Packing for Single Day Hikes

Before I get started on the packing, I want to unpack something else. Isn't grief strange? Just over a year since my Dad passed away and while it's less heavy on a regular basis, some moments it feels crushing, surreal and unbearable. It was my Moms birthday on Monday and due to the fact that Dad was next to impossible to take shopping, her birthdays usually meant that I could be found in the card isle buying a Mom birthday card from myself and a Wife one for him to give her. This year I found myself breaking down in front of the cards, the pain of only buying a Mom card hitting me right in the feels and making me miss him like crazy.

There were people beside me choosing cards of their own whose worlds were completely unaltered in that moment and yet I felt like mine was shattering all over again. A few deep breaths later and I had pulled myself together but it was not only a reminder for myself, that I have to be patient with my own healing process, emotions and the grief I will carry with me forever. But it was also a reminder that we never know the pain or the weight that others are carrying. Being kind to those around us can go a long way when we don't know what other people are going through. To those people, I was just another person they would cross paths with that day, unaware of the tears I was choking back. To me, they will live on in this memory for as long as I carry it, the reality of the impact we continuously have on those around us without even realizing it. I hope this serves as your reminder today, heading into a crazy holiday season, to strive to be a patient, kind, compassionate human. Onto the packing.

Just thinking about this subject can be so overwhelming! I have had many people ask me what I take on my hikes and what packs I use. I could break this down into multiple blog posts but I'll try and keep this one simple. Packing for multiday hikes is an entirely different and much larger topic so I'll save that one for another time. If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out on Instagram or in the comment section below, I'd love to hear from you! Whether you are brand new to hiking or have some experience but are curious about what I pack in my backpack, hopefully this post will help you feel more prepared to tackle the trails. When I began this journey of solo adventure and self empowerment, I was a moderately experienced hiker so I wasn't starting from scratch but I have learned so much along the way and still have so much further to go. I'm hoping by sharing some basics, you will also feel empowered and capable to tackle some hikes by yourself or with a group of friends feeling less like you're tagging along and more like you're one of the pack.

Speaking of packs...let's start there. 1) The Backpack If you have been into any outdoor store and seen the multiple, ceiling high aisles of packs it can be instantly intimidating. Choosing a pack starts with knowing the length of your trip and what you are hoping to be able to bring with you.

Day Hike (1-4 hours): Aim for a pack around 10-20L. This will ensure you aren't over-packing but gives you room for an extra light jacket, water bottle and some snacks. If I am embarking on a trail I know well or isn't too technical or if I know I don't need a heavy jacket (season dependent), extra water, etc. then this is my go-to pack size. I use an Osprey Sirrus 24L which is slightly larger than I usually require in the summer months but not only does it give me the extra space for the cooler months, I am also a huge fan of hip belts (quick access snacks and a useful phone pocket) and vented back panels that make this my favourite short day hike pack.

Day Hike (4+ hours): If you plan on tackling longer trails and/or hiking through winter months where you potentially need more layers, a pack around 25L might be your go-to. The extra few liters of room will ensure you aren't struggling to zip up a bag with the extra gear. My favourite pack for longer day adventures (or on trails I know I'm going to want to pack a few items) is the Gregory Pack Jade 28. Seemingly just a little bit more room than my smaller pack with only an extra 4L but I find the space makes a huge difference when I'm adding extra layers or want to bring my Jetboil along.

2) Safety First This is especially important if you're heading out alone but also should be your top priority when hiking with friends. Having a safety plan and the comfort of knowing you have basic things with you if anything unfortunately were to occur should give you some peace of mind. Especially important if hiking solo: Don't forget to always let someone know where you're going and how long you expect to be gone for! If you have a person you check in with on a regular basis, consider sending them a picture of your pack to have on their phone just in case the unthinkable happens. Sometimes it's the little things that can keep us the most safe!

Basic First Aid: You can purchase first aid kits from any outdoor store that are prepacked with the basics. Adventure Medical is my favourite brand because of how fool proof and easy their kits are. Listed on the front of each kit tells you what adventures it is best suited for, the amount of people and number of days. While it's important to know what exactly is in your kit and how to use it, this takes the guess work out of what to include.

The Extras

Beyond a small first aid kit, I always bring a switchblade knife, my Petzl headlight, emergency foil blanket, a whistle (if there isn't one integrated into the straps of my hiking bag) a small roll of duct tape (great for preventing blisters, creating splints, repairing shoes, etc.) sunscreen, an analgesic like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen and some form of fire starter (matches/flint).

3) Layers Depending what weather I am are heading out in, depends on what I wear to start my hike and what I bring with me. My basic rule of thumb is to pack one extra layer than I think I will need. Being prepared for the unexpected is part of what makes me feel so comfortable heading out onto the trails. Sunny skies don't mean that there won't be rain, even if the weather network isn't calling for it. Warm winter days could turn into cold nights if you get lost or injured. Here is a quick breakdown of what I usually wear and what I bring with me. Spring/Summer: Wear: Weather appropriate clothing. Hiking boots, wool socks*, shorts, tshirt (or tank) Pack: Extra socks**, ball cap (or something to keep the sun off my face), light sweater or rain jacket.

Fall/Winter: Wear: Hiking boots, wool socks, base layer leggings (or thermal underwear) and/or hiking pants, base layer long sleeve, fleece, jacket. Pack: Extra wool socks, hat, gloves, an extra sweater, (weather dependent rain jacket) *Wool socks not only keep feet warm and dry in the winter but also keep feet dry in the summer. Your feet might be warmer but merino wool doesn't wilt or wrinkle meaning less chances of hot spots turning into blisters! **Extra socks are something I never forget. Sweaty feet in the summer can lead to itchiness and blisters and in the winter months snow in your boots can lead to wet socks. Packing an extra pair will always ensure your feet are dry and comfortable no matter what the trail or nature throws at you.

Wool socks no matter the weather

5) Nurishment H2O: Water should always be something you bring on the trails with you. Even if it's a short hike or you don't usually consume a lot of fluids in a day, movement, heat, cold and wind can all affect how thirsty you are and how much water your body needs to keep you moving forward. Water is also great for irrigating wounds, rinsing fabrics and washing your hands. For smaller hikes, I bring 1-2L, for hikes longer than a few hours I aim for at least 3L of water which usually looks like 2L in a camelback and 1L in a Nalgene with some electrolytes. Food: Your body needs fuel to keep you moving, safe and energized! Pack accordingly depending on your length of day hike. Items such as trail mix, nut butter, dried fruit, apples and oranges are great day hike snacks. If you're looking for energizing lunches, stick to simple carbs and fats for quick energy like tortillas with nut butter spread, peanut butter sandwiches, tuna and crackers or just pack enough snacks to graze throughout your day. *The Honey Stinger Organic Chews are my ultimate energy chew, easy on my stomach, great texture and amazing flavours but I didn't any to add to the picture.

Some of my favourite trail snacks

6) The Extras The bag to bring your essentials, safety, proper clothing and food and water are definitely always my top priorities when I leave for an adventure and never something I opt to leave behind even if I don't think I will use them. A few miscellaneous items I bring with me depending on what sort of adventure I'm setting out on and where I am doing my exploring could include: jetboil, bear spray and bear bell, my kula cloth, kleenex, antiblister sticks, bug repellant, lip balm, extra hair tie, inflatable seat cushion and my hammock.

Just Go! If you have been wanting to get into hiking and anything on this list seems overwhelming to you, don't forget that the basics is all you need to be able to enjoy nature. A pair of shoes. a great attitude and love of adventure will take you so many places. Nature therapy isn't about brand names or being TOO prepared...we never want to carry more than we have to, a heavy pack and a sore back doesn't enhance the experience and can make you miserable. But being ready for anything you might encounter is a definite peace of mind and important safety measure to consider.

Don't Forget... No matter what you bring into the trail with you, please remember "pack it in, pack it out" and the 7 leave no trace principles. Even if you think an apple core or a banana peel you snacked on will compost eventually, you are endangering wildlife by drawing animals towards human activity, leaving the trail less appealing for others and introducing non-native plants to our ecosystem that could pose a problem for park preservation. Do your part in helping keep our parks, trails and wildlife safe.