Dayhike gear

[Bob R]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

oh man, i do not consider any gear "must take." it all depends upon the type of hike. i wouldn't take anything for a short flat trail hike except maybe a bottle of water or a snack.

generally, my minimum gear for a dayhike involves a backpack with hydration bladder (1-3L water depending upon demands of hike) and a snack/lunch. i keep a wistle on my pack, so i guess that qualifies too. usually a camera as well. nothing else is essential. if i am not familiar with the trail, i will bring a topo map. various layers of clothing depending upon the weather. night trips requires a headlamp and flashlight. etc. etc. etc. it would take me many paragraphs to list all the various gear combos i utilize depending upon demands.

essentially, if i haven't utilized gear for some purpose after bringing it on a dozen hikes, it is probably not needed, especially on more popular weekend hikes.

When I saw your post. I was like is he going to include his skies?

[riverc0il]

not a must take item, though certainly a consideration when there is snow to be found

[Bob R]

I got the clarification.

[awf170]

water, food, jacket....

[jessbee]

I'm with you, awf170...my philosophy is less is more, for a dayhike.

Water, a snack or two, raincoat/long-sleeve shirt if weather may turn wet/cooler, camera, bandaids and an ACE bandage and *always* a map!

I'm sure the list is much longer for winter hikes, I haven't done any of those yet but I'm aiming to start this year

[noreaster]

Loose the shovel.

Most important is add an extra light bulb and extra set of fresh batteries. Or have a second flash light source.

First aid kit additions, 2 non-latex medical gloves, two (6"x6" dressings), two cravats, and roll of 1 inch tape. Two cravats can be made from an old clean cloth bed sheet square 3 feet by 3 feet and cut the square diagonally making two triangle cravats. Butter fly bandages are also very useful to pull together the skin of a laceration cut, which is a good way to keep dirt out of a deep cut.

[pepsi]

Originally Posted by jessbee

I'm with you, awf170...my philosophy is less is more, for a dayhike.

Water, a snack or two, raincoat/long-sleeve shirt if weather may turn wet/cooler, camera, bandaids and an ACE bandage and *always* a map!

)

I'm thinking you might be adding wind/rain pants to that list.


And, welcome to AZ

[MichaelJ]

Originally Posted by jessbee

and *always* a map!

Hi Jessbee - Welcome to AlpineZone!

[MichaelJ]

So I'm curious ... how many people take into account the Hiker Responsibility Code when planning what they take for gear?

In other words, does anyone bring something just to make sure that if something happens, they won't get fined for being unprepared?

[Mike P.]

If I look at the hiker responsibility code (assume you mean the one posted by NHF&G - if this is not a link it should be - & copied elsewhere, likely AMC's site)once a year that's probably a lot.

That said, I've been more of an overpacker so except for the sleeping bag I usually don't carry (occasionaly will in winter) & fire starter I'd be surprised they had an issue with me other then solo hiking & I've probably done over 100 of 248 4K peaks solo