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Packing list for a day hike

The most important thing first: it's the backpack that counts

No matter how much or little you end up taking with you on your hike - with the wrong backpack, even the lightest luggage will feel like it weighs tons after a while. That's why choosing the right hiking backpack is the most important prerequisite for a successful day trip. The well-designed hiking backpacks from deuter are true all-rounders in the backcountry and will literally take a huge load off your shoulders. The many practical functions such as the integrated rain cover, the ventilated back section or the clever side pockets make your deuter backpack an indispensable outdoor companion - and at the same time offer you enough space for all the important items on your packing list.

From the list to your rucksack - you should have this with you on your day trip!

  • The basic equipment for hikers
    Food & drink for on the go
    The right clothing
    Dos & don'ts when hiking
    Packing list to tick off

 

The basic equipment for hikers on day trips

Blister plasters, a change of shirt or sun cream really are among the absolute basics that you should have in your rucksack on your day hike. Especially if your feet are not yet very experienced hikers, blister plasters often turn out to be a real secret weapon and a mood saver. A first aid kit should also be at the top of your packing list, especially if you are going hiking in the mountains. And in winter, it's also important to take sun protection with you! In addition to sun cream with a high sun protection factor (at least SPF 30), this also includes sunglasses and protective headgear. And nothing beats the good feeling of finally being able to slip into a dry change of shirt after a long day's tour! Sufficient food and drink, a pocket knife, a hiking map, a small bin bag, enough cash, your ID, your cell phone and tissues are also must-haves on every day tour.

 

Hiking is better when you're well energized: food and drink should be on every packing list

In addition to the hiking basics mentioned above for day hikes, you should of course also include sufficient provisions on your packing list, as an empty stomach doesn't like walking. High-energy, quick-to-eat snacks such as muesli bars, dried fruit, cookies or nuts are particularly useful here. For a particularly quick energy boost, you can also add glucose to your packing list for your next day trip. Sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs or fresh fruit (apples, mandarins, etc.) are also suitable refreshments for hungry hikers. Basically, you can choose the provisions to suit your taste - however, you should make sure that you only take food with you that won't make too much of a mess on the way (or in your rucksack)!

It is also important that you take enough to drink as well as enough food. This is especially true for day trips in summer. In addition to plenty of water, you can also reach for isotonic sports drinks or fruit juice spritzers as refreshing thirst quenchers. Instead of loading your rucksack with bottles, simply fill your drink of choice into a practical deuter hydration bladder, which some of the deuter hiking rucksacks are equipped with. This saves space in your rucksack and you can take a sip at any time while running.

 

The right clothing for your day trip

Opinions differ when it comes to changing clothes: while some people take half their closet with them on a day trip, for others even a change of socks is too much of a burden. It is therefore important to find the right balance and, above all, to pack with the weather in mind. For a hike in sunny 30°C weather in July, you can certainly leave the extra sweater off your packing list with a clear conscience - but for an autumn day hike in mid-October, things would look different again. As a general rule, you should always have a change of shirt with you, because no matter what time of year you plan your day tour, you will definitely work up a sweat. A thin rain jacket and a change of socks should also be on every packing list. If you pack your rucksack correctly, these items will fit easily into your hiking rucksack without overloading it.

 

For experienced hikers & those who want to become one: the dos & don'ts when hiking

In addition to the equipment listed so far, which should be on every packing list for day hikes, there are also some things that you can safely leave at home before the hike. For example, unfortunately you often see people hiking in sandals or flip-flops - but even though these shoes are certainly comfortable to wear, especially in summer, they definitely don't belong on your packing list or in your rucksack. They are completely unsuitable for hiking and even pose a high risk of injury! You should also leave devices that could potentially disturb other people or the wildlife around you, such as portable speakers, off your packing list. Instead, consciously listen to the different sounds around you or enjoy the silence of nature. You should also think carefully about whether you really want to take bulky or particularly heavy items such as camera tripods with you on your hike. After all, the well-known motto always applies: "as little as possible, as much as necessary".

 

In a nutshell: this should be on the packing list for your next day trip

+ First aid kit & blister plasters
+ Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen with at least SPF 30, headgear)
+ Cash & ID
+ cell phone
+ hiking map
+ handkerchiefs
+ small garbage bag
+ provisions (nuts, bars, fruit etc.)
+ drinks (water, isotonic sports drinks, etc.)
+ change of shirt
+ rain jacket & 1 pair of change socks (+ possibly additional change of clothes, depending on the weather!)
+ pocket knife