Posted: 8/13/2024 3:58:49 PM EDT
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Middle aged guy getting back into hiking after 20+ years Nothing overnight or complicated Trails are listed as moderate on All Trails and a loop takes 3-4 hours What must haves should I carry? I have a smallish Osprey backpack Last hike I had food, water, maps , first aid,sun/bug spray and electrolyte tablets I always carry a folding knife, cell phone and small flashlight on my person daily Appreciate feedback Thanks |
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Originally Posted By n0zzle: At least 2 ways of making fire (Bic lighter, matches). I would suggest these also for fire starting just in case everything gets soaked.  
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I would go with the below. at least 2 pairs of socks Fleece some type of beanie in case it gets cold Rain suit - better than poncho for me and it can help keep you warm if a cold front blows in Some type of water purification - could be as simple as a smart straw Rain cover for backpack Dry bag for backpack big enough to fit everything in Emergency Sleeping bag Headlamp Extra Lithium batteries for flashlight/headlamp |
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Raingear and merino wool baselayer, more people become hypothermic with temps in the 50s-60s F, the wool baselayer could make an unplanned night out a lot more tolerable. The minimum I carry on day hikes from May-Sept: Raingear Merino baselayer Hooded lightweight down jacket Fleece hat & gloves Trowel & TP Snacks Headlamp w/extra batteries Leatherman Lifeboat matches in waterproof case (my arthritis makes lighters hard to use, and butane doesn’t light well when below about 30F) First aid kit 1l water Katadyn BeFree 1l bottle Emergency bivy I pack a little more in winter because I live in remote NW Maine and almost always go off-trail. The day I shot this video it was in the 30s, below freezing I’d have my MSR Whisperlite white gas stove instead of a canister stove and my Marmot 4-season mountain tent instead of the tarp tent.  Winter pack loadout |
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You could do something like the BSA ten essentials: knife compass/map some way of starting a fire (For me, wooden matches/butane lighter/ferro rod, pick any two, plus some dryer lint or basswood bark with petroleum jelly) water food extra clothing, although for me that's mostly just a USGI poncho and extra socks 550 cord or at least some kind of cordage Some way to call for help, be it cell phone or whistle or whatever. First-aid kit, or at least a blowout kit, molefoam, and ace wrap. Then again, in the county open space parks where I usually hike all I normally have on me are my car keys and wallet half the time for trails that sound a little like yours. |
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Thread necro :) I’m in the process of finding a larger backpack/hydration pack than my trusty Camelback Mule, and have pulled all the stuff out of it to see what’s missing or needs replaced. One thing I carry is a few chem lights. Small and they weigh nothing. I’m planning a short (10 miles) solo hike in October and part of the “share your intinerary” thing will be letting my wife know I’ll have x color chem lights with me. |
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| Sounds like the OP is doing fairly short hikes. 3-4 hours out and back isn't too long on the trail. I'd stick with some hydration, cell phone and a wind / rain shell (goretex or other wise). In a pinch a good heavy duty garbage bag will keep you pretty dry too. I'm a regular in the White Mts. This time of year, If it's not an overnighter, I'm only carrying a 25l pack with pretty much nothing more than what I mentioned above. Longer hikes, say 8+ miles, I'll throw in a sandwich and candy bar to eat on the summit. |
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