What to Bring on a Day Hike || REI

At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), we love to get outside and play, and we know first-hand the importance of quality outdoor gear. We stand behind all our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we design our own line of award-winning REI brand gear and clothing. Whether you're new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned pro, we gladly share our enthusiasm for our products—and the trails, slopes and waterways where we play.

[TigerPalmer]

Something simple that I might have missed in the video is... a whistle. Could be very helpful for rescuers looking for a lost hiker. When you’re lost in the woods, a passerby could be within earshot of you, even though you may not see them.

And I would wear a traditional battery-powered or solar-powered watch. Once the smart watch dies, it’s basically a paperweight.

[codefreespirit]

I'd recommend one other thing for this day hike essential list: A useful water filtration unit. I've packed a lifestraw before, but ended up cutting a Sawyer filter inline on my water reservoir tube. If it gets hotter than you thought, you give some water to your dog, use it to hydrate a dry meal, end up drinking more than you thought... whatever the reason, being able to fill up your reservoir and not worry about getting sick is a wonderful thing. I also recommend the Grayl if you have room. It's my favorite filter for dayhiking because I find it highly reliable and easy to use.

[backpacker]

Nice video with lots of good information - leaving an itinerary is an important one that most day hikers miss completely.

[Charsept]

Whoa, older video.
This was before it was her show, gosh darn. 😅

[cal]

Good idea to practice with the gear you choose so you know how well it will do what you expect it to do and you have the skill to use it... Not talking about the pee rag.

[katherinelangford]

Awesome info. I'm hitting up 4 national parks over 10 days this month and this is a good reminder of what I should prep and bring with me. I'm going to bring water filtration which I hadn't thought of until I saw your Platypus water bladder. Thanks for the helpful vid.

[richarde]

There are some really solid tips.  My hiking shoes and boots are very comfortable, but my feet are happy at the end of the hike to slip into some socks and sandals.I also bring along a few water treatment tablets.  They weigh very little, and could come in very handy.  It's usually not part of a standard medical kit, but I also bring along a few ibruprofen.  I usually bring along a light fixed blade knife, like a Mora (the one with the fire stick built into the handle), as well as a basic Swiss army knife that has tweezers, pick, scissors, etc.   Nothing more aggravating than the tiniest splinter to ruin a day, and those tweezers can come in handy!  I also bring along a couple packages of Natrapel (bug repellent).  For sun, those little travel sized sunscreen tubes pack easily and can be lifesavers to have along.  Finally, I usually bring along an extra pair of shoelaces.  If I forget the shoelaces, the paracord bracelet I wear will substitute in an emergency.Thanks!

[Blulowe]

Very helpful. I also bring sunscreen in my backpack.

[drhiiff]

Nice advice are all urgent to have on your hiking

[mfitz]

And for those also in Australia, snake bite kit! Snake bite kit! Snake bite kit!

[jtaylorb]

I always bring extra water for others in the trail and food. I have two sources of light and when possible an extra battery or external charger for the phone. This helps if you need to get on someone else phone that might have run out of battery.

[brightful]

Jeremy from Jersey just subscribed thanks for the video

[mikescollectiblemadness]

Amazing video and amazing channel and amazing job friend 😀❤👍

[cmcer]

I have no doubt that you carry more than those few items in your day pack. I have seen way too many times a day pack turning into an overnighter due to various reasons. After being with the Colorado Mt. Club for years they have their recommended "What to Take on a Hike" that's downloadable and a lot more complete. Seen where someone just goes off trail a short distance and gets lost and then found months later. I always believe that if it's too heavy, get in better shape.

[mikeg]

Hi Miranda, your videos are awesome!!! I have a question about snacks that you like to take on a day hike? Thanks in advance.

[survivalgal]

I’ve been away (hiking and camping) but a friend saw my earlier post on this topic. The question he put to me was essentially, what are MY “10 Essentials”? (Not “to start”, but to be reasonably safe on a DAY hike). Here they are:

1- Survival kit (carry on your belt, NEVER in a pack. Already contains: Mylar bivy, UCO Titan stormproof matches, lighter, compass, reflector, knife, eyeshade sunglasses, basic first-aid items, whistle, Micro-Maglite and 3 AAA batteries, water treatment pills, bouillon
cubes, and MUCH more!)
2- Smartphone (in a waterproof, shockproof case with a spare battery or battery bank)
3- Appropriate clothing (PLUS rain AND thermal layers)
4- Water for the day/duration (may include a water filter)
5- Area topographic map (KNOW how to use a map and compass!)
6- Ultralight inflatable sleeping pad (i.e. Thermarest short “head-to-hip”, or Big Agnes AXL full “head-to-heel”)
7- Fix-It kit (or “ditty bag”, i.e. sewing, patching, etc. miscellaneous items, possibly depending on where you’re at or what you’re doing,
etc.)
8- Essential prescription/s (i.e. eyeglasses, medication, etc.)
9- Emergency Personal Locator Beacon (day hikers NEED this kind of help!)
10- Food for the day/duration (OR an emergency food bar, like Mayday, or two)

You may notice a PROPERLY assembled survival kit ALREADY has many of the “essentials” most people like to list. Also, remember most victims are rescued within 10 to 24 hours after a report to Search and Rescue, virtually ALL are rescued well within 3 days, so the survival kit should be assembled with that in mind.

Any questions?

[donjoe]

I'm hoping it isn't the same as the one you wear as your neck buff?

[vividhouse]

what type of button up shirt is that? It looks sooo comfy

[alvinalbarillo]

Nice video, very informative, this will help us Thank you

[formzino]

What does the P in P rag stand for? Perspiration? Oh. Oh god