What I Have in My Day Bag When Hiking
Every hike, I bring a day bag filled with the items below. It doesn't matter if the trail is just 3 miles or a full fifteen. Now, I know a billion articles are out there telling you what you should have in your bag. And I was that person who read, followed, and then, over time, started to take some things out and put other things in based on my needs. That’s what you’ll end up doing too. Hopefully, this list will put you a step ahead so that you don’t have to worry about making as many changes as I did. And be careful not to cut any corners to save money. It would be a mistake to leave out the Gatorade to save five bucks, for example, if you decide to take on a hike when the sun is high during the summer. You’ll need those electrolytes!
So let’s look into what I have in my bag at any given time. I will note when I add certain things that don’t appear in my typical hiking trip. First, let's start off with the bag itself! I have mentioned it a few times in the past. I really love my Osprey Sirrus 24.
Reasons why the Osprey Sirrus 24 is so amazing:
1. Has the same Injection-molded suspension system as my backpacking bag (Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack — Women's)
2. Allows your back to breathe, which is excellent for a hot day
3. Is small enough that you don't feel like you are carrying this giant bag but big enough to carry everything you need
4. Can be taken on a plane as a carry-on, which I have done
5. Is lightweight
6. Has a water bladder section that can hold up to 3 liters
7. Has two side pockets that can hold Gatorade or more water
8. Protected by Osprey's warranty—one of the best I know.
Their bags are pricey (mine was retailing for 140 in 2020, but I got it off of Facebook Market for 70). But if anything happens to your bag, you can send it in to get it repaired for free!
These are the items I always have in my bag:
• Water Bladder — 2 or 3L
• Pocket Knife
• First Aid Kit
• Extra Pair of Clothes
• Rain Jacket for the Bag and Myself
• Light jacket
• Honey Stingers and Other Snacks
• Headlamp
• Battery Charger
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Gatorade
Items I add to my bag, especially during the winter months:
• Hand and Foot Warmers
• Extra Socks
• Extra Hat
• Extra Gloves
• Extra Layers
• Ice Spikes
• My MSR WindPro (to make warm foods and drinks for longer hikes)
• Freeze-Dried Food and Tea/Coffee
• My Yeti Tumbler
• Wind and Waterproof Matches
As you can see, the items in my bag change depending on the season or how long the hikes are. I have seen people on hikes who do not have a day bag, let alone water, which is dangerous. If anything happens on a walk, you aren't prepared. You want to have the right supplies in case you get lost in the woods or, worse, are injured. If you want more tips and tricks, I recommend reading the articles on REI I have sent a few of their articles to my cousin because he is slowly getting into hiking and camping.
I hope this helps!