Welcome to your complete guide on what to pack for a hike! Whether it's your first short hike or your first time taking on a multi-day trek through the mountains, we've got checklists for whatever you have planned.
Key Takeaways
Always carry and wear the basics: a backpack, sturdy footwear, food, water, navigation tools, and a first-aid kit.
Pack according to hike length: light snacks and layers for short hikes, extra clothing and meals for day hikes, and tent/sleeping gear for multi-day treks.
For balance, keep heavy items (water, stove, sleeping bag) close to your back and lighter items around the outside of the bag.
Aim to carry no more than 10% of body weight on day hikes and 20% on multi-day hikes.
Protect your gear with dry bags or liners to keep everything organised and weatherproof.
Comfort and safety are key when hiking, so we've outlined everything you need to enjoy your trip without putting yourself in danger.
We've also provided recommendations onfood, water, gear, and any extras you might need on the trail. There's nothing you won't know about hiking packing when you're done here!
Here at Wood To Water, we have a huge range of high-performance hiking gear, perfect for any kind of hike.
If you need to upgrade your equipment or start a collection, check out our must-haves below or browse our website.
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Hiking Kit Non-Negotiables
This is the gear you should always take with you when hiking, no matter the length of your walk.
The specific item for each might change depending on the length of your walk, though. We’ve split out what you need for each length of hike below — click through to the length of hike you’re headed on, and you can jump straight to that section:
These only take a couple of hours to complete, so, as you can imagine,you won't need much specialist gear.
Here's exactly what we suggest for your short hikes.
Hiking Gear
As you won't be tackling Everest or spending your days trekking through the Alps, specialist gear isn't really required for short, few-hour hikes.
You, of course, need the basics, though, so here are our recommendations:
Backpack: This should be between 10 and 15L.You won't need much space, just enough room for water, extra layers, and snacks.
Trekking poles: These aren't just for long, tough hikes. If you need added stability or support for your joints, these poles can help relieve the pressure, helping you enjoy your hike.
Clothing
Our top recommendation?
Always check the forecast!
Although the weather can be unpredictable, and you can't always rely on apps, you should still aim to give yourself an idea of the conditions to help you prepare what you're going to wear and bring as a spare.
Some mountainous walks will require you to prep for all types of weather, since the conditions up there are ever-changing.
Here are our recommendations to wear and pack as extra:
Moisture-wicking t-shirt:To help keep you dry while sweating.
Long-sleeve top: To help protect you from the cold or beating sunshine.
Quick-drying/waterproof shorts or trousers: Which one you choose depends on the weather forecast.
Lightweight fleece or jacket:If you're walking in the winter or anywhere that's cold, you'll need to bring something to keep warm. Ensure it's lightweight enough to carry, though, because you might not want to wear it all the time.
Lightweight waterproof: This is especially important if you're hiking in the UK. You never know when the next shower might be.
Winter hat/cap:If it's windy and cold, protect your ears and warmth with a woolly hat, and if it's hot and sunny, consider a cap to keep cool and shaded.
Footwear
Even on short hikes, you need to keep your feet and ankles happy. Here's what we recommend:
Hiking shoes: They should be comfortable, supportive, and offer good balance for the duration of your hike. If they're suited to multiple terrains — even better.
You might not think you need snacks or drinks during a short hike, especially if you had a big breakfast, but that's incorrect, and you might become seriously dehydrated (and hangry) if you leave empty-handed.
To remain properly fuelled at all times, while giving yourself a good excuse for a well-deserved break, here's what you need:
Water bottles: You should try to bring at least half a litre for each hour you're walking, but this can be adjusted depending on the weather, your body type, sweat rate, and age.
Hiking snacks:This might be a trail mix, protein bars, nuts, or fruit. You don't need to go overboard, but take something for breaks and when you finish your walk.
Note: Don't leave rubbish anywhere, and always bring it home with you.
Health & Hygiene Products
Even though you're only heading out on a short hike, you still need to prepare for all eventualities.
Preparing for hiking is all about safety, so even if you think it's over the top (it's not), here are our top recommendations to bring on your hike:
First-aid kit:Bring a first-aid kit with you to deal with any injuries while you're walking.
Pain medication:Aspirin or Ibuprofen for any pain throughout the hike.
Antibacterial/antiseptic wipes:These should be in your first-aid kit, but it's worth checking. These wipes are useful for grazes, cuts, or general cleanliness.
Hand sanitiser: Self-explanatory.
Menstrual products: Don't forget feminine products, just in case.
Toilet paper:Most hikes have a toilet at the start or in a nearby car park, but it's best to bring your own to be safe.
Insect repellent: Don't let those annoying midges or mosquitoes ruin your hike.
SPF suncream and lip balm:It's always essential to be protected from the sun. UV rays can still be high with the sun behind clouds, so always apply an SPF where possible.
Optional & Extra Items
You won't always need this list of extras — it depends on the type of hike you're taking on — but we thought we'd list them here if you want to be extra prepared.
Knife or multi-tool:This might be useful if you run into any unexpected situations where you need to cut some wood, tighten something, open something, or in case of emergencies.
Gear-repair kit: If your bag or another piece of equipment becomes damaged, you might need some duct tape, ties, spare zips, or patches.
Flashlight or headlamp: This is necessary if you're hiking during the hours of darkness, but it might also be useful if you're prone to getting lost or think you might take longer to complete your hike.
Hiking Gear Checklist for Day-Long Hikes
Day hikes are a little different because you'll be tackling sometimes tough terrain for most of the day.
Although the basic gear will stay the same,there are a few additionsyou should be aware of. Let's get into it.
Hiking Gear
Like we said, you need to ramp it up a bit in terms of hiking gear you'll bring on a half or full day hike, so here is what we recommend:
Backpack:This should be between 20L and 35L. You don't need much extra space, but you will need to account for more snacks, more water, and extra clothing if necessary.
Trekking poles: These are more of a non-negotiable for long hikes like these. Your knees and other joints will benefit from having some extra pressure relieved. You're also likely to encounter different terrains, and poles can help with your stability here.
Hydration Pack:If you're hiking for a full day, consider a hydration pack. This is a backpack containing a water reservoir (bladder) connected to a hose with a bite valve.
Flashlight or headlamp:On a full-day hike, whether in the morning or in the evening, you'll likely be hiking through some hours of darkness. It's best to bring some kind of light source, and it's especially useful if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
Clothing
You'll need more or less the same clothing for a single-day hike as you would for a hike only a few hours long.
However, it's likely, depending on where your hike is, that it'll be more gruelling and you'll experience more weather conditions, meaning you'll need more clothing options.
Here's what we recommend you wear and pack as spare or extra:
Moisture-wicking t-shirt: To help keep you dry while sweating.
Long-sleeve top:To help protect you from the cold or beating sunshine.
Quick-drying/waterproof shorts or trousers: Which one you choose depends on the weather forecast.
Lightweight fleece or jacket: If you're walking in the winter or anywhere that's cold, you'll need to bring something to keep warm. Ensure it's lightweight enough to carry, though, because you might not want to wear it all the time.
Lightweight waterproof:This is especially important if you're hiking in the UK. You never know when the next shower might be.
Winter hat/summer cap:If it's windy and cold, protect your ears and warmth with a woolly hat, and if it's hot and sunny, consider a cap to keep cool and shaded.
Moisture-wicking underwear: To help prevent discomfort and irritation while you sweat.
Spare layers:On a full-day hike, you never know what you might encounter, so it's best to come prepared as the temperature changes and the weather remains unpredictable.
Winter items: Depending on where your hike is located, you might want to consider bringing some gloves and a scarf, too.
Footwear
On a single-day hike, you need to be doubly sure your feet are comfortable in the footwear you choose. It's also essential that you break your shoes in before walking long distances in them. This will prevent discomfort and blisters that can hinder your walk.
Long and relatively challenging terrain calls for hiking boots that are ideally waterproof and supportive. Of course, they should also be well-fitting and broken in.
It's likely you'll be crossing a few, maybe even all the meal times during your day hike, which is why you need your pack to reflect that.
It's important to refuel yourself throughout the hike; otherwise, your energy levels will decrease, and you'll stop enjoying the experience.
Here's what we recommend taking with you:
Water: As we said earlier, it's recommended that you bring half a litre for every hour you're hiking, but if you're on a 10-hour hike, this may not be possible. That's why we recommend bringing a water filter or a water purification method so you can fill up in rivers and streams if necessary.
Hiking snacks:This might be a trail mix, protein bars, nuts, or fruit. You don't need to go overboard, but take something for breaks and when you finish your walk.
Meals:You won't be able to cook yourself a hearty, energising meal while hiking through mealtimes, but you can bring one. Consider a packed lunch or even proper dehydrated meals, like those from Firepot or Blaband, which will give you all the nutrients you need to refuel.
Extra food:For emergency purposes, bring an extra day's worth of food so you're prepared for all eventualities.
Fire starter: Bring some matches or a lighter, so you can safely make a fire if you need to boil some water or find yourself in an emergency situation.
Health & Hygiene Products
Your health and hygiene products will largely stay the same, with a couple of important additions.
Since day hikes are longer,they can sometimes be more dangerous, so it's important to prepare for various situations.
Plus, since you're walking longer, you might want a few extras to make the hike a little more comfortable. Here’s what we suggest:
Deodorant:Day hikes are sweaty work, and if you don't want your hiking buddy to turn their nose up at you, we suggest bringing some deodorant.
Optional & Extra Items
If you're planning a full-day hike, you should add a few optional and extra items to the list. You won't always need them, but it's best to know what they are so you can judge.
Here are our recommendations:
Knifeor multi-tool: This might be useful if you run into any unexpected situations where you need to cut some wood, tighten something, open something, or in case of emergencies.
Gear-repair kit:If your bag or another piece of equipment becomes damaged, you might need some duct tape, ties, spare zips, or patches.
Power bank and charging cable:If you're one to do a digital detox while on a hike, you might not need this. If you love taking pictures and using your phone as a trail map, you'll probably need to charge it at some point.
Emergency shelter:Depending on your hiking experience and length of your hike, you can judge whether you need this. It can be useful if you lose your way and the night is drawing in.
GPS: This might be necessary if you're going on a long hike and don't want to rely on your mobile phone.
Hiking Gear Checklist for Multi-Day Hikes
Multi-day hikes are a whole different ball game. Packing for a few days in one backpack can be difficult, but of course, you will need a lot more equipment than normal, so you need to find a way to make it work.
It's not just about bringing enough gear to get you through the day, but also about bringing equipment that makes your overnight stay comfortable and safe.
Note: The amount of equipment, including clothes, food, and hygiene products, will vary depending on the length of your hike.
Hiking Gear
For a multi-day hike, whether that be 3 days or 10, you'll need a lot more equipment than your regular day hikes, and that's because you need to account for your sleeping equipment.
To ensure you've got everything you need, here are our suggestions:
Backpack with a capacity between 50L and 70L.This will account for your solo tent, sleeping bag, and extra clothes you'll need to bring.
Flashlight or headlamp: On a multi-day hike, whether in the morning or in the evening, you'll likely be hiking through some hours of darkness. It's best to bring some kind of light source, and it's especially useful if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
Tent: If you have arranged accommodation, you won't need a tent (unless you want it for emergency situations), but if not, you'll need one for your overnight stays. We have a selection of different-sized tents below if you're looking for one.
Sleeping bag: Bring one that's the appropriate temperature rating for the climate you're hiking in.
Sleeping mat: For added comfort and insulation in cold locations.
Clothing
Your clothing won't change much from what you'd wear/bring on a day hike, but you'll obviously need a lot more, plus overnight wear.
Spare clothes: If you're hiking for a few days, you'll need to change out of your dirty clothes into new ones.
Winter items: You might want to consider bringing gloves, a scarf, thermal wear, and more, especially if you're hiking in sub-zero temperatures.
Footwear
Footwear is no different to single-day hikes —you still need that extra comfort, support, and your shoes should be broken in.
You’ll want a really sturdy and supportive pair of hiking boots.Long and challenging terrain calls for hiking boots that are ideally waterproof and supportive. Of course, they should also be well-fitting and broken in.
Hiking socks with cushioning will also be key, as they’ll provide additional comfort.
Food & Drink
Your food and drink needs will differ depending on whether you're staying in hotels, designated campsites, or camping wild on your trek.
But for the purposes of this article, we'll explain what you'd need if you were staying in a tent, wild camping style, during your hike.
Water: No, you don't need to bring all the water you'll need for a 7-day hike with you. Bring a few water bottles, even a hydration pack if necessary, and fill them up each day. Water purification methods and filters are essential if you don't know where you'll next get the chance to fill up.
Hiking snacks:This might be a trail mix, protein bars, nuts, or fruit that won't spoil after a few days in your bag. Be sure to bring enough with you — taking breaks to refuel will feel luxurious.
Meals:You won't be able to cook yourself a hearty, energising meal while hiking through mealtimes, but you can bring one. Bring enough dehydrated meals, like those from Summit To Eat or Blaband, for mealtimes, which will give you all the nutrients you need to refuel.
Extra food:For emergency purposes, bring an extra few days' worth of food so you're prepared for all eventualities.
Cookware:To ensure you're not carrying too much, aim to bring a lightweight stove or small boiling system, a spork, a cup, and any cookware you may need to prepare the meals you're planning on bringing. Avoid overpacking, because you don't want to add too much extra weight.
Health & Hygiene Products
To stay clean and aid with any injuries, you'll need to bring quite an extensive product and equipment list during your hike.
Building upon our single-day hike checklist, here's what we recommend for multi-day hikes:
Toiletries: If you're hiking for multiple days, you'll need soap, hair-washing products, and toothpaste. To save space and weight, be sure to take mini versions of these items.
Towel:A quick-dry towel is essential for showering during your hike.
You can bring a few extra items on your trip that would make the hike more comfortable or perhaps safer, but these aren't always essential:
Lightweight camp seat: After a day's walking, you might want something comfortable to sit on if you want to hang out with your fellow hikers.
Dry bagsor packing cubes: If you want to organise your bag because you have a lot of baggage, you can consider packing aids.
Documentation:Some national parks and protected areas require permits. You may also want to bring a credit card, cash, or ID in case of emergencies.
How to Pack a Backpack for Hiking
Hiking packing is all aboutbalanceand taking what you need without overloading your bag.
The general rule is to carry no more than 10% of your body weight on day hikes and 20% on multi-day hikes, but this isn't a requirement, and it will differ depending on fitness levels, experience, etc.
Heavier items, bulky items, like cooking gear and your sleeping bag, should be kept close to your back and centred to help with stability.
Lighter things like spare clothes and chargers can go around the outside of the bag, essentially anywhere you can squeeze them in.
Essentials, such as phones, snacks, a waterproof jacket, etc., should bepacked nearer the topor in side pockets for easy access along the trail.
If you're hiking somewhere snowy or notoriously wet, we suggest packing your kit in dry bags or liners, not only to help organise it, but also to keep it protected from the weather.
Lastly, your tent. If space allows, you can place this inside your bag with pegs and poles at either side to distribute the weight. If not, you can securely strap it to the outside of your bag.
Conclusion: Be Prepared No Matter How Short or Long Your Hike is
Hopefully, you should now have your hiking checklist at the ready, whether you're heading out on a short, single-day, or multi-day hike.
If you need any more help and advice on hiking, head to our blog, where you'll find tons of expert information to help you through the trek.
And if you're looking for any gear, browse through our website and find everything you need for a professional, safe, and comfortable hike,no matter the location.
The kind of hike you're going on will determine what you need to pack.
For example, a short hike won't require much, just a few snacks, water, and hygiene items, but a full day hike will require spare clothing, a full first aid kit and more.
A multi-day hike is even more extensive, requiring a tent,cookware, and multiple spare clothes.
What is the 20% Rule for Backpacking?
This rule refers to the recommendation that you only carry 20% of your body weight while on a multi-day hike.
This is just a recommendation, though, and will differ from person to person depending on their fitness levels, experience, and age.
This depends on the hike you're doing. If it's a short hike, you'll only need a few trail snacks, such as fruit, protein bars, or nuts.
A full day hike across mealtimes might require a packed lunch or dehydrated meals if you want something that'll give you an energy boost and all the nutrients you need.
If you're heading out on a multi-day hike, you'll definitely need dehydrated meals.Of course, you also need snacks, but it's important you bring enough meals to last the duration of the trek.
