We spent three days hiking along, across, and near Carolina state and national parks bisected by the fabled Blue Ridge Parkway. With each hike, we remembered things we should have brought – including something to put them in: the day pack.
Whether at a music festival or deep in the woods, day packs become home to creature comforts, sustenance, first aid – even supplies for pets or kids we may bring in tow. Make sure they’re light, durable, breathable, and wash up easily, maybe brightly colored with reflective strips, pockets, or D-rings for attaching other elements.
But don’t feel compelled to overdo it. The web is rife with images of “day packs” stuffed like hikers are heading on an extended excursion. For purposes of this blog, a day means a day. This isn’t a survival Go-Bag. Just the essentials to keep you comfortable – and safe – on a walkabout.
American Hiking had its list of 10 essential day pack supplies; the Denver Post had some packing ideas, too. I thought about a few essentials for our (kinda) particular needs.
We always have water, including our doggie bottle. But what else to tote? Our list would include power bars or some sort of gorp (“good ol’ raisins and peanuts”), and other simple food-stuffs.
First aid could include Benadryl and an itch stick (in case of bee sting or bug bite), an actual first-aid kit, maybe with an ace bandage.
Depending on the forecast, I’d stash sunscreen, bug repellent, and a light parka – maybe lined for cold weather (full disclosure: this post isn’t about packing for multi-day outings or situations where you could find yourself in mortal peril. Just supplies to make the trip more comfortable and get you out in a situation).
When posted to Facebook, people offered such suggestions as a back-up battery and cord to power the phone. If you get lost, an air horn or whistle can be effective attention-getters. A flashlight, and possibly a non-phone position locator, should be permanent components.
One person advised bear repellent. Not a bad idea if you’re deep in the woods.
For the pets, we pack treats and Stella’s water bottle. Mother Nature Network had a good primer on first aid for hiking with dogs. If your dog can handle it, let him carry his load (literally, if you gather up droppings in doody bags), like with the Outward Hound DayPak for Dogs.
Of course, if packing for a day at the music festival grounds, much of these supplies aren’t needed. Maybe include a tarp or ground cover for chillin’ out (a good call for your hiking pack, too).
No matter your definition of a walkabout, make sure you’re well supplied for fun.
Have ideas to share? Let us know.