Gear for a One-Day Walk

Heading out for just a day-long walk? Don't make the mistake of thinking you don't need any gear. More than once on long hikes, I've run into dayhikers who started the day in shorts and cotton t-shirts, with one candy bar in their pocket, and later in the day, in an unexpected cold front or rain, they were pretty miserable and sometimes even in danger of getting hypothermia.

Here's a list of things no dayhiker should be without:

Map Compass (assuming that you know how to use one-even if you don't, bring it anyway-you may run into someone who can help you find your way if you get lost) Whistle (for signaling, in emergencies; whistle in bursts of three to indicate and emergency) Lighter or waterproof matches Toilet paper (dig a 6- to 8-inch hole to bury your waste, or pack it back out) Warm shirt or jacket, depending on the season Small flashlight (you never know when you'll get lost and be out a lot later than you think) Rain poncho (can also be used as a tarp/emergency shelter First aid: bandaids, elastic bandage for sprained ankle or other injuries Moleskin or Compeed (a great blister treatment) Snacks-bring more than you think you might need-hiking makes you HUNGRY. Emergency food (I use energy bars, in flavors I don't normally like-if you get your favorite flavors, they won't last until an emergency) Water (and if you're going on a long hike where you know there are water sources on the way, a water filter is useful so you can drink fresh water along the way and/or refill your bottles) A small amount of money, in case you end up somewhere you didn't expect and need to call for a ride or buy food

Journal and camera (record your trip-later on, you'll be glad you did)

Other options: I often carry one or two big garbage bags in my pack. If you're caught in an unexpected rain, simply cut or tear holes for your head and arms, and you have an instant, if not very stylish, rain jacket. On my Appalachian Trail hike, this was my only rain gear for most of the summer months, from May-August. It was incredibly light, easily replaced, and worked great. After a while, I got fancy and tailored my "jacket," adding sleeves and a hood with the hiker's best friend, duct tape.

Happy hiking everyone, and stay safe!

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