Day Hiking Check List

Whether you’re out for a day hike in the summer, winter, spring or even the autumn, what you wear will likely to be much the same. The difference comes down to the thickness, the number of layers and what’s in your day pack. I feel it’s very important that you focus on keeping your backpack as light as possible. This means buying layers that can be used in a range of different conditions.

For the summer months where it’s hot, focus on wearing light colours that reflect the sun’s rays rather than dark colours that absorb them. The opposite can be said in the winter when you’re trying to stay warm. It’s also a great idea to buy clothes that are designed with vents to encourage air flow and thus keep you cool in the summer months.

Base Layer

Focus here is on Moisture-wicking.

EDZ Merino Wool Boxer-Shorts – Everyone forgets boxer-shorts. These are the most comfortable I’ve ever used and most importantly, they moisture-wicking merino wool.

Patagonia Tencel moisture-wicking men’s boxers shorts. The Edz are my favorites, but they are a little expensive. The Patagonia’s are half the price.

Men’s Capilene Cool Lightweight Long-Sleeve T-Shirt.

Men’s Capilene Cool Lightweight T-Shirt –

Patagonia Lightweight Merino Performance Crew Socks.

Patagonia Lightweight Merino Performance Knee Socks.

Patagonia Men’s Capilene Midweight Bottoms.

Mid Layer

Patagonia Men’s Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck Hoody

Patagonia Men’s Micro Puff Vest – water-resistant, windproof and treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Weighs 162 Grams

Outer-Layer

Quick drying trousers with a good range of movement, avoid denim

Berghaus Men’s Ultra-Lightweight Gore-Tex Waterproof Jacket (Men’s Hyper 100). This is the only jacket I know that weighs under 100grams (97-grams)

Berghaus Men’s Hill Walker Interactive Waterproof Jacket – If you need something a little more heavy duty for those early spring walks, this is easily my favorite.

Montane Terra Converts (Removable Legs) – Designed to convert to shorts for added versatility and weight saving on multi-day treks and mountain walking where conditions can be changeable. Constructed from VECTOR Lite with stretch offering superb weather resistance, breathability and UPF 50+ protection. 320 Grams.

Berghaus Hill Walking Over-trousers

Patagonia Mens Hiking Shorts

Walking Boots or Shoes

(Depending on where you’re walking. Typically boots offer better ankle support for looser ground.)

Walking Boots – Berghaud Men’s Expeditor Trek 2.0 Boots – These are a cross between a full boot and mid-boot although without the weight and some ankle support. They weigh 1010g as a pair.

Walking Shoes – Salomon Exit Aero

Berghaus Yeti Attak Gaiter

Day Rucksack

This would be a 20-30-litre rucksack that I carry around for the day

Deuter Trail Pro 32 – This is my heavy duty day-rucksack that I use for winter hiking. It’s 1.4kg, but as tough as anything and cannot be ripped.

Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail 30 – weighs in just over 1kg.

Gossamer Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack – 36 Litre, 26kg weight limit for just over 400g.

Extra Equipment

Black Diamond Trail Poles – Make sure you buy the Aluminium version. They come in a carbon version, however they are twice the price and you will break them.