Hiking & Trails
The Beginner's Day-Hike Checklist
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A great day hike starts before you reach the trailhead. This checklist covers what to bring and how to plan so you can focus on the views.
Plan first
- Pick a trail that matches your fitness; check distance and elevation gain.
- Check the weather forecast and trail conditions with the land manager (park, forest service, etc.).
- Tell someone your route and expected return time.
- Know sunset time and plan to be back well before dark.
The Ten Essentials
A long-standing safety framework among hikers groups gear into systems:
- Navigation — map, compass, and/or GPS app with offline maps.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Sun protection — sunglasses, sunscreen, hat.
- First aid kit. See a compact first-aid kit we like
- Knife or multi-tool.
- Fire — lighter or waterproof matches.
- Emergency shelter — a lightweight bivy or space blanket.
- Extra food.
- Extra water or a way to treat it. Our pick for a water filter
- Extra clothes — an insulating layer and rain shell.
What to wear
Choose moisture-wicking, non-cotton layers and comfortable, broken-in footwear with good traction. Beginner-friendly hiking shoes
A daypack that fits
Most day hikes need a pack roughly big enough for the essentials, snacks, water, and a layer. Look for padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. Daypacks worth considering
On the trail
- Stay on marked trails and follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Uphill hikers generally have the right of way.
- Turn around if weather turns or you feel unwell — the trail will be there next time.