A lot can be accomplished on a day trip. With no need to lug around a tent or sleeping bag, or tuck into a less-than-appetising freeze-dried meal after dark, there’s a lot to love about keeping things light.
But what exactly do you need to pack for a day hike, and how do you travel fast and light without sacrificing safety? Download our handy day hike packing list and read on for the full breakdown of what to bring.
What Day Pack Do I Need?
A small hydration pack won’t quite cut it when you’re heading into the mountains for the day. You’ll need a day pack that can comfortably carry all the essentials, plus those extra layers.
What size pack do I need?
Around 30L is a great size for most day trips. For winter or alpine missions, a larger pack can be useful for extra snow or ice equipment and additional layers.
What does your pack need to have?
That one’s up to you, but comfort is key to enjoying your trip.
Look for features like:
- A hip belt and chest strap for load stability
- Pockets that make water easily accessible
- External loops for poles or tools
- A built-in whistle
- Additional pockets for snacks or small essentials
What Do I Pack?
Let’s break it down into categories:
Health & safety
- PLB (personal locator beacon): Available for hire at many outdoor stores, including Macpac.
- First aid kit: Make your own or buy a pre-made one.
- Emergency shelter: Options include an emergency bivvy bag or a fly.
- Whistle
- Emergency blanket
Layers
- Insulated jacket: Down or synthetic—just something that packs down small.
- Rain jacket
- Thermal set
- Beanie and gloves
- Extra base/mid layer – like a fleece
Food & Water
Water: For missions with water sources along the way, you won’t need to carry too much. If not, aim for around 2.5–3L, especially in hot weather.
Snacks: Choose high-energy options like
- Nuts
- Muesli bars
- Bliss balls
- Dried fruit for a bit of a sugar hit
Lunch: Wraps are a great option as they don’t take up much space and can easily slide down the side of your pack.
Non-essentials
- Fun snacks (chocolate, sweets)
- Electrolytes
- A lightweight stove and mug for a hot drink if you’re feeling fancy. There’s nothing like a brew with a view.
Sun Protection
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- SPF lip balm
Other Bits & Pieces
- Loo paper
- Sitting mat (optional)
- Poles (optional)
- Tissues (optional)
How to Pack a Day Pack
Pack your day pack much like you would an overnight pack; it’s all about balance and convenience.
- Heavier items (that you won’t need to access often) go at the bottom of your pack. For better balance, pack them as close to your back as possible.
- Lighter or frequently used items (like your rain jacket) should be near the top.
- Snacks, sunscreen, and other small items can go in external pockets. If it starts to rain, pop them into your pack liner so you’re not left with soggy sandwiches.
Tip: Pack everything into a single large dry bag or multiple smaller ones to protect your gear in unexpected weather. It also makes it easy to know where to find what gear.
