost for you and the small commission helps fund future content!
Osprey Hikelite 18L Backpack - amzn.to/2TDI1CA
LowePro Flipside Trek Camera Bag - amzn.to/2TRSitV
Gerber Paraframe II Knife - amzn.to/2PZrsP5
Eddie Bauer Microtherm jacket - amzn.to/3aTC3DB
Sawyer Mini Water Filter - amzn.to/2rqCCn6
Portable USB Charger - amzn.to/2Ix0476
Marmot Precip Rain Jacket - amzn.to/2PZrKWb
Frogg Toggs Rain Poncho - amzn.to/2wOB3l5
Oboz Sawtooth Hiking Boots - amzn.to/39A0TrE
Keen Hiking Boots - amzn.to/3aILsxv
See our Guide for more day hiking essentials: blueridgemountainlife.com/day...
Resources:
Video Camera: amzn.to/352xGDz
Tripod/GorillaPod: amzn.to/35bOUOp
Full size tripod: amzn.to/39GSWB1
Edited in Adobe Premiere Pro
Music from Epidemic Sound
Visit our Blue Ridge Mountain Life Store for decals and Wearables: store.blueridgemountainlife.com
Please be sure to like our video, and subscribe to our channel. Please leave questions or comments!
Find us on:
Facebook Page: / blueridgemountainlife
Facebook Group: / blueridgemountainlife
Instagram: / blueridgemountainlife

[@AntwonDaBusiness]

Put petroleum jelly/Vaseline on the dry lint in the zip lock, mix it up, and it’ll stay lit for 10 minutes. I used 100% cotton balls and Vaseline soaked and one cotton ball will stay lit for 10 minutes. Hope that helps.

[@clowd9931]

Luv this video. Straight to the point, not long and drawn out. Perfect presentation

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@leapheap6837]

Great advice especially for new hikers just getting started.

[@SparkSurvival]

I'd add: 1) Lightweight overhead shelter item like a synthetic tarp or painter's plastic/tyvek 2) Compass & topo, trail, & aerial maps. 3) visual, auditory, and digital signalling devices.

[@Gizzard4400]

Great information. I am a first time hiker and will use your video to load up my Costco water Blatter back pack.

[@1970banjoman]

Okay!!! 👍 Thank you!

[@davidsantiago6189]

Pack back. Love it great vid

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this very informative video. You did a great job. All the best to you and your family. Stay healthy. 🤗

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you Ronald, and all the best to you and yours as well!

[@jamesdb7115]

Great video with lots of information. I'm definitely going to get prepared in advance for my next hike. I finally got wool hiking socks from a hiking store in Gatlinburg. They feel great and even in warm weather , they perform. Only big thing is I need to upgrade my hiking shoes.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you, really appreciate it. You really don't realize how important good socks and hiking shoes/boots are until you start using them. Makes a world of difference. I've found hiking boots and shoes to be a great investment - While they are a bit pricey, they last a really long time. I've been wearing my Oboz now for about 3 years, and they still look almost new. Thanks for watching!

[@BackRoadsLiving]

Really good video Larry! Lot of great info!

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you very much! Always appreciate your support of our channel my friend!

[@pamelarorie4621]

thanks for the helpful tips

[@PJK19]

Thanks a lot I will do my very first hike at the age of nearly 40. This is very useful. 👍🏻

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Hope you have fun, and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@harrywhitt3617]

Good and simple video

[@BUDDYSNORES]

Great practical video, Thanks!

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

You're very welcome!

[@angieamarillo]

The Sportlite 25 is my favorite for day hikes. it’s so comfortable, lightweight and so many pockets but it has a more supportive hipbelt with pockets that fit my iPhone 13… I love it. I tried the hike lite but found the Sportlite more comfy with weight. It doesn’t come with a rain cover though.

[@terrykleier5068]

Very informative thanks..I like the idea of having dry towels waiting for your return

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you! Lesson learned the hard way ;-)

[@billmac2049]

Thank you, finally a simple, uncomplicated, common sense video.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@prestonarmando8050]

i guess it is kinda off topic but do anybody know of a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@dravenomar4032]

@Preston Armando Meh I use flixportal. You can find it thru google =) -draven

[@prestonarmando8050]

@Draven Omar Thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service =) Appreciate it!

[@dravenomar4032]

@Preston Armando You are welcome xD

[@campingdad3615]

Good information thank you 👍

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful!

[@dog-so1vj]

Very good. Thanks.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you!

[@willk7184]

Very helpful!

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

thank you!

[@davidbuchanan5926]

Great video, think I'll be sure and pack a small first aid kit next time I'm out. Couple of things I'd add to your list. Waterproof trousers are a must hiking here in Scotland, no point having a waterproof jacket if it's just running down to your legs...and a compass. 👍

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Great additions! Thanks for watching!

[@thomasnugent3836]

Very good, thank you very much

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@X_explorer]

Amazing channel!

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you!

[@alexcardenas3206]

great video

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thanks!

[@baskets8429]

👍

[@doctorpete1]

Nice job!

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thanks!

[@gsansoucie]

I can honestly say I’ve never had “that hike” before, but I owe it to learning the right way in Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts, and Civil Air Patrol in the ‘70s and early ‘80s as a kid/teen. Living in Maine helps a lot too. Although, the flip side to this is taking too much stuff. Now that I am guilty of. A lot, even though I know better. This is a great video though. You did a great job of putting this together.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

You definitely had a leg up over most. We’re still shocked most days of how unprepared people are. But like you, I probably bring too much as well. Thank you, really appreciate the positive feedback.

[@davidwoolf296]

I have found having a roll of duct tape can be very useful for many “emergency repairs”.

[@Sanctified_EDC_Gear]

Wonderful job , Thank You very much. Just subbed, 😎👍

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thank you and appreciate the sub!

[@adventureseeker9800]

Great ideas.. Query.. Why does it rain so much in your area? Is there a specific reason for that? Topography V clouds? Local weather systems, etc?. Just curious.

[@markjones2973]

Thank you for your video, lots of good info. Regarding footwear; I live in Southern California (warm all the time) and day hike often, I wear SANDALS! Not hiking boots! All kinds of terrain, up to 14 mile , 8 hour hikes with lots of elevation carrying a light day pack. You don't have to wear boots or even shoes. I wear Luna, mono winged edition.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Haven't tried sandals yet, but they sound like a great option for warmer environments. Thanks for watching, and for the insight.

[@LiahusN]

There is always a chance of toes hitting a rock or an ankle twist. That y i don't use sandals. Only use them on multi day hike when we set up camp

[@TianarTruegard]

I'm thinking of snakes in the desert. sandals sound like a bad idea... With boots your feet will at least have some protection. You can get boots that are well ventilated and will still protect your feet.

[@kathrinivanovic8247]

The only reason I got the larger Skimmer was because of the space for larger water bladders and I want more water on my hikes than most people.

[@fatguyhisbackpack5755]

Blue Ridge Guy Glad to know I am not the only one using zip lock bags.

[@jeffs-zw2zb]

ace bandage is critical...twist your ankle and you have nothing to compress it so you can walk, you are screwed. I carry an ankle brace--even better.

[@jhooton75]

Did you ever do a video on building your own first aid kit? I only do day hikes and a lot of the pre built kits seem to have way more than I would need.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Not yet, but it's in the queue. Thanks for asking!

[@redoak3809]

Nice video. Osprey Daylite is a disappointment with its poor water bottle pockets. I would choose a larger Osprey that would be more versatile and still cinch down. Look for at least one larger "bandana" and or one that is orange and can be used for signalling. Go with the rechargeable headlamp and/or one with extra batteries. For a knife, I like the Kershaw Leek or Blur and/or a Mora. Need to get a thermal jacket. Will checkout that one. I prefer down but it won't be warm if it gets wet. I like the Frog Tog jacket or poncho. If you get a pack with a stuff pocket it will work nicely. Life Straws are good, but I prefer the Grayl Geopress that can be used as a water bottle as well as a purifier. For the First Aid Kit, consider I like a SWAT T Tourniquet. It is small and lite and like a large rubber band. Would work with a child and dog, too. Duct tape can be used as a Bandage with cotton bandanas, etc. When picking clothes avoid cotton. Other items... wool beanie hat, sun screen, sun glasses, extra socks, mylar emergency blanket, cordage, duct tape... keep those lighters in zip locks. Love your tip of keeping cold water in the vehicle and an extra pair of clothes, etc. for when you get back.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Will have to check all of these out! Thanks for watching and we appreciate the comment and extra ideas - We do carry orange bandanas with us now, for that exact reason.

[@JoeyIngles]

Thank you for leaving those slips of the tongue in the video. It shows you're real and raw. 😄

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Ha, you're welcome. Definitely real, and far more raw than I would like to be most of the time ;-)

[@brandontrowbridge5202]

@@Blueridgemountainlife I had to smile at that. My middle granddaughter said "pack pack" until she was four. Made me think of her. I'm going to make sure she goes on more hikes.

[@MokuNui808]

What are your thoughts on using a lumbar pack for a day hike

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Honestly, I think whatever pack that works for you is the best option. Lumbar packs don't not generally have enough room for us personally. My other concern would be lack of support, if packed somewhat heavy - Now with that said, they do make lumbar packs with additional shoulder straps to help with this.

[@theshellest]

I noticed you didn't pack any emergency shelter items or blankets. Since you have a lot of experience, have you come to the conclusion it's overkill to pack that? I'm a pretty new hiker, should I still pack it? (Just moved to CA)

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Hi! I think it depends on where you are hiking, and how remote. We don't normally bring them, but I would definitely consider it if hiking in an area you are unfamiliar with, or hiking in a more remote, less populated area.

[@TianarTruegard]

The mylar blankets you can get wouldn't take up much weight or pack space. Nor would a lightweight tarp, which would also be useful in a rain shower if you didn't want to keep moving.

[@tims4589]

Great video! What are the chances of running into a bear while hiking, should you carry bear spray in Blue Ridge Mountains?

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Hey Tim, thanks for watching! Your chances aren't super high, but you most certainly could. We've been hiking here for well over 15 years, and have had about 5 bear encounters. In every case, they saw us, we yelled "Go Bear", and they took off into the woods. Black bears are generally non-aggressive and will just run away. So we don't personally carry bear spray, but some do. It's really more about what you feel comfortable with.

[@ramonfarr]

Good gear Don't forget an extra pair of socks

[@AntwonDaBusiness]

Getting “schweaty” is the worst haha

[@z0uLess]

What!? You dont have a fondue pot?!

[@timrivera6908]

What type of weapon do you carry?? Do you go by your self ??

[@TianarTruegard]

The only weapon I carry when hiking is a knife, but that's mostly because its useful for hiking tasks. I do choose a lightweight fixed blade of a larger size so its useful for defense in addition to trail tasks. Some countries don't allow you to carry one without a valid reason though (Canada I think). I don't hike alone, if something happens, I want someone there to be able to get help or assist me.

[@yosef6216]

map and compass

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Agreed, however many don’t know how to use them, which is why we didn’t mention the compass. We always recommend trail maps.

[@kidseatfree]

A Urban Hiker watched this video.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Common sense goes a long way.

[@timroberts1109]

Chaffing is the worst! No thanks!

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

We agree!

[@Filce100]

Too much useless stuff in this video. First you got to prepare, check weather, get there early and research the trail where you hike.30 - 40 liter backpack is optimal you wont need bigger you will have empty space and less than 30 liter you wont have space and you can overload it and it can rip easy. Water is essential, take at least 1.5 Liters to 2.5 Liters, you don't want too much weight adding up because more weight will make you sweat more and lose more water, you can take a water filter for a piece of mind but you will rarely use it. From snacks you will need around 2 snickers bars or some other type and eat them where you think you will need more energy to hike to boost you up for example on steep climbs, also i usually start the hike with eating a bar. From gear you will need raincoat and puffy jacket or waterproof temperature regulating jackets, puffy jackets are my favorite they regulate temperature very well when you stop for a break or go downhill. You wont need a knife just precut your food for the day because you wont use a knife for anything else. From items always bring sunscreen with you because you will get sunburns, there is a lot of exposure on the sun on hikes, small towel or bandana for sweating issues and some toilet paper or wet wipes and thats all the essentials everything else is just a plus. Just want to point out that you are going on a Hike not Survival a lot of these videos on youtube talk about getting survival gear just in case but the reality is you wont know how to use the gear even if you get in situation like that for example the med kit is useless if you don't know how to secure displaced or broken leg or some other injury, best thing is to get to a place with service and get help if you try to fix the injury yourself and play doctor chances are you will make the injury worse and endanger the person that need help.

[@Blueridgemountainlife]

Hey thanks! I guess we all have individual needs and requirements. What may be useless to some, is required by others. We appreciate the different perspective!