Let me say that you don’t have to have expensive gear for a day hike! This is just what I have because my mindset is in the long-distance hiking zone. As long as you’ve covered the 10 Essentials of Hiking, just get out and have fun :) Nothin’ has to be fancy about it!

I just moved to Washington state from a sprawling metropolis that I grew up in. I've been wanting to get out in nature for months now! Of course I also did not want to end up lost and dead! Because of this channel I'm going on my first solo overnight camping trip at a capground this weekend! I'm keeping it simple, just hanging out for a night, not even going to hike just meditate and hang out around a campfire. Next time I'll camp for 2 nights. Then I'll find an easy hike and do a hike & camp for 1 night, then 2. I AM SO EXCITED! Thank you for this excellent channel!

I always take a couple of grocery bags for picking up any trash that might be on the trail.

dixie, i love the way you talk to both experienced hikers and newbies. there's no shame in being a newbie, ever. i cannot stress enough how important the bits of emergency essentials are, even for a day hike. i live in a place where people from away often end up calling 911 because they simply didn't bring a headlamp, or enough water, or a map. it's extra weight, but i also carry a full first aid kit that would support two people two days (including CPR mask) and in winter a bivvy sack. i don't usually need these things, but that ONE TIME your day hike goes bad, it could go very bad. or someone else's day hike. you think it's never going to happen to you, but that two hour hike occasionally turns into a twelve hour ordeal. my kit also includes pads and tampons, because women sometimes need them and also because they're good for both firestarter and wound dressing. oh! in winter my kit often includes a spare pair of dry socks, even for day hikes. people might make fun of you sometimes for carrying too big a pack for a day trip, but once they need to borrow those dry socks because their foot went through some ice, they are done laughing at you for that. forever.

A very good day-hike list. It clearly reflects what you learned with your multiple long hikes. I did a course with the Colorado Mountain Club when I first got to Colorado many years ago and since then I always carry WAY more safety stuff than your average hiker. All the stuff you mentioned, plus "space" blanket, candles, lighter & matches, etc. I go out expecting a lovely day-hike and prepared for a nasty overnight with a broken ankle while waiting for rescue. And rain jacket *and* pants. I've literally started a hike at 9000 feet in 85F sunshine and arrived back to the car a few hours later in 50F rain/hail. In early July. And now that I finally have one of your neck knives, why would I *not* take it on my hikes? Boulder county has lots of hungry mountain lions! :)

I like a compass, no batteries needed. For the small extra weight, some peace of mind. Many thanks from Canada,

Excellent lesson. The ponch is an outstanding idea. Besure to have 50' of strong cord with it. I first backpacked on the AT in 1965 as a Boy Scout. Now, I watch vloggers. It is fun to see the adventures through young eyes. I suggest that you upgrade the emergency blanket to an SOL Heatsheet. They are bigger, stronger, quieter, and more easily reused than the mylar type blankets. If you are not carrying your cook gear, try a Nalgene bottle and an Olicup(it nests on the bottle). It is all you need to cook and have a hot water bottle. Thanks for giving so much help to the young people starting out. Good Luck, Rick

Good info. Confirmed what I take and sometimes I feel like I’m over packing because other people I go with often don’t even have the 10 essentials. I learned I hard way about that! Never again!

I've found the Flash 22 is really short on me (6' 2") and can cut up under my arms in a weirdly tight uncomfortable way. It just doesn't have enough strap to it. I've switched to the REI Trail 25, it has a good bit more length to it and I find it really comfortable. Just a heads up for taller people. Thanks for the videos as always Dixie

While being educational, these videos have such a happy vibe to them. Right now I can’t hike here in Oregon cause of the fires but these videos are still a little slice of happiness and a view of the outdoors

Hey, Dixie! Very good, informative talk! A little off of your topic, but relevent is what is kept in the vehicle, too. For those situations where things go wonky, or just plain bad, its important that, when you make it back to your vehicle, you've got resources right there to immediately start helping yourself or others in need. My vehicle 'gear' is lots of fluids (water & some kind of Powerade electrolyte replacement), food - trailbars, trail mix, chocolate bars, seasonal fruits, blanket, towels, spare basic ER phone, Big/Full First Aid kit, extra batteries, shelter fixins ( tarp, hammock, light tent), phone numbers of local police/EMS. And a Full change of clothes, down to underwear & shoes...in case of a full-on drenching. Also, its nice to have a change of clothes for getting out of hiked-in duds for when you want to go directly to a late lunch or dinner locally without having to drive all the way home to get cleaned up. Oh, and a small toiletry kit, too. When I was younger, ppl would remark about all the stuff permanently residing in the back of my Outback.... until I explained why. Then they were like, 'Oh, that makes sooo much sense. That's so smart!' Then they started doing itt to... lol. :) Anyway, just a thought I had that perhaps ppl might like to know about that aspect of being someone who is perpetually going into the Wilds and wants that peace of mind that comes when you know you've got resources waiting for you back at your car. Especially if you vehicle, while it may only be 7mls away from You...it may be 40mls from nearest town/help. So, love your channel and keep putting out these concise, informative and fun talks. :)

I love taking my stove and having a cup of coffee on my day hikes. It’s the little things

Yes! All of it plus snacks (yay food), extra batteries for the headlamp, a couple bandaids and then an extra pair of socks in case of wet terrain cause cold wet feet on the way home is not fun haha

I am fortunate to have great hiking areas within minutes of my home. Including one right out my back door. I do mostly day hikes during week days. so I usually only take a fanny pack that has a water bottle pocket. for food I just take snacks like cheese sticks and beef sausages. I have a single trekking pole that has a "cane" handle that I use even for short walks. I like the idea of having coffee on the trail so I may include it this spring. For all day hikes I do take a pack and a lunch. Thanks for the video I will be integrating some of your suggestions, especially rain gear.

Aaron, that's one of the best logo placements I've seen. Dixie should do a video compilation of the logo placements you think are the coolest.

One tip about the darker colors is that the interior can be hard to find stuff. Other reviews reported they went with a brighter color since the interior was easier to see since it is brighter

Man, I can’t understate how much I love my Flash 22. On top of day hikes, I’m planning on it being a summit bag in my main pack if I want to bag some peaks. Taking a 60l pack up to a summit sucks.

Very logically thought process to what and why you carry these items, everything makes perfect sense to me, nice job.

I just picked this exact same pack up for my hiking adventures along Hadrians wall this summer. So glad I got to see your opinion.

I absolutely love your videos. Since I started watching your videos my interest in hiking and camping has been rekindled. As a result I plan on doing a multi day section hike of Canada's Great Divide Trail for my 45th birthday in a year.

Also the good thing about carrying a puffy jacket in a bag that’s not too full is that it takes up the space and makes the bag fit and ride better. It’ll fill the space without being too heavy.

Reaching back to get my water bottle is always hard with any pack I have. So, I moved to an Army belt w/ 2 canteen holsters and a Army issued fanny pack that attaches. It is amazing how much stuff you can get in there! All this stuff can be moved around the belt with the loops and held fast so you can move them for comfort. The canteen holders are perfect for Nalgene bottles. I've hiked all over the country and that's how I go.

this was suuuuper helpful! i am planning on going on several day hikes during my next vacation and this will help me A LOT!

Nice video and good advice. I would carry an additional knife in the pack. A Mora Companion or a Leatherman Signal or Rebar, or a Swiss Army One-Handed Trekker come to mind. A whistle might also be a good addition, as well as a second pair of socks. Lastly, I would include a couple of BIC Lighters, and some kind of steel or titanium cup that can boil water. Perhaps one of your water bottles will nest with it. A 55 gallon drum liner, a bandana (or 2), and some bankline would be useful additions.

I have the rei flash 22 and had to sew a dart in the cup holder elastic so the water bottles wouldn’t fall out. Works ok now. I never knew the foam pad was removable so I’ve been carrying a separate ensolite!!! Learn everyday!🐿. I added reflective tape too because it Montana winter days are short. I add orange if it’s hunting season. I’m on Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails/dirt roads a lot so if visibility is poor I wear a bike vest which is orange and reflective. I carry a SPOT but am upgrading to in Reach soon thanks to your videos!

I did a day hike last year and it turned out to be hotter than expected and the trail was more demanding than originally anticipated. I ran out of water 1/2 way back to the parking area and all I could do was think of something to drink for the last few miles. I now carry a filter system regardless of where I hike.

Love my Peak Design camera clip. It's always with me when I hike or travel. Going to Spain for 10 days in March and it will be with me the entire way, either on a pack or on my belt.

As a mom of four boys, my day pack is a little bigger. I do encourage my kids to carry as much of their own gear as possible. However, with four clumsy boys...my first aid kit needs to be a bit more substantial! Love your videos and thank you for all the encouragement and ideas!

I carry a kit to repair my knapsack - a sail needle and nylon cord. You mentioned your cooking kit, do you take along a way to start a fire even if you don't take your stove? And I like to keep a small travel tube of vaseline and cotton balls in my first aid kit to use to start an emergency fire. If I bring a camera or if rain is possible I will probably bring a shoulder bag (in additiion to my knapsack) for easy access to my camera and accessories, and for my poncho and etc. I have a water bottle holder that attaches to my belt. I would rather have the weight of the water on my hips and keep the knapsack lighter so I might not have to use the belt on the knapsack. Instead of food I might bring hard candies as emergency fuel if I find myself walking slowly and feeling low on energy. I have allergies so I always bring a bunch of kleenex in my back pocket. Instead of those pocket packs of tissues which have a high cost per sneeze , I get puffs brand tissues which are not interwoven and so are easy to separate to grab a bunch of them to bring or to take one off the bunch to use. I don't put my fluffy jacket in my knapsack, I wear sweaters and sometimes bring an empty knapsack to put them in when I get too hot. I get up early and usually am starting off at the coldest time of day. Occasionally if a cold front is coming through the temperature will drop during the day so I watch out for that. I understand that bringing the fluffy jacket is foolproof - I'm just saying what I do. Whistle? Emergency cards?

Another great video. Fun and informative. 👍. Especially like the Homemade Wanderlust logo lit up by the stove at the beginning. So creative! 👌👏🏼

Hello Dixie, thank you for sharing this informative video. You are a wealth of great information. All the best to you and your family. 🤗

I also have an REI Flash 22 Day Pack and it's just right for day hiking. The gear I haul is almost the same as what you're carrying. I tend to pack with emergency in mind in case I need to spend a night or so outside due to being lost or injured. I don't mind carrying all the extras.

That camera clip mount is a slick idea, wish they would of had one similar years ago...LOL. I as well used to use the original Flash backpack and loved it. But after I finally found a ultra light panel loading backpack I never went back. In the NW area it is often raining and the panel loading style made it real easy to pull out things without getting stuff as wet or muddy and the pack being slightly wider then normal really helped as my shoulders are wide. The panel loading style is not common but I have an old original one made by SixMoonsDesign (Traveler or maybe Starlight) and sadly they are no longer made but I highly recommend keeping an eye out for one as they are a dream to hike and even short term backpack with. I also recommend people be aware of the sunset time and set a "turnaround" time to be sure they don't get out too far. As for safety I would also highly recommend one of the space blanket bivvy sacks over a basic space blanket because it can keep one dry or protect from the cold wind if hurt and having to spend the night out. A basic wool cap is very important as well even when treating one for shock if severely injured.

Outstanding videos, Dixie! Thank you for providing us with day-hiking advice! Until I get "geared up" for a thru-hike (some day, lol), it's so good to get expert advice for smaller hikes! Yay!

4:19 that’s smart thinking ... getting turned around and lost is a reality and keeping warm after the sun goes down is paramount

A good video. I think you’ve got a good pack and load out. As a veteran I like to day hike with some old gear. For a day hike I’ve been known to take 782 gear (web belt and Y harness, butt pack, canteen and a couple admin pouches on the web belt ). This distributes the weight between my hips and shoulders and allows my arms and legs full range of motion while allowing me to carry everything for an enjoyable saunter through the woods. If you see someone with that sort of rig they maybe like me; used to the way it feels and it’s relatively economical since I already had it.

Mountain Hardware makes some great daypacks. I've been using one for more than 10 years and it's still going strong!

I add tiny first aid kit, 20 feet of 3/8s mountaineering rope, fire starting items and if in heavy bear country a .44 mag Ti.

My daypack is much less disaster-proof. The terrain here in the Netherlands is just not that dangerous and you're always quite near a road. It's a bit like walking in a large park almost. It's simply very unlikely that anything will happen or that you need to overnight. I mostly only pack food, water and raingear and that's about it. Tue onoy extra item is a guide book, since I typically walk parts of section hikes on my day hikes. No cooking gear, shelter, etc. My walks almost always go past cafés or restaurants and if I want a hot drink, I buy one. This all changes when I'm preparing for a section hike, in which case I basically have a large pack with my hiking gear, food and rain gear plus simulated weight in the form of extra water bottles.

Nice sensible load out Dixie, I use a foam sit mat to form cushion to a silnylon backpack and use on my breaks especially when it’s cold and wet. Keep up the great content!

Nice tips we practically carry the same stuff. We use the 22 L Ozark bag really nice especially for the price. Thanks for sharing!

I read there's a whistle on that backpack but I think it's worth to mention separately. It's the #1 rescue tool. What if you lose your backpack? What do you have left? I'm happy to see you are wearing a fixed blade neck knife at least. Most day hikers go out with some flimsy folding knife if any. Electronics can fail always (even because it gets cold) so depending on them makes no sense at all. Bring a compass and map always and learn how to use them. I understand you are all about making video's, taking pictures but these are essentials if you want to make money of your hikes and in no way essentials to stay alive. I agree on the cell phone but turn it off and put it is a waterproof casing and use it when you need it.

I like carry a few carabiners (larger size) on my backpack. When I stop for a short break, change gear etc, I like to hang my backpack on a tree using the 'biner, while I open up the pack, take stuff out etc. Forest floor is often muddy or wet, has bugs and ants etc, don't like my backpack be put down there, especially after rain or snow. I hang my walking sticks onto the same carabiner by their lanyards to make sure I don't leave them there on the ground when leaving, sometimes my hat too. Some kind of hook could do the same trick but I could easily lose it from the backpack while walking.

I think that "cut some summer sausage" was pun intended 😁😅

Lighting the logo was neat :) It's a small thing, but I really like the zpacks treking pole holsters. Which is a grand name for a couple of bits of shockcord with line locks on them. An inexpensive great idea. Easy to make your own or get them off zpacks. I use them on the daypacks I'm currently using. Even the Sea to summit ultrasil nano. I just loop them on the straps, bottom and middle. Lets me go with two, one or no treking poles, quick and easy. I got a Nero for day hikes (and other day to day things). It's mostly empty, but it's light so that doesn't matter, waterproof. I usually just clip the belt through the top hanging loop to make a sort of arc. And yes "cupholders" and the net front pocket is handy and usually has a couple of apples in it.

I’ve got to the point I carry an umbrella for hikes, a six moons design to be specific. I sunburn easily. I can’t stand the feel of sunscreen, I usually sweat it off in the hot/humid summers we have, and of course it also works for rain. Also helps to block gusts of wind if you’re starting a fire. Versatile piece of gear.

Logo placement, as usual-on point. Love it! Great info!

Dixie - your awesome and your accent is the bomb. Never change dear. Thanks for sharing.

The PD clip is a game changer! I typically carry about 14 lbs of camera gear on a day hike and there's nothing worse than hauling that weight and not taking a single photo (although developing my pack back is a small benefit). Missing shots because the moment has passed before I could dig out my camera no longer happens with the camera right there on my shoulder. The camera weight also seems to offset and balance some of the other weight on the back, too.

I go with backpack. Osprey lightest one that's a real pack. Always works. Super lightweight. Geeky or not it is real deal.

The only thing additional that I add is a Serac single hammock and tree straps (22 oz.). I dayhike to get away and sometimes on local, shorter trails, I don't have anywhere further to go. I can quickly hang my hammock and relax with some music and cloud (or star) watching, until I'm ready to leave.

Love the talk and the comments below. My gear needs an upgrade. Thx!!

I always carry a bear bell (with magnetic silencer), which is attached to my backpack. I've seen bear footprints in snow even in December.

I've been watching you for years, and I'm just now watching this video after buying this bag at rei. My husband and I really only do day hikes, or weekend camping, and this bag is perfect for that.

I HAVE THE SAME PACK! I love the side pockets and structured back:) highly recommend

You can save weight with something like a Trangia alcohol stove instead of a propane/butane stove. I noticed that you didn't list any way to start fire. I always carry a lighter, ferro rod, and Fresnel lens. I also throw a Mora HD Carbon in my pack in addition to my regular EDC belt knife. (Old school military mindset "two is one, one is none"). I also use a Lowepro (I think that's the brand) waist pack when I carry my big camera. It has detachable pouches for extra lenses.

This is great! I wondered if I was overkill on my day pack! But I'm almost spot on compared to what you carry!

Day hiking.....0:06 well first let's start with the med kit !! lol.... Kidding. Nice gear loadout. I agree with your choice of gear.

I;ve been using the Teton Oasis 1200 for a day pack and the Teton Poncho/tarp as a poncho. The Oasis 1200 doesn't come with the poncho like some of their larger packs do I bought it separately. It did come with a hydration bladder, but after trying it I decided I preferred reusing smartwater bottles. I haven'g been able to do many dayhikes because i was recovering from toe surgery and now that i've recovered the weather hasn't worked out. I look forward to doing plenty when Spring comes however. I have been trying to walk a little despite the weather, but my walks aren't really long enough to be called hikes, just up to the gas station a couple blocks away and back. Still, I look at it as practice.

I got the Flash 22 as well! Love that pack!

I use the Gregory Jade 28L. I also add micro spikes in the winter in case I get into snow in the Pacific Northwest where I do all my day hiking.

I like my patagonia wind shirt in summer rather than a jacket. Other than that, most of my stuff is fairly similar. Sometimes a set of gardening type gloves because the scrub here is quite thick and often spikey if we're on disused tracks or going off track.

woah! that camera clip rocks!

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. I just order the REI Flash 22 for some shorter hikes and was curious about whether or not it could handle my Peak Design Capture Clip with the A7iii.

You may not know if you’ll have cell service until you get there or lose service on trail. I dayhike the Pinhoti and other places with no cell service. I lose AT&T service while driving to get there. Consider taking a spot or garmin if you don’t know if you’ll have cell service. And/or download trail maps in your hiking app(s)

18 in x 6 ft 6-mil plastic. Roll it up, stash next to water. Makes for good place to lie down or picnic when take a break.

Awesome stuff! I have a very similar setup and load out for my day hikes 😃 Enjoyed the video 🙌👍

I LOVE this video, as most of my hikes are day hikes!

Love the Flash 22. If you wait they frequently run sales and you can get it for $35. Less than a pound with enough capacity to hold anything you’d need plus some. Throw a water bottle clip on the shoulder strap to keep water easily accessible and it’s perfect.

We were planning an AT thru-hike, but can't afford it this year, so we're getting into day hiking, and we're enjoying it. We're still working out the gear for a day hike.

Some great tips. Thank you. My dog comes with me on all my walks....so that means food/first aid (v snake bites)/water/ rain coat (he is a Whippet) for him too...….although he seems to expect me to carry it all for him!

This is very helpful as I'll be doing more day hiking this year. Thanks Dixie :)

Excellent video especially with the 2020 upgrade with the nod towards a battery charger. My day pack tends to be larger, a 0sprey Kestrel 38liter but I am in WYOMING where in summer you pack more water and winter you pack more layers. And I like have back navigation with a simple hunters sighting compass. I do not have cellular service in my backcountry so my SpotX goes everywhere and I communicate with my “anchor” least twice every trip with a drop dead time and long/lat where the car is.

Can you show us how your poncho sets up as a tarp shelter?

I think I'd carry a lighter &/or matches even if not bringing a cooking setup. And a pre-rigged length of paracord for stringing up that tarp in an A-frame.

I carry a Black Diamond Distance running vest style pack. In it I also carry a poncho tarp and aBorah Gear bivy coupled to a Thermarest blanket and mattress. I really like that running vest. If you keep the total weight below 10 pounds it won’t bounce around when you move fast. Oh, and the pack has neat side pockets to slip my trekking poles in.

I always like to have a bit of paracord. Can make a shelter out of the poncho. Neck knife is good but I still like my multi tool. Love your videos. Keep it up.

Dixie, so enjoy your hiking videos. Followed your channel since your AT thru hike. Good 2020 to you and yours.

I probably overpack on my day hikes, but I prefer to be prepared. My kids love it when I take my stove and some hot cocoa packets in the winter.

I was invited to TMB this year but conflicted with my trip to Alaska. A new invitation for 2024 has been sent to me. Im excited to go.

Ahhh the camera clip! Perfect! Thank you for another great info video!!

Just heard you say you were in Alabama - me too! Excited to start exploring your channel as my adult daughter and I start day hiking in the Deep South.

Anyone thinking about picking up an REI Flash 22, you can get last year's colors (Dark Red and Greystone) for $35, a third off the regular price of $55, from REI's website right now.

The first aid kit should have gauze pads (non stick) and an ace bandage. Reason: most first aids don’t have these, and most of the injuries while hiking are to knees and elbows. Ordinary bandages come right off after some movement.

Extra socks are a must for me. Taking care of my feet is essential to me.

Great video as always. Love your honest reviews/guidance and your humor.

Maybe you already do, but you should put that puffy inside the cuben dry bag. This turned out to be a great review of the Flash 22. Thanks!

I have the same day pack and I love it! It's very comfy and fits a lot of stuff.

Walmart makes a great day hiking pack water bottle pockets trekking poles storage place for a bladder if you want water like that etc. it’s really a good deal for the money

Hi Daisy I love your channel and have learned so much from you and the adventures you are on. Thanks for all the information you put out there I have to hike in rain as I live on the Wet Coast. We just go because if we wait around we could be waiting forever Keep up the fantastic reviews and adventures Sheila Vancouver BC🇨🇦

Love this new video!!! Thanks for the info! The camera mount is awesome.

Thank you for your inspiration. I'm packing my pack. Waiting for my tent and stove. Got my sit pad and hopefully I'm going to on my first section when the covid stuff eases up. Spent night in my sleeping bag testing it last night.

If you want to be a hero, consider that a couple of extra Snickers bars could help another hiker to make it back to their car if they have hit the wall. I have been given a candy bar to help get back up that last hill, and have given out candy bars to people who were completely tapped out. It makes a big difference sometimes.

I'm going to look into that poncho tarp thing! ✌️

Nice video! I would carry some fire-starting material including a ferro rod and a couple of BIC lighters. I would also carry 2-3 bandanas that could be used for a variety of things and I would consider a mylar emergency blanket with orange on one side that could be used for signaling, and a small whistle is a good idea. In the first aid kit I would include tweezers and a needle. Additionally, I might carry a compass, a poncho and 3-4 hanks of paracord or bank line and some 1’ duct tape. Lastly I would choose another knife and my first choice for lightness would be a Morakniv of your choice. And, I always carry some baggies and extra dry socks.

Has anyone purchased a Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable day pack? I'm thinking of getting one. It's about the same price as the Flash 22, but seems to have some better features. BTW, the red and purple Flash 22s are on sale now at REI.

My daypack is a orange Outdoor Products 30L. I found it for $19 at Ross in 2015. I dont usually fill it up but its nice to know I can if need be. Only complaint is the back doesnt breathe well on hot days.

I (Kelley) Just starting to hike and found your channel. We are from Alabama too

Your Very Gifted at "capturing" Your/Our Adventures... Thanks for Sharing ✨

I take a sit pad. It makes my day pack more stable as well.