Daypack Ten Essentials & Offline Nav Kit

Pack a day hike kit that gets you home, even when the signal and the sun are gone.

Beginner

4 min

DAYPACK TEN ESSENTIALS & OFFLINE NAV KIT
[ ] 20L Daypack
[ ] Offline Trail GPS
[ ] 2L Water
[ ] Electrolytes
[ ] Trek Poles

20L Daypack: big enough for the essentials, a layer and food. Load it, then walk around the block to check the fit.
Offline Trail GPS: a phone app with downloaded maps or a dedicated handheld. Test it in airplane mode before the hike.
2L Water: the owner's starting amount. Carry more for long, hot or dry routes, and plan where you can treat more.
Electrolytes: follow the product label, and ask a doctor first if you have a medical condition or take medicine.
Trek Poles: adjust so your arms sit comfortably when walking on flat ground.

Leave a plan. Tell someone where you are going, where you will park and when to worry. If you are late, they know who to call.
Navigate without a signal. Phones lose service on most trails. Your Offline Trail GPS only works if the map was saved before you left, so download it at home and carry a paper backup.
Turn around on time. Pick a turn-around time before you start. Daylight, weather and your own energy shrink faster than most beginners expect. Turning back is a good decision, not a failure.

Gear types only.

Daypack with hip belt and a hydration sleeve
Offline map app or handheld GPS
Trekking poles
Electrolyte tablets or powder
Headlamp
Water bottle or bladder

Trail closures, permits, fire restrictions, dog rules and day-use fees vary by park, forest and state. Check current local rules with the managing agency before you go: nps.gov, fs.usda.gov, blm.gov or your state park website.

A good day kit weighs less than a bad day out. Pack it once, keep it ready and go. Built by explorers, for the trail. Need a bottle that keeps your water cold on the climb? Wild Dirt carries drinkware.

Carry it

20L Daypack with a padded hip belt and chest strap
Trek Poles, collapsed and clipped to the pack when you are not using them
Zip bag for your phone, keys and permit

Navigate

Offline Trail GPS: download your map before you leave home
Phone fully charged and set to low power mode
Paper map and compass, and know how to use them (see the Beginner 10 Essentials checklist)
Screenshot of the trailhead, parking spot and your route

Water and fuel

2L Water for the day, or a way to treat water on the trail
Electrolytes, packed where you can reach them without taking the pack off
Extra snacks beyond what you plan to eat

Light, warmth and shelter

Headlamp with fresh batteries, even on a morning hike
Warm layer and a rain layer
Emergency blanket or bivy

Fix and treat

First-aid kit with blister care and any personal medicine
Knife or multi-tool and a lighter or firestarter
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

Before you leave

Tell one person your route and the time you expect to be back
Set a turn-around time and stick to it
Check the forecast and trail conditions for today