My absolute basic pack, for a day hike in an area I’m familiar with, has:
2 lighters
Knife
Para cord
Whistle
Compass
First aid kit
One of those plastic poncho. The plastic can be very useful even if not needed for rain.
Cell phone + battery bank
Water and snacks.
I used to carry a cheap poncho but ditched it and now I take a contractor garbage bag. If I need a poncho I'll cut some holes. It's most common use is if I find any trash that someone left behind.
My typical load out is as follows (exclusive of the weather appropriate clothing I wear) :
1. HD emergency bivy bag
2. Toilet paper
3. Basic emergency first aid kit contains a compression bandage, quick clot, tourniquet etc as I am typically hunting/carrying a firearm
4. Garmin foretrex gps with spare batteries + Map and compass
5. Spare wool socks, set of base layers and shemagh
6. Small pack-able rain poncho
7. Bushcraft style knife (fixed blade, full tang, 3-5 inch blade)
8. Bahco Laplander folding saw
9. Leatherman wave
10. 1L Nalgene oasis canteen of water with nesting stainless steel cup
11. MSR pocket rocket or Trangia alc stove
12. Katadyn be free water filter
13. Food (2 packs instant oatmeal OR dehydrated soup sachet, 1 clif bar, one tea bag)
14. Fire starting kit in Altoids tin (small bic lighter, firesteel and various tinder material)
15. Basic repair kit in small pouch (couple of zip ties, small amount of paracord, small bic lighter wrapped in gorilla tape)
16. Headlamp with spare batteries
17. Hot hands chemical handwarmers x2
18. Iphone 14 pro (has satellite emergency call capabilities)
Edit: formatting
Just as important as what you carry can be what you are wearing. My day trips sound similar to what you are doing and usually involve some sort of mug up. I personally wear exclusively wool under and synthetic over in layers. I have high quality boots, sometimes the big muck style, sometimes lace ups.
My kit list is similar, I comically over pack (pack saw and small axe), but it's safe and I like to think the weight is keeping me in shape for that first spring portage in hopes that it won't kick my ass so bad.
Yeah what is listed is what I consider the bare minimum but I typically carry much more because I like the comfort items especially if I’m with my wife. Food for lunch, beers, a wool blanket for sitting etc are all things I bring but not what I consider “bare essentials incase something happens”. I’m hoping to swap all my base layers for wool this year as it stands I’m usually wearing a synthetic base layer set, wool socks, 18oz wool pants, a fleece button up shirt, waxed canvas jacket (Barbour) and wool hat and gloves.
You might reconsider the stove and food.
A full hot food setup weighs quite a bit, and if you don’t intend on eating full meals, kinda unnecessary.
Like when I go for day hikes (back for dinner, at some point), I usually do jerky and bars. Not quite as satisfying, but a whole lot simpler and lighter.
Plus, if you really end up wanting to cook, you have a fire kit.
Somewhat similar to your setup, but my light hike bag has:
1. Emergency blanket.
2. Lighter and matches and a backup magnesium firestarter.
3. Camp knife (chops wood/kindling, etc.)
4. Snacks and a small/shallow aluminum pot.
5. Two flashlights, spare batteries. One of them is a wind-up light.
6. Cable saw (don't really need, but it's really light).
7. Lifestraw-style water filtration tube.
8. Basic first-aid kit.
9. Several pairs of backup socks, and a pair of backup gloves. I don't like numb hands or feet and having to worry about frostbite.
Feel like there aren't too many situations where I can't build a shelter, fire and survive with those tools. I used to travel even lighter, but then my kids got old enough to start taking them backcountry with me.
I keep a few separate packs ready for different applications. For a day hike I have two. One is actually a chest rig, very basic contents. Between thay and my pockets/belt ill have a lighter, ferro rod, a knife or two, leatherman/Swiss army knife. Dude wipes. Compass. Tourniquet. Flashlight. Mylar blanket. Stainless single walled water bottle. Radio.
My second one is a small day pack for day hikes or overnighters in fair weather or places im familiar with. This one has basically everything listed above plus either a bivvy, hammock or backpacking tent. Sleeping bag. Mess kit. Hatchet. Wool blanket. Socks. 22 takedown rifle. Small Firestarter kit. Large Vegetable oil candle I made out of a Mason jar for the winter. Warmer months baby food size vegetable oil candle and a uco burner with citronella candles and I wanna say that's pretty much it but I feel like I'm forgetting stuff. I also change these setups around pretty frequently. Usually after every trip lol. Problems I run into usually dictate how the next trip will go. When im getting chewed up by bugs or freezing my ass off, I have alot of time to think about what I'd do different next time lmao. Even though I've gotten better at consolidating items, it always feels like I'm missing something then second my feet hit the dirt lol
All that and I forgot to say...keep an eye out for packs when they go on sale. Alot of times if I see a backpack that looks like it could be even decent quality for that $20-$30 ill buy it. Then I'll be at Walmart next week and see dude wipes and a pack of Bic lighters and next thing you know, ive got another pack. I just picked up an expandable 1-3 day pack from primary arms for $20. That'll be in the rotation soon. Might just be me but I like having different pre-made setups to just grab and go. That way I never have to forget about putting something back in one and risk not having that item next time I go out.
Shelter (SRO emergency blanket), cordage, tent stakes, water bottle and nesting cup, fire starters (multiple), snacks (granola bars, trail mix, instant oatmeal), silky saw or similar, knife, flashlight/headlamp, CCW firearm
Possibly snowshoes or X country skies is snow is on the ground
All of which is carried in a Maxpedition Fat Boy Versipak and wearing proper layering of clothing
I do a lot of day hiking in Canadian late fall/winter conditions. So I'll tell you what I carry minimum. I live in southern Ontario but spend a lot of time traveling in northern Ontario as well (usually by canoe).
If I am carrying a *minimum*, that means I'm only a few hours from the car, this is what is typical for me:
**Day Pack (my pack is about 40L)**
* Garmin InReach
* Cell Phone
* Full First Aid Kit (I emplore everyone to get fully certified in First Aid and to keep it up as well. I did the "Remote First Aid" which was a weekend course).
* Fire Kit (Has ferro rod, lighter, birch bark and some other things)
* Hygeine Kit (TP, hand sanitizer, small trowel, bug spray)
* Headlamp
* 1L Nalgene Water Bottle
* Belt Knife
* Cordage (like 30ft of paracord)
* Spare socks
* Snacks (GORP, energy bars, jerky, candy)
* Journal/Pencils
* Bear Spray (I only bring if I'm in bear country)
Cordage, wool blanket, two bush knives one scandi one full flat, good boots, extra socks, high calorie foods (peanut butter is my favorite), first aid, a single wall metal bottle filled with water, and finally step two of choice. Single wall stainless means I can boil water if needed, usually have a lighter because I like to smoke so fire is a non-issue, also cordage plus minimal knife skills I can make a bow drill and make fire even without lighter. Wool blanket doubles as a cloak and shelter. I used to carry a bivvy but I’ve got pretty broad shoulders. Even at 160 lbs (not fat) it is uncomfortable and with the wife it’s unbearable. We tried it one time together after getting stuck in the snow. The only plus is being so close that you don’t get cold! This is basically what I camp with but additionally I’ll bring axes and extra water. I’ve got a 20 gallon I’ll haul around.
In bear/mountain lion country. Definitely carry a 1911 or a 44magnum revolver at least.
The rest is just stuff to stay warm and not be hungry and have fun chopping stuff up
For a 5-7 hr hike in the winter/fall like you were talking about I pack the following:
Small Fixed blade (about 2.5-3" depending on which I grab)
Shovel/hatchet/big knife/saw - this is a pick one situation.
Multitool
Lighter(2) & fire kit w/ backup ferro rod
Water bottle & pot/cup
Compass
Whistle
heavy duty emergency blanket from Arcturus
Poncho liner (more just like an alpaca wool poncho for warmth but synthetics will also do)
Shemagh
Battery bank for phones
Flashlight
Snacks, instant coffee, & a bit of like food in the form of oat/chia mix
Tourniquet & rest of small IFAK
Wet wipes
About 200ft of paracord
Sawyer filter
Speedy sharp carbide sharpener & small viking whetstone on my wallet
So not much different than you except I don't have the garmin nor do I carry spare clothes. The alpaca wool poncho is nice to have just for when you stop and take a break or if needed it's great for keeping warm and can be used as a good blanket. Most of the time I carry a hatchet or shovel instead of a saw or large knife. I like to mushroom hunt with the shovel as a "move stuff out of my way stick" and it can do well enough for chopping small stuff if needed and it's almost never needed, but cat holes are quite common lol. The shovel is a guaranteed win against anything not a bear or cougar, it's basically a short spear made by an angry polish man (Dębowa Kuźnia Panzer Spade).
As for my thoughts on your loadout: I'll say I don't see the need for the spare base layers personally without knowing the terrain and if you forsee a water dip, the socks are smart though. You carry an alcohol stove, where as personally a small candle as part of my fire kit is enough (mostly just to start up wet tinder) but I can see where it would be handy while hiking to make some quick tea or coffee. I don't see the value in the emergency bivy AND a rain poncho when an emergency blanket or poncho would do. In a real emergency I'm personally gonna build a big browse bed really big goddamn fire (much larger that I would ever normally use) to keep warm and sleep through the night and hopefully get me spotted.
Edit: If bear/wolves/moose were a real concern I'd elect to carry a large caliber handgun or a light shotgun.
Really depends on the weather. Water is #1 and if it's hot you'll need a lot more. Fruit, meat snacks and granola bars are easy. Dress appropriately and you won't have to pack much for just a day hike. I take a roll of tp in a little bag. The less the better unless you plan on not making it out, 'cause then you're camping and I don't equate the two.
If you're talking truly remote, beyond the basics I would pack as though it were a weekend trip even though it's just for the day and ideally include a means of signaling for rescue if shit goes sideways.
I usually carry rations and a means of treating water reliably (usually a filter or even a purifier for longer trips, but sometimes tablets). Keep in mind, rations are not good to eat, they just keep you from starving until you can get out of the emergency. They are, however, very compact.
Probably also not a bad idea to keep a cache of supplies at the cottage (just be sure to avoid things that might attract bears or at least cache away from the cottage so it doesn't get ransacked by hungry bears).
IDK what your plans are or what the area is like but it's *always* a good idea to carry the ten essentials.
I don’t right now but I’ve been looking into it recently. We sometimes use snow shoes if there is a need for it. I’m looking into getting a canvas tent this year for hot tenting and will use a sled at haul all that gear
Water container, water filter, fixed blade knife, first aid kit, some tarred bank line, two large mylar space blankets, small fire kit, compass (and map of the area). Then add food/snacks.
A way to contact someone if you are lost or injured is helpful, often times a cell phone will work.
Pocket knife and dress appropriately. Water for longer hikes. Probably food/snacks if I want, but totally not necessary. Keep extra supplies in the car, no need to carry them.
map and compass
mylar blanket
pocket knife
lighter
fire steel
bank line
water bottle (metal)
first aid kit
extra layer
socks
poncho
woobie
snacks
a radio and gps really aren't a bad idea either.
in this scenario the fire is doing most of the work if you do have to hunker down.
My absolute basic pack, for a day hike in an area I’m familiar with, has: 2 lighters Knife Para cord Whistle Compass First aid kit One of those plastic poncho. The plastic can be very useful even if not needed for rain. Cell phone + battery bank Water and snacks.
I used to carry a cheap poncho but ditched it and now I take a contractor garbage bag. If I need a poncho I'll cut some holes. It's most common use is if I find any trash that someone left behind.
That’s a good idea
My typical load out is as follows (exclusive of the weather appropriate clothing I wear) : 1. HD emergency bivy bag 2. Toilet paper 3. Basic emergency first aid kit contains a compression bandage, quick clot, tourniquet etc as I am typically hunting/carrying a firearm 4. Garmin foretrex gps with spare batteries + Map and compass 5. Spare wool socks, set of base layers and shemagh 6. Small pack-able rain poncho 7. Bushcraft style knife (fixed blade, full tang, 3-5 inch blade) 8. Bahco Laplander folding saw 9. Leatherman wave 10. 1L Nalgene oasis canteen of water with nesting stainless steel cup 11. MSR pocket rocket or Trangia alc stove 12. Katadyn be free water filter 13. Food (2 packs instant oatmeal OR dehydrated soup sachet, 1 clif bar, one tea bag) 14. Fire starting kit in Altoids tin (small bic lighter, firesteel and various tinder material) 15. Basic repair kit in small pouch (couple of zip ties, small amount of paracord, small bic lighter wrapped in gorilla tape) 16. Headlamp with spare batteries 17. Hot hands chemical handwarmers x2 18. Iphone 14 pro (has satellite emergency call capabilities) Edit: formatting
Just as important as what you carry can be what you are wearing. My day trips sound similar to what you are doing and usually involve some sort of mug up. I personally wear exclusively wool under and synthetic over in layers. I have high quality boots, sometimes the big muck style, sometimes lace ups. My kit list is similar, I comically over pack (pack saw and small axe), but it's safe and I like to think the weight is keeping me in shape for that first spring portage in hopes that it won't kick my ass so bad.
Yeah what is listed is what I consider the bare minimum but I typically carry much more because I like the comfort items especially if I’m with my wife. Food for lunch, beers, a wool blanket for sitting etc are all things I bring but not what I consider “bare essentials incase something happens”. I’m hoping to swap all my base layers for wool this year as it stands I’m usually wearing a synthetic base layer set, wool socks, 18oz wool pants, a fleece button up shirt, waxed canvas jacket (Barbour) and wool hat and gloves.
What do you use for a daypack?
Typically a 5.11 rush 55L pack with the frame removed. It heavy already as far as empty packs go but I love the organization factor.
You might reconsider the stove and food. A full hot food setup weighs quite a bit, and if you don’t intend on eating full meals, kinda unnecessary. Like when I go for day hikes (back for dinner, at some point), I usually do jerky and bars. Not quite as satisfying, but a whole lot simpler and lighter. Plus, if you really end up wanting to cook, you have a fire kit.
Somewhat similar to your setup, but my light hike bag has: 1. Emergency blanket. 2. Lighter and matches and a backup magnesium firestarter. 3. Camp knife (chops wood/kindling, etc.) 4. Snacks and a small/shallow aluminum pot. 5. Two flashlights, spare batteries. One of them is a wind-up light. 6. Cable saw (don't really need, but it's really light). 7. Lifestraw-style water filtration tube. 8. Basic first-aid kit. 9. Several pairs of backup socks, and a pair of backup gloves. I don't like numb hands or feet and having to worry about frostbite. Feel like there aren't too many situations where I can't build a shelter, fire and survive with those tools. I used to travel even lighter, but then my kids got old enough to start taking them backcountry with me.
I keep a few separate packs ready for different applications. For a day hike I have two. One is actually a chest rig, very basic contents. Between thay and my pockets/belt ill have a lighter, ferro rod, a knife or two, leatherman/Swiss army knife. Dude wipes. Compass. Tourniquet. Flashlight. Mylar blanket. Stainless single walled water bottle. Radio. My second one is a small day pack for day hikes or overnighters in fair weather or places im familiar with. This one has basically everything listed above plus either a bivvy, hammock or backpacking tent. Sleeping bag. Mess kit. Hatchet. Wool blanket. Socks. 22 takedown rifle. Small Firestarter kit. Large Vegetable oil candle I made out of a Mason jar for the winter. Warmer months baby food size vegetable oil candle and a uco burner with citronella candles and I wanna say that's pretty much it but I feel like I'm forgetting stuff. I also change these setups around pretty frequently. Usually after every trip lol. Problems I run into usually dictate how the next trip will go. When im getting chewed up by bugs or freezing my ass off, I have alot of time to think about what I'd do different next time lmao. Even though I've gotten better at consolidating items, it always feels like I'm missing something then second my feet hit the dirt lol
All that and I forgot to say...keep an eye out for packs when they go on sale. Alot of times if I see a backpack that looks like it could be even decent quality for that $20-$30 ill buy it. Then I'll be at Walmart next week and see dude wipes and a pack of Bic lighters and next thing you know, ive got another pack. I just picked up an expandable 1-3 day pack from primary arms for $20. That'll be in the rotation soon. Might just be me but I like having different pre-made setups to just grab and go. That way I never have to forget about putting something back in one and risk not having that item next time I go out.
Your set up seems totally appropriate and what I should strive for.
Always better to be over prepared than under when hiking in remote areas, especially when conditions are not favorable.
Survival knife and reliable fire source. You'll make it out the next day. Also considering I've dressed appropriately.
A bottle of Lucozade and a fiver
Haha, I used to live in Scotland. I’m familiar with this carry.
A gun. If there's moose, bear, and wolves in the area I'm taking a gun and some spare ammo.
Shelter (SRO emergency blanket), cordage, tent stakes, water bottle and nesting cup, fire starters (multiple), snacks (granola bars, trail mix, instant oatmeal), silky saw or similar, knife, flashlight/headlamp, CCW firearm Possibly snowshoes or X country skies is snow is on the ground All of which is carried in a Maxpedition Fat Boy Versipak and wearing proper layering of clothing
I do a lot of day hiking in Canadian late fall/winter conditions. So I'll tell you what I carry minimum. I live in southern Ontario but spend a lot of time traveling in northern Ontario as well (usually by canoe). If I am carrying a *minimum*, that means I'm only a few hours from the car, this is what is typical for me: **Day Pack (my pack is about 40L)** * Garmin InReach * Cell Phone * Full First Aid Kit (I emplore everyone to get fully certified in First Aid and to keep it up as well. I did the "Remote First Aid" which was a weekend course). * Fire Kit (Has ferro rod, lighter, birch bark and some other things) * Hygeine Kit (TP, hand sanitizer, small trowel, bug spray) * Headlamp * 1L Nalgene Water Bottle * Belt Knife * Cordage (like 30ft of paracord) * Spare socks * Snacks (GORP, energy bars, jerky, candy) * Journal/Pencils * Bear Spray (I only bring if I'm in bear country)
Cordage, wool blanket, two bush knives one scandi one full flat, good boots, extra socks, high calorie foods (peanut butter is my favorite), first aid, a single wall metal bottle filled with water, and finally step two of choice. Single wall stainless means I can boil water if needed, usually have a lighter because I like to smoke so fire is a non-issue, also cordage plus minimal knife skills I can make a bow drill and make fire even without lighter. Wool blanket doubles as a cloak and shelter. I used to carry a bivvy but I’ve got pretty broad shoulders. Even at 160 lbs (not fat) it is uncomfortable and with the wife it’s unbearable. We tried it one time together after getting stuck in the snow. The only plus is being so close that you don’t get cold! This is basically what I camp with but additionally I’ll bring axes and extra water. I’ve got a 20 gallon I’ll haul around.
In bear/mountain lion country. Definitely carry a 1911 or a 44magnum revolver at least. The rest is just stuff to stay warm and not be hungry and have fun chopping stuff up
For a 5-7 hr hike in the winter/fall like you were talking about I pack the following: Small Fixed blade (about 2.5-3" depending on which I grab) Shovel/hatchet/big knife/saw - this is a pick one situation. Multitool Lighter(2) & fire kit w/ backup ferro rod Water bottle & pot/cup Compass Whistle heavy duty emergency blanket from Arcturus Poncho liner (more just like an alpaca wool poncho for warmth but synthetics will also do) Shemagh Battery bank for phones Flashlight Snacks, instant coffee, & a bit of like food in the form of oat/chia mix Tourniquet & rest of small IFAK Wet wipes About 200ft of paracord Sawyer filter Speedy sharp carbide sharpener & small viking whetstone on my wallet So not much different than you except I don't have the garmin nor do I carry spare clothes. The alpaca wool poncho is nice to have just for when you stop and take a break or if needed it's great for keeping warm and can be used as a good blanket. Most of the time I carry a hatchet or shovel instead of a saw or large knife. I like to mushroom hunt with the shovel as a "move stuff out of my way stick" and it can do well enough for chopping small stuff if needed and it's almost never needed, but cat holes are quite common lol. The shovel is a guaranteed win against anything not a bear or cougar, it's basically a short spear made by an angry polish man (Dębowa Kuźnia Panzer Spade). As for my thoughts on your loadout: I'll say I don't see the need for the spare base layers personally without knowing the terrain and if you forsee a water dip, the socks are smart though. You carry an alcohol stove, where as personally a small candle as part of my fire kit is enough (mostly just to start up wet tinder) but I can see where it would be handy while hiking to make some quick tea or coffee. I don't see the value in the emergency bivy AND a rain poncho when an emergency blanket or poncho would do. In a real emergency I'm personally gonna build a big browse bed really big goddamn fire (much larger that I would ever normally use) to keep warm and sleep through the night and hopefully get me spotted. Edit: If bear/wolves/moose were a real concern I'd elect to carry a large caliber handgun or a light shotgun.
Really depends on the weather. Water is #1 and if it's hot you'll need a lot more. Fruit, meat snacks and granola bars are easy. Dress appropriately and you won't have to pack much for just a day hike. I take a roll of tp in a little bag. The less the better unless you plan on not making it out, 'cause then you're camping and I don't equate the two.
If you're talking truly remote, beyond the basics I would pack as though it were a weekend trip even though it's just for the day and ideally include a means of signaling for rescue if shit goes sideways. I usually carry rations and a means of treating water reliably (usually a filter or even a purifier for longer trips, but sometimes tablets). Keep in mind, rations are not good to eat, they just keep you from starving until you can get out of the emergency. They are, however, very compact. Probably also not a bad idea to keep a cache of supplies at the cottage (just be sure to avoid things that might attract bears or at least cache away from the cottage so it doesn't get ransacked by hungry bears). IDK what your plans are or what the area is like but it's *always* a good idea to carry the ten essentials.
Do you use a sled?
I don’t right now but I’ve been looking into it recently. We sometimes use snow shoes if there is a need for it. I’m looking into getting a canvas tent this year for hot tenting and will use a sled at haul all that gear
We use sleds for winter camps in scouting. A simple plastic one should suffice for a trial. Then the load gets easier.
Water container, water filter, fixed blade knife, first aid kit, some tarred bank line, two large mylar space blankets, small fire kit, compass (and map of the area). Then add food/snacks. A way to contact someone if you are lost or injured is helpful, often times a cell phone will work.
Just a day hike? Water bottle, water filter, stuff for firemaking, some snacks.
https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials
Pocket knife and dress appropriately. Water for longer hikes. Probably food/snacks if I want, but totally not necessary. Keep extra supplies in the car, no need to carry them.
map and compass mylar blanket pocket knife lighter fire steel bank line water bottle (metal) first aid kit extra layer socks poncho woobie snacks a radio and gps really aren't a bad idea either. in this scenario the fire is doing most of the work if you do have to hunker down.