HAC Packers
Day Hiking Gear Page

Disclaimer

Introduction

      This list of day hiking equipment has been put together by Kirk Mueller and the HAC Packers Hiking Club. Descriptions and hints following each underlined item as an aid for beginners. For a very complete guide to hiking gear, I recommend Backpacker magzine. Their latest gear guide is in their March 1998 edition. You might also want to check out their online Gear Finder.

      After a budding hiker spends his or her first weekend afield (provided they are not now totally disgusted with the hobby), he or she invariably comes home and puts together a more-than-complete gear list for the next outing. Each list varies because one person's essential item is another's junk. Nevertheless there are some things in common. Below is our club's more-than-complete list. It's suitable for three season hiking trips in the Los Angeles California area. High altitude and winter trips will require more gear and travelers to these areas should consult some experts and good books for more complete information.

      Beware the 100 pound pack! Even the most fit people can hurt themselves trying to carry too much. Do not bring everything from the lists below. A 55 pound backpack (less water) is usually sufficient for a five day outing. Daypacks should be about half that. Less weight is almost always best, provided you don't leave something important behind. Do not bring that extra towel or shirt. Nobody cares what you smell like after the first day anyway.

      If your brawny hubby is pushing for 15 miles a day when you're more interested in strolling maybe five miles you might consider redistributing the gear. The guy can carry 60 to 75 percent of the combined weight of your gear. That should provide enough of a work out for him and let you push on a few more miles in comfort.

      Other equipment lists may be found on the Backpacker, Outdoor Enthusiast, GORP, Middle Aged Hiker, L.L. Bean and Pete's Gear websites, among others. Hiking equipment can be rented or purchased from REI, Adventure 16 or Sportmart in the LA area.

Information Left with Neighbors at Home

      Be sure to leave some pertinent information with friends or neighbors at home. The information should include a photocopy of a trip itinerary and map with trailhead and route highlighted; the name and phone number of nearest ranger station to the trip area; the make, model and license numbers of all cars going to the trailhead; and the time and date you should return home. That way if there is a problem, your concerned neighbor can expedite a search and rescue team to go get you.
      This information is even more important for dayhikes than it is for extended backpacking trips. When on a dayhike people are less likely to be prepared for an unplanned night afield.

Dayhiking Equipment

      This list of equipment is for a day or afternoon outing only. It is not intended to include those items needed for an overnight or longer stay. Those items are covered on the backpacking equipment page.

      The first ten items are known as the "ten essentials". These are items one should never be in the backcountry without.

1. Small pack: Pick a comfortable pack with enough space and some easily accessible pockets. About 1500 cubic inches is usually enough for a three season (spring, summer and fall) dayhike. A winter hike might require a little more for the extra clothing. When finished packing, pull down hard on all the straps for a compact load. A compact load won't jostle as much and stays closer to your back, minimizing the change to your center of gravity. Avoid hanging anything off the sides of the pack. It will snag when bushwhacking.
         Most daypacks don't have a frame, just a somewhat stiff backing material. When buying a daypack load it up with the gear below (or equivalent weight) before you buy it to make sure it fits correctly. Tweak the adjustment straps and frame adjustments until it feels right. Visit one of the sporting equipment retailers like REI or Sportmart and have them fit you. A pack is one of the most important items and should not be bought by price. Pick the one that fits best and pay however much it costs.

2. Water: The importance of having sufficient water cannot be stressed enough. Most people require a gallon per day. More is often needed when hiking in extremely hot or cold conditions. Do not hike during the early afternoon on hot days (usually the hottest time) if possible.
         Soft drinks and especially alcoholic beverages do not count toward this total. They are diuretics and will dehydrate you.
         On a dayhike in the LA area natural water supplies (streams and springs) are usually not readily available and so everyone must pack it in. Most people find a couple one quart or half gallon water bottles fit well in the pack. Some people like to have one of the water bottles strapped to the waist belt for easy access.
         Only truly leakproof containers should be placed inside your pack. Bicycle style water bottles will leak if tipped and should only be used where they can be kept vertical, like on a belt holder.
         Some people bring along instant lemonade or Gatorade to help replace electrolytes or simply to add taste. Keep the sugar to a minimum, as it is also a diuretic in large amounts (like soft drinks and sodas). If you prepare your own concoction, try to follow the sugar and salt concentrations in Gatorade (it's weaker than most people think). Excessive electrolyte loss is not normally a problem for a dayhike.

3. Map of area in waterproof case: Needless to say a topographic map can help you find your way in the backcountry. Coupled with a compass and the skill to use them, one can find their way extremely well. Our club offers courses in how to use a map and compass. A big plastic zippered baggie works great to keep the map dry.

4. Compasses: Your main compass should have a flat, clear base to provide alignment on the map. Models with adjustments to set the magnetic declination and an alignment mirror are preferred. For compasses without this feature, magnetic declination (magnetic north) lines must be drawn on the maps to line the compass up properly. Models with an alignment mirror allows considerably more precise measurements and hence greatly aids in determining your correct position on the map.
         Your second compass can be a small simple item. I keep mine on a short cord attached to my jacket zipper. Why have a second compass you ask? Eventually you will get bumfuzzled (e.g. lost) and will believe your main compass is actually wrong or not working. A second compass pointing in the same direction as the first, tends to remind one that they really are telling the truth (e.g. believe the compass, not what direction you think is the right way.

5. Flashlight: A flashlight is a necessity in case you get lost and stuck outdoors overnight. A headlamp is sometimes preferred as it frees the hands for other things. A small piece of cardboard should be installed between the batteries to avoid accidentally draining them.

6. Food: For a dayhike food requiring cooking is not recommended. However if you like the challenge, take a look at the backpacking section. Sandwiches, hard fruit, GORP, protein bars, etc. in zippered baggies are typical fare. Be sure to bring at least one additional meal in case of an unexpected overnight stay. A few extra protein bars are good as the backup food.

7. Hiking Clothes: You need the right kind of clothing necessary to survive the worst weather conditions possible in the area you will be traveling. See the clothing section on the backpacking equipment page for details.

8. First-aid Kit: The contents of first aid kits can vary considerably. Most use a small, soft-sided, zippered nylon bag to contain the items. Some common items are: space blanket, aspirin, moleskin, ace bandage, antibacterial ointment, antihistamine tablets (like Benadryl), anti-itching ointment (like Calamine lotion), antiseptic soap, athletic tape, band-aids, latex gloves, pain reliever, SAM splint, sterile gauze pads, sunburn cream, thermometer, triangle bandage, tweezers, needle and thread, vitamin and mineral supplements, small bottle of moisturizer, anti-motion sickness medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine, laxative, eyedrops.
   Note: Remember to bring any prescription medicines or other personal necessities.
   Note: Moleskin is great stuff for covering or preventing blisters. As soon as you feel a hot spot, stop and check it out. Cover it with some moleskin if in doubt. The sooner it's covered the more comfortable your hike will be.

9. Pocket Knife or Multipurpose Tool: A Swiss army style knife with two blades, a can opener and scissors is recommended. The scissors are amazing useful afield. The can opener will help open any stubborn metal container.
         The multipurpose hand tool is relatively new to backpacking. Most have a needlenose pliers as the main tool with blades and other items in the handles. The needlenose pliers are great for pack repair. Otherwise get the same items as listed above for a Swiss army style knife.
   Note: Don't go overboard in an attempt to have more blades or attachments than the next guy though. The bigger knives or multipurpose tools can add unnecessary weight.

10. Waterproof / Windproof Matches and Striker in a Waterproof Container: Keep some waterproof and windproof matches in a waterproof container for emergencies. Be sure to keep a strike plate (like those on kitchen matches box) in there also, since the itty bitty striker provided on some of the containers is worthless.
    Note: These matches are expensive though, so a lighter (see below) should be used for most occasions.

• Space Blanket or Survival Sack: Bring a space blanket or survival sack to help protect yourself in case of an unplanned night afield. A space blanket, in it's simplest form, is an aluminum coated mylar film. It will keep the wind off and the aluminum coating reflects heat trapping it near your body (provided the aluminum coated side is facing you). A survival sack is a space blanket shaped like a bivy sack. You can get into one and close it around your neck. They are a reasonably new item and seem to be worth the extra ounce or two over a space blanket's weight.

• Emergency Shelter: Be sure to bring an emergency shelter in case of bad weather or an unplanned night afield. A blow-up style tube tent is recommended. A tarp is OK provided you know how to pitch it.

• Whistle and Signal Mirror: A whistle on a short cord should be readily accessible at all times. It's useful for signaling friends when out of ear shot. Three blasts means you are in trouble and need assistance. Two blasts in reply means someone has heard and is coming to help. Be sure to keep signaling occasionally so they can find you.
        A signal mirror is useful for signaling low flying aircraft or people you can see at a distance.

• Firestarter: For moist or wet conditions, firestarters can be a real help getting a wood fire going. Most firestarters consist of saw dust or wood chips held together with wax. Alternately a candle or heat tab will work too.
  Note: This item is intended for emergencies only since wood fires are not recommended or not allowed in the local areas anymore.

• Lighter: Whenever possible (during mild conditions, which is most of the time) a regular cigarette lighter works more easily and is considerably cheaper than the expensive waterproof and windproof matches.
  Note: Recently some lighters have been designed that are windproof. They are expensive, but if you bring one of these you can forgo the waterproof and windproof matches.

• Sunglasses or Goggles with Keeper Strap: Sunglasses or goggles with 100 percent ultraviolet light shielding are highly recommended. Be sure to read the tags, as this detail does not appear to be universal or related to price. Sunglasses are adequate for most uses. Goggles are best when swirling snow might get behind the lenses and cause problems. In strong light conditions, like the desert or over snowpack, side shields will help prevent eye strain. Get an extra comfortable pair since after a long day, ill fitting ear and nose pieces can seem to cut painfully into the flesh.

• Sunscreen / Mosquito Repellent: The UV protection rating necessary depends on your skin color. When in doubt err toward higher protection than you think you need. Remember you will be out all day. Be sure to protect the bridge of the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and back of the neck. Light complexion people should consider using SPF 25 or better. When in mosquito country pick a combination sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
        In some areas only full strength DEET will work. Thankfully there aren't too many seriously mosquito infested areas in Southern California.

• Lip Balm: To prevent cracked lips use a lip balm like chapstick. Those offering UV protection also are preferred.

• Wire Saw: A wire saw is a good, lightweight choice for cutting small diameter wooden branches, provided you live in an area (not most of Southern California) where it's allowed.

• Extra Batteries and Bulbs: In case your flashlight dies for some reason, extra batteries and a spare bulb stored in a zip sealed baggie is recommended. Backpackers will need a little more.

• Backpacker's trowel: Most outfitters sell bright orange plastic ones with inch markings so you know when you have dug down the requisite six inches.

• Toilet paper: You're unlikely to need more than about one half of the roll. Take the cardboard tube out of the center to allow folding it up. A rubber band can be put around it to prevent unraveling. Place the roll in a zippered plastic bag for protection.
        In some areas, like the Grand Canyon backcountry, used paper must be packed out. Double bagging the used paper in zippered plastic bags is recommended.

• Hiking Stick: Depending on conditions a hiking stick can be great or unnecessary. For most well maintained trails they are superfluous. For extended backpacking trips, large elevation changes, traveling over snowpack and stream crossings they are highly recommended.

  	A small staghorn cholla cactus (about one foot tall) is shown above. On occasion they can reach 15 ft. The staghorn is one of the more common types of cholla. Watch out for the pieces that break off and litter the ground for several feet around their bases. Photograph copyright by Milton Lum.

• Comb: No, this is not just to keep your hair neat. The best way to remove a painfully adhering cholla cactus piece is to comb it off. Bring a stiff comb about six inches long.

• Large Garbage Bag: In a pinch a large garbage bag can be used as a makeshift poncho by cutting arm and head holes. If you don't use it for that, please consider using it to collect trash along the last mile or so of your walk back to your car.

• Extra zipper locking plastic bags and rubber bands: These are very useful for keeping things separated on trips. Three to ten extra bags and heavy duty rubber bands seems to be a good number. Some personal trash can be kept in one or two of the baggies also.

• Collapsible water container: A two to three gallon water container is good for storing large amounts of water. It can be used to store a large batch for a camp supply after filtering or iodine treating. It is also good to carry large amounts of water for long stretches of trail with no available water.

• Hydration System: A hydration system (A.K.A. bladder bag) is basically a collapsible water container with a drinking tube attached. The tube has a clip to attach it to your shoulder strap. It's claim to fame is that you can drink as much as you want whenever you want. Just suck on the tube. I have on occasion failed to stop and refill my belt water bottle until I was dehydrated because I didn't want to take my pack off. However dehydration is not good. I definitely drank more water and felt better.
        I have seen three different brands advertised: the Camelbak, Jansport, and Mountain Gear.

• Water filter and/or water-purification tablets: Iodine water treatment tablets or water filters are required to treat all local water. For most outings a water filter with iodine for backup is recommended.
        Iodine tablets weigh less and are still useful in subzero temperatures but leave a funny taste in the water. Many people mask the iodine taste by adding instant lemonade or other flavoring powders.
        Water filters are the latest technology. They are quick and don't add any taste to the water, but they weigh more and can break or freeze. For travels in the USA the extra protection offered by a virus filter cartridge is not necessary.
        The rec.backcountry newsgroup website has a great section on the need for treating water to prevent infection.

• Notebook and pencil or pen: Useful for leaving notes or keeping records. Take a small notebook or pad of paper. An extra zippered plastic bag should be placed around notes left for other people to prevent rain damage, which could render them illegible.

• Gaffer's Tape: Ten times stickier than plumber's tape, a small roll of Gaffer's tape will hold together anything from a broken boot to a loose backpack. I have even seen some people use it to cover blisters when they forget to bring moleskin also (though I wouldn't recommend it). You will have to go to a store that supplies motion picture equipment to get it, but it will be worth the trip. A roll should last years.

• Watch: A watch can be useful to help plan available hiking time by how much daylight is left, or to arrange meeting times.
        Some of the newer models have built in altimeters too. These can be useful for predicting the weather. Provided you stay at the same elevation for several hours so the watch can be used for this purpose, falling pressure (or altitude) usually means rainy weather approaching.

• Portable Radio: A small portable radio is useful for checking on weather conditions. Tune into your local NOAA Weather Radio station for 24 hour a day, 7 day a week weather informaton in the USA. They are located at: 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525 and 162.550 Mhz on the dial. Los Angeles County uses 162.550 MHz.

• Field Guides: For identifying and understanding the geology, archeology, flora, fauna, etc. in the area.

• Binoculars with strap: For finding that interesting geology, archeology, flora and fauna in the area.
        For marginal light conditions, like sunrise and sunset, binoculars with at least a 5 millimeter exit pupil are necessary. Otherwise the human eye will not be able to get enough light from the binoculars to see clearly in the twilight. To determine exit pupil size, divide the objective diameter by the magnification. Example: A pair of 7X35 binoculars is 35 / 7 = 5. Therefore these binoculars have the desired 5 mm exit pupil.
        However the large objective binoculars weigh considerably more than those with smaller objectives. Weight is at a premium while hiking and if the binoculars aren't to be used during or after twilight a smaller objective pair could be used instead. A three millimeter exit pupil is a practical minimum. Therefore an 8X24 or 6X18 pair of binoculars is a good compromise.

• Camera, extra lenses, lens caps, batteries, camera bag and film: For taking those great nature pictures. Join the HAC Packers and compete in our annual photo contest at the December club meeting.

• Money / Wallet: This item and the next, aren't on the "ten essentials" list, but I'd really hate to be without them. They are included here for completeness sake.
        Be sure to store this item and the next in a safe, out-of-the-way spot in your pack. I use a small side pocket that contains nothing else. That way I don't ever open that pocket on-trail and these items won't accidently be removed and possibly lost out in the woods.

• Car and House Keys: Woe betide the foolish person that can't get back into his or her car or house upon returning from a hike. See the comment in the Money and Wallet section above on safe storage.

The URL for this page is: http://home.earthlink.net/~kirkm2506/DayhikeGear.html
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Copyright © 1996 - 1998 by Kirk Mueller and the HAC Packers. All rights are reserved.
REI, Camelbak, Jansport and Sportmart are copyrights for their respective companies. All these, and any others I might have missed, are so acknowledged.

For more information or to send comments contact: Kirk Mueller