Packing list: What to put in your bag for a day hike
- Emily Duck
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Day hiking is a great way to get out and about in nature without having to commit. You can head out on a day off and enjoy getting back to your own bed at night, no tent needed!
Depending on the length, difficulty and location of your day hike, there are different levels of what to pack to ensure you feel comfortable and come home safe.
We've divided the types of day hikes into categories to help you figure out what kind you're packing for.
Central
These hikes are in popular spots, with public amenities such as toilets, road access and phone signal. They may vary in length but remain close to cities or large towns and are generally on well-maintained footpaths or trails.
Remote
These hikes a of varying lengths but will be in remote areas, where it's unlikely to have a toilet, any vehicle access, phone signal or other people around. These include off-track hikes in wilderness areas where navigation skills are needed.
Central
When you're packing for a hike in a central location with phone signal, you have the comfort of being close to emergency help. Being able to call 000 means you have the luxury of being less reliant on what you have in your bag. However, there are still essentials you need to take.
Water bottle: 1L minimum for a short walk and at least 3L for a full day out. This will increase in summer!
Rain jacket
Sunscreen (we live in Australia after all)
Comfortable walking shoes
Snacks
Cap
Weather appropriate layers: Check the forecast before you go out
Small First Aid kit
For longer hikes, even in central areas, you'll want to increase food and water supplies. You'll also need to assess the weather during the window you're outdoors for.
Remote
When you're heading into a remote wilderness area you need to be prepared. Taking these essentials will help, with optional extras to think about listed below.
Rain jacket + rain pants
First Aid kit
Water bottles + purification method
Meals and snacks
Weather appropriate layers: Consider the forecast for the day and prepare for an emergency situation which might extend your time frame. Even in summer, taking a fleece and other warm layers is advisable
Sun protection: Cap, sunscreen, sun hoody
PLB or satellite coms device - this will save your life in areas with no phone signal
Emergency extras to think about for remote area
Emergency supplies can cover a huge range of possibilities. If you're taking on a big day hike in a remote area, with no road access, it can be lifesaving to pack a little extra.
Items such as an emergency shelter are essential in storms, or for creating a dry space to administer first aid. If a casualty can't move and rain comes in, you'll be in trouble without a shelter.
Bringing a stove and a spare meal mean you can make hot drinks, give a warmth boost when you're flagging, or stay warm overnight if you find you can't get out. In situations where you might be stuck overnight, having hot food will make it infinitely less miserable!
An emergency sleep system is also a good idea for first aid situations where someone has to be stablised at the scene but can't move until rescue arrives.
Final word
That's our recommendations for your day packing on a hike as part of our educational resources. If you have questions about hike preparation we're always happy to help - we want you to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.
This article is a recommendation by qualified Cool Girls Club guides.
