These items are inventoried and tucked away in my pack on every one of my day hikes. Some items will always be used, some occasionally, and others I hope will never be needed.

My Osprey Talon 22 day pack is ideal for all my essential day hiking gear. I really love that my Easton trekking poles can be secured to the pack on those level sections of the hike when they are not needed. The following categories are the essentials of day hiking.

1. Navigation

Although I usually hike on trails that are well defined and well marked, I still like to have a map of the trails showing landmarks and giving distances and compass markings. If I were going to do any off trail hiking, then a topographic map would be more appropriate. Regardless of the map I still bring a simple compass. In some areas GPS from my phone can be used and I always bring my Justin USB power bank which can be used to recharge my phone to 100% twice, if needed.

2. Sun Protection

Sunscreen and sunglasses as well as lip balm and my broad brimmed ventilated floppy hat meet the basic requirements for sun protection. Protective clothing such as lightweight pants and my micro fiber bandana and my hiking buff also help protect from the sun.

3. Insulation

My Marmot hooded rain jacket which folds into its own zippered pocket has come in very handy offering me protection from sudden rain storms and I have been known to bring warm gloves and knit hat for cold hikes. Quick dry synthetic layers both top and bottom are a must wear.

4. Illumination

I bring my Black Diamond headlamp and extra batteries and have used them when the light fades and I find myself still on the trail. Phone flashlight is also a good backup.

5. First Aid

My first aid kit contains the following items: a tube of antibiotic ointment + pain relief, a small tube of sunscreen, a small container of Advil, waterproof tape, scissors, safety pins, tweezers, tongue depressor, small flashlight, antiseptic cleansing wipes, alcohol cleansing pads, sterile gauze dressing pads, assorted sized adhesive bandages, and moleskin.

6. Fire

For emergency use only, I bring a UCO stormproof match kit which comes in a waterproof case with replaceable strikers and windproof, waterproof matches. Also Ultimate Survival Technologies WETFIRE fire starting tinders will allow me to start a survival fire.

7. Repairs & Tools

My Swiss Army knife provides enough basic tools needed together with a small roll of duct tape for quick temporary repairs.

8. Nutrition

I'm usually eating lunch on the trail, so snack bars and bags of simple trail mix (peanuts, raisins, M&M's are my favorite) are always in my pack.

9. Hydration

My Camelbak water bladder fits into it's own compartment of my day pack and I fill it with 1, 2, or 3 liters of water depending on the distance I will be hiking. Occasionally I will also stick a small bottle of water in the side pockets of my pack.

10. Emergency Shelter

Also for emergency use only, the very portable SOL Emergency Bivvy will keep me dry and warm overnight.