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Here is a detailed listing of stuff I bring on day hikes. I don't always bring all of the
stuff here. It depends on the weather conditions, terrain, etc.
|
Walking Stuff
| Walking Stuff |
Pounds |
| Hiking Shoes |
|
| 1 pairs socks / liners |
0.363 |
| Trekking Poles |
|
| extra shoelace |
0.006 |
|
I've never gotten a blister since I started using hiking socks and liners. I've
never had to use the extra shoelace, but it's light. Trekking poles have several
advantages, the best of which is saving the knees.
|
Food
| Food |
Pounds |
| Sandwich in tupperware |
|
| Granola bars |
|
| Dried fruit |
|
| Apples |
|
|
Lately, I've been bringing sandwiches in the new light tupperware containers. This keeps
the sandwiches from getting crushed in the pack. An alternative to using these containers
(if you can't spare the bulk) is to bring tortillas, pita bread, or bagels, which can
stand the pack better. Bananas are a big no-no (they'll turn to mush); apples are better.
Grapes in tupperware are great on a hot hike. Pack what you like to eat. Variety is good.
I like to bring along bars (granola bars, Luna bars, etc.) as a quick easy energy source
just in case I don't bring enough food. The bars are good early in the hike (if I didn't
eat a big enough breakfast), or later in the day when I don't want to stop long.
|
Liquids
| Item |
Pounds |
| Tang or Gatorade |
|
| Water |
|
| |
| CamelBak |
0.313 |
| water filter |
1.081 |
| 2 96-ounce floppy Nalgene bottles for filtering |
0.338 |
| Total |
0.000 |
Water (and other liquids) weigh about 8 pounds a gallon. That's about one pound
for every 16 ounces. I usually bring a 105 ounce Camelbak, filled appropriately
depending on the weather and length of the hike. I'll bring an extra 32 ounces
of Tang, Gatorade, or other sports drink. After drinking water all the time,
the sports drink will be a welcome relief. It may also help in avoiding cramps.
The only time I've needed the water filter is on Mt. Whitney. Still, if you're going
somewhere hot and you know you'll be hiking near a water source, it's a good thing to
have instead of bringing all your water with you. It'll actually save on weight. Another
great thing about it is that usually the water is cold.
Pack
| Pack |
Pounds |
| Kelty Redwing |
|
| |
| Total |
|
|
I've gone through a variety of different day packs. I've settled on this one because
it has a stiff back, solid waist support, and lots of room.
|
Photography
| Photography |
Pounds |
| Stitz tripod |
3.131 |
| Minolta Maxxum 7 body |
1.581 |
| Minolta 100-300 lens |
1.425 |
| Minolta Maxxum 5 body |
1.131 |
| Minolta flash |
1.100 |
| Minolta 24-105 lens |
0.931 |
| large camera bag and strap |
0.763 |
| 3 rolls Fuji Velvia film |
0.168 |
| Filter holder (for grad ND) |
0.118 |
| 2 rolls Fuji Provia 400F film |
0.112 |
| Blower |
0.106 |
| Graduated neutral density filter w/ case |
0.100 |
| Mesh bag for blower, ND filter |
0.081 |
| 2 CR5 batteries |
0.081 |
| polarizer |
0.063 |
| cable release |
0.056 |
| lens tissue in pouch |
0.019 |
| Total |
10.966 |
|
Obviously, one of my primary objectives on a hike is to take good photographs.
So I take a lot more photography equipment than your average hiker. Consider
all of this optional gear. Still, if you bring a camera, you'll have lasting
memories in the form of real images. So I find it a bit more satisfying
experience. It's worth the extra weight.
|
Clothes
| Clothes |
Pounds |
| jacket |
1.788 |
| Tevas |
1.563 |
| light fleece |
0.650 |
| shell pants |
0.350 |
| Balaclava |
0.094 |
| Total |
5.969 |
|
I almost never hike without my balaclava anymore. It is so light it's ridiculous, and it
provides a huge amount of warmth if necessary.
|
Misc
| Misc |
Pounds |
| poncho |
0.563 |
| Matrix lamp w/ batteries |
0.375 |
| Cobra/weather radio + battery pack |
0.375 |
| accessory cord |
0.156 |
| 2 garbage bags |
0.094 |
| Gerber knife |
0.069 |
| compass |
0.063 |
| credit cards + ID + cash |
0.056 |
| Paper / pens |
0.050 |
| matches |
0.050 |
| whistle |
0.038 |
| 4 ziploc bags |
0.019 |
| Total |
2.365 |
|
My most-used piece of misc gear is probably my poncho. I almost never need to
use it because of rain, but I lay it out on the ground for something to sit on
or put lunch on -- a picnic blanket, so to speak. Great for lying down and
taking naps, too.
|
Bathroom
| Bathroom |
Pounds |
| Wet wipes |
0.400 |
| Sunscreen / lip balm |
0.213 |
| Kleenex |
0.138 |
| Quick-drying towel |
0.169 |
| Trowel |
0.119 |
| Toilet paper |
0.094 |
| Quick-drying towel |
0.094 |
| Moisturizer |
0.088 |
| Handkerchief |
0.044 |
| Mirror |
0.013 |
| Total |
1.485 |
|
Sunscreen, lip balm, and mirror are the essentials here. A handkerchief
is good as a substitute for kleenex, as a cooling tool (soak it and put it around
your neck), and as a wash cloth. I've also once wrapped it around my face to keep
from swallowing hordes of bugs.
|
First Aid Kit
| First aid kit |
Pounds |
| Insect repellent |
0.088 |
| Ace bandage |
0.075 |
| Bandages |
0.056 |
| swiss army knife |
0.044 |
| waterproof tape |
0.044 |
| Sting Eze |
0.038 |
| Ibuprofen |
0.038 |
| Antacid |
0.038 |
| Neosporin |
0.031 |
| Thermometer |
0.013 |
| Bag for first aid kit |
0.013 |
| Moleskin |
0.013 |
| Antihistamines |
0.047 |
| Emergency blanket |
0.000 |
| Total |
0.538 |
|
A first aid kit is essential. I bring it on every hike. For beginners, moleskin may
be the most important ingredient in helping relieve hotspots on the feet.
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