Hit the trail
What to carry, how to layer, keeping food and water handy, and simple trail-day habits for comfortable hikes.
Water, a snack, a packable rain shell or extra layer, sun protection, and a small first-aid kit cover most day hikes. Add a map or a charged phone, tell someone your plan, and you're set for the vast majority of trails.
Start slightly cool, since you warm up quickly once moving, and carry a layer to add at breaks and the summit. A wicking base, an easily-shed mid layer, and a packable shell let you adjust without overheating or chilling.
A comfortable daypack or a sturdy tote carries a day's essentials for most front-country hikes. Look for something that holds water, a layer, and snacks without bouncing around — and that you don't mind setting down on the ground.
A small soft cooler bag or an insulated pouch keeps drinks and perishable snacks cool for a day hike, especially if you pre-chill everything and freeze a drink to act as an ice pack. For longer hikes, pack foods that don't need to stay cold.
Check the forecast, but pack for the conditions you might meet, not just the ones at the trailhead — a packable shell and an extra layer handle most surprises. Mountains and water make weather shift fast, so a little extra is wise.
Bring the few things that matter — water, a layer, a snack, sun and rain protection — and skip the just-in-case extras for short, well-traveled trails. Choosing lightweight, multi-use gear keeps the load down without leaving you unprepared.
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