Packing list for hiking! What should you take with you on a day trip in nature? This is not a list for the "extreme hiker", but a list for those who want to make simple and relaxed day trips in nature.
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Day trips in nature
This is a post I (Helena) probably never thought I would write. Although we like nature, we have never been any hikers, but this spring, when covid-19 was at its worst, there was not much else to do if you wanted to get out of home. And you want to do that from time to time!
We went on several nice day hikes in the Stockholm area. Since we were fairly inexperienced (and untrained) hikers, and since we wanted to enjoy nature in peace and quiet, there were no "extreme hikes", but mostly relaxed day hikes of between 6 and 14 kilometres. Here are three nice tours that we liked:
Hiking packing list - what do you need for a day trip?
If you choose to go on more relaxed day trips in the forest and countryside, do you really need to think so much about packing and equipment? No, we certainly don't want to make it more complicated than it is! At the same time, we have to say that it is more pleasant to walk if you have comfortable clothes and don't have to be hungry ...
For the most part, you can rely on equipment that you probably already have at home. We invested in a few small items (including water bottles and thermoses) and then we were ready to go. If you want to add to your pack, you can look at the following examples equipment for hiking on the online shop eStore, where there is plenty of outdoor equipment.
Clothes for hiking
Do you need any special clothes if you're just going on a day hike? Of course, you shouldn't overdo it and make it too complicated, especially if it prevents you from getting out and about, but it's more pleasant to move around when you're dressed properly!
Perhaps the most important thing is a comfortable pair of shoes that are broken in and don't chafe. I (Helena) prefer a pair of real hiking shoes, which are much more water resistant than trainers. Peter sometimes wears regular trainers because he finds them more comfortable.
Good clothes for the day trip
- Comfortable hiking shoes or hiking boots (trainers can also work if it is not wet).
- Comfortable "outdoor" trousers or shorts
- Sweaters in stock on stock (so you can take on and off according to how warm you feel).
- Wind and rainproof jacket (depending on temperature and season)
- Rainwear (depending on the area and weather conditions)
- Warm jumper or thin down jacket (depending on temperature and season)
- Hats and mittens (depending on temperature and season)
- cap (if you need protection from the sun)
Lunch box for the hike
In the beginning, when we were completely untrained, we sometimes only took fruit with us. What a mistake! You get hungry when you walk in nature and it's no fun hiking with a rumbling stomach. Sitting down in a beautiful place and enjoying your packed lunch, on the other hand, is great!
The internet is certainly full of creative and exciting recipes for your packed lunch. We usually choose to keep it simple. We don't want to spend too much time on preparation and everything tastes good in nature anyway!
Packed lunch and coffee for the day trip
- Water
- Coffee or tea (kept warm in a thermos)
- Sandwiches with savoury toppings (e.g. cheese and ham, cassoulet, chicken, tuna or similar)
- Vegetables (e.g. small tomatoes or carrot sticks)
- Fruits
- Nuts, dried fruit or biscuit chocolate (or something similar)
- Napkins or paper towels
- Plastic bag (to put the rubbish in)
Equipment for the hike
If you are only going on a day trip, do you need so much equipment? No, that's the beauty of it. It's pretty easy to go on a day hike. Some things are still good to have with you! As well as a rucksack, it can be good to have plasters and sunglasses, for example.
Here's a list of other things you might want to bring with you. There are quite a few items on the list, but this is because you may need different things at different times. Remember not to take what you don't need. You don't want your packing to be too heavy!
Packing for the day trip
- backpack
- Seat pads
- Water bottle
- Thermos (for tea or coffee, or maybe soup)
- Sunglasses and sun cream (depending on the weather)
- Mosquito repellent (depending on the area and season)
- Plasters (possibly also blister tape and wrap)
- Any medication (e.g. allergy medicines)
- Toilet paper
- Map and/or compass (if hiking outside clearly marked trails)
- Mobile phone
- Camera and/or binoculars (depending on interests)
More equipment to consider
- Pocket knife and matches/lighters (if you want to be able to make a fire)
- Flashlight or headlamp (if you go out in the dark season)
- Kåsa (to drink water directly from fresh mountain streams)
- Water filters/water purifiers (to purify and drink water from lakes and rivers)
- First aid kit
- Rain cover for your rucksack (if it rains a lot)
Packing list for hiking
Do you have any other tips? What is in your hiking packing list for a day trip?
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Frido says:
Would consider a spare battery for your phone. Today's phones eat up battery power!
05 September 2020 - 20:59
Helena says:
Good tip! If you use your phone a lot, it can run out. I personally find that the battery runs out quickly if you use the GPS function.
05 September 2020 - 21:42
Emma K says:
Great tips! Thank you! 🙂
07 September 2020 - 15:11
Amanda says:
We have also been out in nature much more than usual! Probably packs about the same. Maybe not everything 😉
07 September 2020 - 15:12
Lena - good for the soul says:
I definitely agree that being outside is more fun when you have the "right" equipment. Since entering the hiking world, I've been investing more and more in good gear. What a difference it makes. One of my most important things is an undershirt in wool instead of cotton. Big difference in how sweaty I feel.
Great post!
Hug Lena
08 September 2020 - 5:42