So you're going for a bushwalk? awesome.
In this post we will share with what you need to pack for a day hike whether its 5 kilometres or 20, whether it's winter or summer, whether is remote or near the suburbs. We've got your back. While we are on that topic, check out item 1.
1. Backpack
If you are going from a short walk anywhere ranging from 1-3 hours, you will generally get away with whatever backpack you have around the house. If it's any longer than that, you want a backpack that isn't going to give you neck pain. So if you're interested in doing longer full day hikes, invest in a backpack that has a comfortable hip belt (ideally with pockets in the hip belt where you can store some go-to snacks). The Osprey backpacks are a winner for design, durability and brand.
This backpack is an absolute winner in my opinion.
2. Water Bottle or Bladder
Either a water bottle or a bladder are great in my opinion. If you're the type of hiker that doesn't like to stop and wants to power on, water bladders are a great option for you. You can hydrate without even stopping! Water bladders can have a horrible taste to them, this one is my go-to for great tasting water straight up.
As for water bottles, hands down the Nalgene Water Bottles are the best we've come across. They are unbreakable, BPA/BPS free and dishwasher safe. My favourite part about them is that when you do multi-day treks, you can safely fill it with boiling water, put a sock over it and place it in your sleeping bag to warm it up and keep yourself warm on cold nights.
3. Offline Maps
Gone are the days of a map and compass. We now use apps to download offline maps so they are available on our phones for a hike. Our favourite apps are Maps.me, AllTrails and Avenza Maps. Personally, I love AllTrails as you can view the 'comments' section for tips and view photos of parts of the trail. The app you use depends on which apps have your hike GPX., so if you're like us, you'll end up with 10+ navigation apps.
4. Hat
If you're hiking in Australia you know the UV can be extremely high. We have done some trekking in Tasmania and, even on overcast days, have been cooked by the sun. So check the UV for your area. If it is high and above, please protect your skin by wear a broad brimmed hat. Hopefully they will design a cool looking broad brimmed hat one day. But until then, you can rock a dorky hat like us.
5. Sunscreen
Lately we have been using natural zinc sunscreen that is at least 50+ SPF. Protect your skin folks.
6. First Aid
What you bring for first aid items is really dependent on where you are and what hazards you'll likely encounter. From our time guiding, we know that alcohol swabs, insect repellent, snake bite bandage, electrolytes, pain killers and bandages are a must for us.
7. Rain jacket or Windbreaker
There are so many uses to a rain jacket on a hike. You can use it to:
keep dry - obviously
It doubles as a windbreaker
You can sit on it when you're having a break - keep your bum dry and soil-free
keep you warm
If you are VERY sure it isn't going to rain or be windy, it's likely you won't need to bring this. But if the whether is changeable, unpredictable, cold (especially in the mountains) we highly recommend bringing one. Use a rain jacket with a GORTEX rating will do the trick.
8. Spot Tracker / Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) / Satellite GPS
You never know when an emergency will strike. Some things you should consider if you need to bring an emergency device is:
Phone reception - if you aren't within hiking distance of phone reception
Solo hiking - if you're alone with no phone reception, this could save your life
Popularity - are there going to be any people around if something bad happens?
You don't need to fork out big bucks on this. You can hire them in advice, ask friends to borrow one or a local hiking club.
9. Sunglasses
If you're in Australia, polarised sunglasses are a must.
10. Snacks
If our hikes are longer than 3 hours, snacks are a must. Our favourites are fresh fruit, bliss balls, trail mix and mueseli slice. For strenuous hikes, we like to treat ourselves with a nutella and peanut butter wrap. Try it. It will change your life.
11. Lip Balm / Chapstick
It's a dry climate down in southern Australia. Burts Bees lip balm is a winner.
12. Random items
Don't forget the random items that YOU love. Whether it's a book or a pocket knife.
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