Proper planning and packing are very essential if you are getting ready to go on a trek. Making plans and decisions on ‘what to pack and how to pack’ can be overwhelming if it is your first hike. Are you planning to go on an overnight hike or a multi-day hike? Whatever be it, here is a quick packing-for-a-day hike checklist to help you.
Packing For A Day Hike & Night Hike Checklist
Checklist for a Night Trek
1. Map and Compass
This may sound primitive in the world of smartphones and GPS receivers. However, you cannot always rely on them. Carrying a compass and a map ensures that you will never lose your way.
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2. Flashlight, Headlamp, and Batteries
It may seem to be inessential if you are on a day trek but some unforeseen circumstances may cause delays and you may be forced to walk in the dark or camp overnight until the day breaks the next day. In such a situation you should have all these illuminating tools. It is also wise to have a matchbox and fire starters like cotton balls.
3. Food
Your body needs to be fed healthily if you are planning to trek continuously for a few hours. Pack healthy snacks containing protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
4. Water
Keeping you hydrated is very important if you want to complete your hiking trail. Take enough water to last for a day. If there are streams or lakes in your trail you can take a water filter or chlorine dioxide tablets and purify the water instead of carrying lots of water.
5. First-aid
Carry a basic first-aid kit that includes band-aids, dehydration salts, antiseptic ointments, personal medications painkillers, etc.
6. Sun guard
To protect yourself from the sun’s heat you should pack a hat, lip balm, sunglasses, sunscreen lotions, etc.
7. Insulation
Insulated jackets, sweaters, and gloves to keep you warm after sunset.
8. Shelter
You may not need one when you are on an overnight hike but it is better to carry an emergency shelter.
9. Miscellaneous
Zip seal bags, notepads, pens, binoculars, toilet paper, rain jackets, and pants, etc.
Apart from the above-mentioned things, you will need a few more things for a multi-day trek.
Checklist for a multi-day trek
1. Footwear
When you go on a multi-day trek you should pack your footwear with lots of care to avoid the risk of blisters and sores in your feet. Avoid new footwear because it may not be comfortable. You should also carry flip-flops, river shoes, socks, and gaiters.
2. Clothing
Pack clothing to suit all extreme weather conditions. Include waterproof pants and jackets, windbreakers, fleece jackets thermal wear etc.
3. Sleeping equipment
A 3-season sleeping bag or a 4-season sleeping bag is the best option. A bag with a full-length zip on the sides is better.
4. Day packs
If your plan includes a day trekking trip or a climbing trip you should pack a small backpack with essential things like climbing gear etc.
5. Medical aid
You will need syringes, moleskin, altitude sickness medication, and anti-diarrhea medication.
6. Toiletries
Quick dry towel, deodorant, paste, soap, mirror, nail clipper, toothbrush, and other hygiene products that you need.
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