What to Bring on a Day Hike || REI

REI

17 Sept 201802:46

Summary

TLDRThe video outlines essential items to bring on a day hike to stay safe if you end up being outdoors longer than planned. It covers the 10 hiking essentials like navigation tools, sun protection, first aid, emergency shelter and food, extra clothing, and other necessities. It also describes helpful additional gear like a pee rag, phone, GPS watch, and appropriate clothing. Planning ahead with an itinerary and checklist allows you to customize your pack to conditions and prevents forgetfulness about critical gear for an enjoyable, prepared hike.

Takeaways

😊 Always carry the 10 essentials - navigation tools, headlamp, sun protection, first aid kit, fire starter, shelter, food, water, extra clothes
👓 Bring navigation tools like a map and compass to avoid getting lost
🔦 Pack a headlamp in case you end up hiking when it gets dark
⛅️ Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
🩹 Carry a first aid kit for minor injuries
💧 Pack plenty of water and food in case your hike lasts longer than expected
🌡️ Choose clothes based on weather - fleece for cold, rain jacket if wet
📱 Bring your cell phone to take photos and for emergencies
🚽 Consider a pee rag instead of toilet paper to reduce waste
📝 Leave an itinerary with someone so people know where you are hiking

Q & A

What are the 10 essentials that one should bring on a day hike?
-The 10 essentials for day hiking include: navigation tools like a map and compass, sun protection like sunglasses and a hat, first aid supplies, fire starters like matches, a knife, shelter like a space blanket, extra food and water, extra clothes, a personal hygiene kit, and a headlamp.
Why is proper navigation important for day hiking?
-Proper navigation tools like maps, compass, and GPS help hikers stay on trail, know where they are, how far they have hiked, and how to get back safely. This is important in case conditions change or hikers get lost.
What type of clothing and footwear should one wear for day hiking?
-Appropriate hiking clothing includes wicking t-shirts, quick-dry shorts or pants, durable hiking boots, and hiking socks. The exact items brought should depend on weather conditions.
Why is extra food and water an essential item for day hikes?
-Even on short hikes, having extra food like energy bars and extra water is essential in case hikers end up on trail longer than expected or if other issues arise.
What should the contents of a day hiking first aid kit include?
-A day hike first aid kit should include bandages, antibiotic ointment, medications like pain relievers and antihistamines, tweezers, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and other basic medical supplies.
What is a pee rag and why does the narrator recommend bringing it?
-A pee rag is a small reusable towel that can be used in place of toilet paper. It is more environmentally friendly and practical on trail than carrying toilet paper.
Why does the narrator recommend leaving gear like sandals and extra socks in your car?
-Leaving extra gear in your car that you may want after your hike, like sandals, socks, coffee, etc. helps lighten your load on the trail.
Why is an itinerary and communication plan important for day hiking?
-Leaving a copy of your hiking plans with someone and in your car helps people know where to look if you don't return on time from your hike.
What extra gear might be needed for winter day hiking?
-For winter day hiking extra gear like microspikes, snowshoes, heavier insulation layers, hand/foot warmers, etc. may be needed depending on conditions.
Where can someone find a helpful day hiking checklist?
-The video creator mentions a helpful customizable day hiking checklist in the description of the YouTube video.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Bringing the 10 hiking essentials for safety

The first paragraph explains the importance of bringing 10 essential items when going on a day hike for safety. These include navigation tools like a map and compass, lighting, sun protection, first aid supplies, emergency shelter and lighting, extra food and water, extra clothes appropriate for the conditions, and a personal hygiene kit.

😊 Helpful tips for preparing for a safe, comfortable hike

The second paragraph provides additional useful recommendations for a safe, enjoyable day hike. These tips cover clothing selection, footwear, tracking mileage, and items to leave in the car like sandals, extra socks, coffee, and copies of the hiking itinerary.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡day hiking

Day hiking refers to hiking or walking outdoors on trails for a day, without camping overnight. It is a popular recreational activity that people often do unprepared by not bringing proper supplies. The video stresses the importance of bringing the 10 essentials when day hiking so you can stay safe if plans change or emergencies occur.

💡10 essentials

The 10 essentials are 10 important items that hikers should always carry with them for safety. As described in the video, these include navigation tools, sun protection, first aid supplies, emergency shelter and warmth, extra food and water, extra clothes, a personal hygiene product, a communication device, and an itinerary. Having these 10 essential items can save your life if an emergency arises.

💡navigation

Navigation refers to having tools like a map, compass, or GPS device to determine your location and find your way on trails. The video specifically mentions bringing a compass and map of the hiking area as 2 key navigation essentials for day hikes.

💡first aid kit

A first aid kit contains medical supplies like bandages, gauze, ointments, etc. to treat injuries. It is one of the 10 essentials as it can provide critical care if someone gets hurt while day hiking until full medical treatment is available.

💡emergency shelter

Emergency shelter refers to items that can protect you from the elements if you get stranded outdoors, like space blankets. The video describes these as preparatory essentials in case hikers unintentionally stay out past daylight or encounter dangerous weather.

💡extra food and water

Bringing extra food like protein bars and extra water is important in case a day hike lasts longer than expected. Staying nourished and hydrated is critical to having the energy to self-rescue and make rational decisions.

💡extra clothes

Extra clothing layers that align to weather conditions, like fleece, rain jackets, etc. allow you to add or remove layers to stay warm and dry if the weather shifts unexpectedly during your hike.

💡communication device

A communication device like a cell phone allows you to call for help if injured, lost, or delayed returning from your hike. It is considered a safety essential in case evacuation becomes necessary.

💡GPS watch

A GPS watch or activity tracker described in the video uses GPS satellites to display and record metrics like mileage, location coordinates, elevation gain, etc. It enhances safety by tracking your hike details and location.

💡itinerary

An itinerary outlines details about your hike like destination, trail route, projected schedule/return time, etc. Sharing it with someone not on the hike provides them information to send help if you fail to return as planned.

Highlights

Bring the 10 essentials when hiking to stay safe

Navigation tools like a compass and map are essentials

A headlamp allows you to hike early or late

Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, glasses, and sunscreen

A first aid kit and waterproof matches provide emergency preparation

Space blankets act as emergency shelter

Bring extra food, water, and clothes depending on conditions

A pee rag replaces toilet paper

A cell phone is good for taking photos

A GPS watch tracks mileage and location

Moisture wicking clothes like shirts are important

A buff cools you and acts as a napkin

Hiking boots and socks are essential footwear

Leave sandals and clean socks in your car

Coffee afterwards energizes you