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Backpacker Magazine – September 2002

Gear For A Dayhike

10 essentials for long day adventures

by: Gina DeMillo and Dennis Lewon


1. Daypack. The capacity you need depends on weather conditions and what you'd need to survive a night out. Count on extra space for photography equipment or other gear for hobbies like drawing or fishing. We like EMS's Waterslide ($79), a 1,650-cubic-inch daypack with side-compression straps for lashing extra gear and a removable hydration pack for lightly loaded, warm-weather hiking. Contact: Eastern Mountain Sports, (888) 463-6367; www.ems.com.

2. Food and water. Sounds obvious, but many dayhikers underestimate how much fuel they'll need for a 12- to 16-hour day. Pack two lunches and a few snacks or energy bars. Check water availability; if you can't refill along the way, carry a few quarts, more in hot weather.

3. Headlamp. Test it before heading out, and pack extra batteries if you expect to be hiking in the dark.

4. Basic first-aid kit. Think about the stuff you'd need to patch injuries long enough to hike out--a few bandages, some antiseptic wipes, and butterfly bandages for wounds, a triangular bandage (also works as a sling, bandanna, and athletic wrap), and tape. Adjust for longer outings and group size.

5. Map and compass. Don't take navigation for granted just because it's only a dayhike. Ten miles from the car is still 10 miles into the backcountry.

6. Water treatment. A bottle of iodine tablets or other chemical treatment adds mere ounces to your pack, but pays off on long days when you're constantly refilling your tanks.

7. Rain shell. A lightweight waterproof/breathable shell is ideal. A poncho also works and may take up less room in your pack. Toss in an extra midlayer if the weather is chilly.

8. Emergency shelter. Depend-ing on your preference for pack weight and comfort, all of the following work: bivy sack, emergency blanket, tarp, a waterproof rain suit. Consider carrying a lightweight sleeping bag if nighttime temperatures would kill you.

9. Warm hat. It won't take much space in your pack, but provides the warmth of an extra sweater if the mercury dips or if you have to sleep out.

10. Fire. Lighter or matches in a waterproof container.

Recommended extras: Sunscreen, insect repellent, emergency whistle, sunglasses



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READERS COMMENTS

Nogods
Jul 20, 2008

I applaud you for this article. The need to carry basic emergency/survival equipment can't be emphasized enough especially when it comes to day hikers. Who seem oblivious to the risk of being in the woods even when on just a short hike.

A broken ankle, unexpected illness, or just plain getting lost can put the day hiker at great risk if they are not prepared to spend a night in the woods.

I would, however, like to see all emergency/survival lists start with the most important safety which is the information one leaves at home with a trusted friend about his or her route and expected return time. SAR can't look for you if we don't know you are missing. And the sooner SAR starts, the more likely it is to be a rescue instead of a recovery.

Every time I hear of a SAR that started only after someone didn't show up for work on Monday I know that no matter what they had in their pack, they forgot the most important emergency/survival item - the one that stays at home.

So please add that to the top of your list. I realize that it is not an item one can buy at a store, but it is the single most important item one can employ to increase the potential success of an SAR. And it is the one most often overlooked especially by casual hikers as they go about packing their gear for an afternoon trek into the wilderness.

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