Top Ten Essentials For Day Hikers – Arizona Hikers Guide

About a year ago I took off on an impromptu day hike into the Superstitions.  I had a few hours to spare so I jumped into my truck and headed out.  Back then, I didn’t have an essentials list and would quite literally scramble through my giant containers of backpacking gear throwing stuff into my day pack.  Out of all the stuff I jammed into my bag I never carried a map, compass, or gps which would have proved beneficial on that particular Saturday. To make a long story short, I got lost for a few hours and I carried less water then was necessary for the warmth of the day and ran out.  I couldn’t believe it because I had done the hike, and several others in the area, at least a dozen times.  I eventually found my way and was completely fine but it made me reflect on what essential items I should have been carrying.

There are only a handful of items you need to have a safe and successful hike in the great outdoors.  This ten essentials list comes in handy when getting ready for either a short or long day hike and is tailored to typical southwest arid climates.  To be honest, you could probably get away with less items but why risk the possibility of getting lost, getting injured, or getting dead?!  This list is not comprehensive but rather provides you with a base of equipment that can keep you safe and on the trail.  They are in no real particular order.

Here is a link to my 10 essentials page.

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0. Knowledge

I don’t count this as one of the 10 essential items because this is more like a pre-requisite for hiking in general.  It helps to know what to do when oh let’s say a lightning storm is approaching or you begin getting low on your water supply.  Common sense and a basic understanding of the outdoors is important if you plan on spending your day outside.

1. Map or Compass

I still don’t carry a compass for some odd reason but I ALWAYS carry a map.  A compass is a handy tool that doesn’t require batteries and is a companion to the map. The compass can help you set the map straight by pointing you towards North, which is easy to find.  From there you can use the map to locate landmarks and surroundings to help trace a trail or backtrack to where you need to be.  I consider at least one of these to be essential and together they make a nice pair.

2. First Aid

Accidents happen.  Sliced fingers and blistered heels happen.  Sprained ankles and bonks on the head happen.  When something like this happens it is vital that you have a first aid kit that can lessen the blow of injury.  After years of hiking in the desert and forests of Arizona I have narrowed down my first aid kit to only a few key items.

  • 4 or 5 various sizes of adhesive bandages
  • Gauze (not too much)
  • Blister treatment (Moleskin, antibiotic ointment)
  • Pain-relief medicine
  • Antihistamine for reactions or allergies
  • Medicine or treatment for accidents you are prone to (I carry an inhaler because I have asthma)
  • Water purifying tablets or small amount of bleach (see Water)
  • AAA batteries (2)

Most of the items that I listed came with the REI 2-Man First Aid Kit.  I recommend purchasing a first aid kit and modifying it according to your needs.

3. Sun Protection

This is more important than I have ever given credit for.  The desert heat can cause a world of hurt to the unprepared victim.  Use these four items;

  • Sunscreen (even if you hate wearing it like I do)
  • Lip Balm (chapped lips suck)
  • Sunglasses (squinting gives you a headache)
  • Hat or Bandana (I wear Outdoor Research)

4. Fire

If you get lost and have to squat for the night a fire can provide warmth, food preparation, potential signal for those looking for you, and can keep you too busy to be scared.  I bring a small Bic lighter with me every single time I go anywhere.  Sometimes I will also bring a small baggie with two cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol as a fire starter.

  • Lighter (matches are a little old school for me)
  • Baggie of alcohol soaked cotton balls

5. Insulation

The key to being comfortable on the trail is layers.  By layering your clothing you can adjust your body temperature to the environment.  Depending on the weather I will bring a light jacket and my rain jacket (always).  My rain jacket is the most important piece of clothing to me because it serves dual purposes (dry and warm-ish).

6. Water

Living in a dry climate with limited water sources has made me exceptionally paranoid about my hydration system on the trail.  Again, depending on the length of the hike and water sources I will take up to 3-4 liters of water on a day hike.  It is important to map out your hike beforehand so you know whether or not you can resupply.  I tend to pre-hydrate before my hike.  I then drink about 16 oz. every hour or so.  If I refill on the trail I will try and drink a bunch at the spot and then fill my bottles.  When I finish my hike I will re-hydrate so that I don’t get a monster headache from dehydration.

I use a variety of methods to treat my water if I plan on resupplying on the trail.  I typically try to go as lightweight as possible and there are a few options that I use. I really like Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plusbecause they are tiny and a fairly cheap option ($7 for 50 tablets, 2 tablets per quart).  I also like carrying bleach.  This is more of an emergency option for me because bleach is not something you want to be drinking very often.  I just put 1-2 small drops into a liter and let it sit for 30 minutes.  I also have a LifeStraw which is viable for me if I will be hiking near a stream or lake the entire route.  Finally, I have an MSR filter that I rarely use.

I carry the following as my hydration system;

  • Liter sized water bottles (cheap, tall, plastic ones at the gas station). I like the Smart Water ones because they are a liter and they are tall and slender which fits into my bag easier.  I do not use thick bottles like Nalgene anymore because they are heavy, bulky, and expensive.
  • Filtration or treatment system

7. Food

This can get fancy or basic based on your preference.  I am fairly basic but I do get hungry on the trail.  I tend to carry more than I need in this department.  The amount depends on the length and also your preference.  Honestly, this item is the least important of the 10 in my opinion.

  • Snacks
  • High calorie, low weight foods

8. Tools

I carry a very small, lightweight knife with me.  Some people only carry a razor blade.  How likely is it to use all 78 gadgets inside your multi-purpose tool?  I have hiked for years and I RARELY ever even use my tiny knife.  Other tools can include a small amount of duct tape and some string to repair a shoelace or bag.

9. Illumination

I always carry my headlamp and two AAA batteries with me.  It comes in handy if the hike takes you into the night time or if you get lost and have to stay the night.

10. Emergency Shelter

To me, this essential item is more or less optional.  It is wise to carry some sort of emergency blanket or tarp to build a shelter especially if the weather turns and becomes dangerous.  I should carry one but I do not.

  • Emergency Sleeping Bag or blanket *Note: I have not personally tried this emergency bag yet but plan to get one.  At 5.8 ounces and under $10 bucks it’s really a no-brainer

I hope this list helps.  It is not an all inclusive list and much of it is based on preference, distance, and weather.  Please adjust this base list according to your needs and the hike you plan.  If you have any comments, suggestions, or anything that you would modify I would love to hear them.  I really enjoy getting tips about how to improve what I carry.  Let me know in the comments below!