The day pack you use for hikes or outings should be made into a simple GnG bag. A GnG bag is the #1 thing a person should put together to be prepared. This list makes a basic one. I have a slideshow on my free slideshow page with more info on GnG bags.
Whether it’s just a short jaunt in the woods or a longer day-hike, these are things everyone should carry in their day pack. Over-confidence is the bane of many a day-trippers journey. The pack should be tailored to your locale. Try to get items that have multiple uses, rather than just one. Thread follows with items and links.
Pack choice is personal. I have learned when you go cheap, you get cheap. After researching and using others, I settled on an Osprey Stratos 24. The nice part is it pushes away from your back and has mesh to help avoid that sweat soaking. It comes with a rain cover.
BTW. Any profit from affiliate links goes to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which educates the children of Special Operators killed while on duty.
- The equivalent of 4 full 500ml water bottles (most people carry this in a bladder). More if in hot weather.
- Lifestraw or a bottle of water purification tablets. Recently I began carrying the Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filter
- Rechargeable Plasma lighter/flashlight. Fulfills two functions. Plasma lighters work in all weather.
- Small solar power bank hung on the outside of your pack to charge. This one has charging cables built in—a power bank is worthless without cables. Speaking from experience, which is why I use this one.
- Several power bars. Other, more varied edibles, depending on the walk. This is personal, but have something compact to eat. Food is a actually a very low priority in emergency and survival situations. Water and shelter are much higher and immediate.
- Emergency sleeping bag/bivy sack. These can be lifesavers, especially for how small they pack and how light they are. Better than a survival blanket since you can pull it tight around you.
- Leatherman Wave multitool. I always have this on my belt along with a single AAA battery flashlight on the side of the holder. I use both daily.
- Besides the light on plasma lighter, I carry a headlamp. In case you misjudged your hike or there is a delay, a headlamp can help you get back to the trail head after dark. Leaves your hands free to break your fall when you trip.
- First aid kit. Depends on how much you want to carry, but at least a basic one. I recommend adding a quick-clot bandage to your day pack with a splint. I can verify the Quik-Clot works. I carry a Quik Clot bandage in my day pack, on my bike and in our cars.
- I always carry an extra pair of dry socks in a Ziplock bag. Pants and long sleeve shirts of a material that dries quickly. Most people don’t think of it, but clothes are the first priority in terms of shelter.
- A wool cap for colder environs. A boonie hat for warmer keeps the sun off, protects the head.
- Gloves. Not just for weather but to protect your hands.
- A survival knife with sharpener. Personal choice and endless arguments over what is best. You don’t need a Rambo size knife. In fact, you don’t want a Rambo knife.
- You can’t count on the GPS on your phone. Have a physical map of the area you will be hiking in. If you haven’t bought one, download the contour map for your area for free, then print it out, or order the map sheets. Carry maps inside a waterproof map case. Tie it off to you with what we called a ‘dummy cord’ in Ranger School.
- Compass. Which means you need to learn basic land navigation skills and map reading. When those contour lines come together to form a single line, that means a cliff. Don’t walk off it.
- I carry an over-sized waterproof rain jacket in my day pack. It packs very tightly. Also, make sure you have a waterproof cover for your pack (one should come with it).
- Sunscreen and bug juice can keep an enjoyable hike from turning into a miserable trek.
- I have my wallet on a day hike, but I also carry $20 in cash a Ziplock bag. I also put biowipes in there just in case. Along with 550 cord. Because you always carry 550 cord, also known as parachute line. You trace it to find the edge of your canopy when you do a water jump and the parachute settles down on you in the dark and, wait, TMI.
- Poncho. A poncho makes a great shelter. Often it was all I’ve used when camping. On some deployments it was home.
- I carry a SpotX 2 Way Satellite messenging system. I’ve gone to many locales where there is no cell phone coverage. There are places all over the country, including in the Smoky Mountains, with no coverage. I view this as a potentially life-saving investment. Also peace of mind as my family can get hold of me any time and I can update them on my progress.
I’m sure you can come up with other stuff, like stormproof matches, zip ties, etcetera, but these are the basics. Better to be safe, than sorry. This pack can help you in emergencies in your car and home also. I always carry it in the Wanderer, my Jeep Gladiator.
The contents of my day pack: Knife with whistle/sharpener; canteen; rain jacket; (Ziplok extra batteries for headlamp, water purifying tablets, waterproof match cases, small roll duct tape, magnesium fire starter, 550 cord); dog leash; solar battery pack, cables, (Ziplok money, medical tape, biowipes, sun screen); Ziplok (gloves and watch cap); Ziplok (extra socks); bug juice; SpotX with case; plasma ligher/flashlight; headlamp; survival bag; fire starter; survival straw; Quikclot bandage; Ultralight Waterproof Medical Kit 9; splint.
The compass and mirror are tied off in the front left pocket of the day pack. I carry several power bars in the outside right mesh pocket. I carry a water bottle in the outside left mesh pocket in addition to the canteen inside. Israeli bandage in First Aid kit. My cell phone is in my thigh pocket of my pants. My Leatherman and flashlight on my belt. I clip my Jeep key off to the ring on my pants (always clip your car key somewhere; do not leave loose in your pocket).
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