10 Essentials for Day Hiking in PA

Day hikes are a great way to explore the outdoors around us, but being prepared for a hike in your region can cause pause for beginners and experts alike. In this post, we’ll cover our own checklist 10 essentials we can’t leave home without when hiking in central PA.

As easy as day hiking is to quickly get out into nature, it’s important to always be prepared for any situation. A short hike can quickly turn into a miserable experience if you’re not well equipped. Additionally, each region we hike in is different and has its own unique characteristics you may or may not be familiar with.

1. Hiking Backpack

Arguably the most important part of your hike, but also the least complicated. Day packs

come in many shapes, sizes, and prices but if it holds what you need for the day without hurting, it’s perfect. If you’re looking for something new, I like a day pack to be about 10-25 liters in size. That should be plenty big to hold everything you need for the day, without weighing you down. The beauty of day hikes is that they don’t require too much gear or planning, remember?

My personal favorites are the Patagonia Atom for carrying just a few items on a short hike and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 for a little more room when you need it.

2. Hiking Shoes/Boots

Comfortable shoes are a must when heading out for a day hike in PA. Depending on how frequently you’re hiking, a pair of dedicated hiking shoes or boots may be a good investment. Tennis shoes will generally get the job done, but their soft soles will really wear on your feet the longer you walk. This is especially true in places with naturally rough terrain like where we live in Central PA, notoriously called “Rocksylvania.”

While hiking, I prefer to wear a lightweight waterproof boot, the Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid, that has ankle support to help with the rocky terrain here in PA. I like waterproof boots because I never think twice about having to cross a shallow stream or creek when hiking, but they do have less breathability on warmer days.

When I travel and know terrain will be a little less rugged, I wear a pair of non-waterproof hiking shoes similar to these Solomon Patrol’s. They are a great shoe for adding some needed tractions and protection to your foot, while staying lightweight and breathable. I’ve taken these on many day hikes throughout Rocky Mountain National Park and Yosemite National Park, so they can

definitely take you where you want to go.

When you’re looking to get your next pair of boots or shoes, I recommend visiting a knowledgeable retailer like your local outdoor store or REI. They have professionals who will guide you through picking the right footwear for your adventures.

Fun Fact: did you know you should size up a half or whole size for boots? This allows for more room for your toes when descending and avoids bruised or broken toenails! It’s another great reason to get properly sized from a professional.

3. Bug Spray

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t love wearing bug spray, but I’m frequently reminded why I should be wearing it on every outdoor occasion. Just last month (in FEBRUARY!) I found a tick crawling up my arm after I got home from my hike.

Fortunately, I was able to detect it and kill it before it dug in, but I would have had even more protection (and a whole lot less anxiety following the experience) if I had worn bug spray. Keep a bottle in your car and spray yourself down whenever you head into the woods. You won’t regret it.

4. First Aid Kit

For day hikes in PA, you don’t need a massive first aid kit to take with you but having a few key essentials can go a long way if and when accidents happen.

REI has a number of great first aid kit options that tell you what activities they’re helpful for. When day hiking, I picked up this HART Outdoor Day Hike that is perfect for what you may need, in a package that weighs less than 5 oz. and easily fits in the front pocket of your day pack.

If you’re feeling frugal, you can also make a day hike first aid kit from your home essentials. Grab some Advil, bandages in various sizes, antiseptic wipes/cream, and a little bit of duct tape in a watertight bag. This should get you through the most basic of day hike injuries until you’re back to civilization.

5. Full Water Bottle

Don’t get caught without water! It is essential to any outdoor activity. I always start my hikes with a full bottle. If you’re like me and like to sip a little on the way to the trailhead, the bring a second bottle to leave in the car. There’s nothing more miserable than finishing your hike dehydrated.

Don’t plan on there being water at the trailhead. Many, if not most, trails don’t have running water or a frost free available and you CANNOT drink from streams or lakes no matter how clean they seem unless you have a purifying method with you.

6. Snacks

Snacks from your day hike can range depending on your mileage and time of day. A trail sandwich and apple for lunch always tastes amazing and gives you the calories you need to power on. For shorter hikes I usually pack a granola bar or two, even if we don’t need them. If you’re curious how much you should eat, there are helpful calculators to show you how much you should eat along your trip.

7. Phone with Fully Battery

I often use AllTrails on my phone to help navigate during my day hikes around Eastern and Central PA. This can use a lot of phone battery, especially if you’re in a location with low or no cell reception. I always make sure my phone is fully charged before taking off.

I am also grateful to have a new iPhone 14 Pro that has satellite SOS messaging in case of emergency, so even without cell reception you have the possibility to get help. It’s a great peace of mind when exploring and even more reason to have a full battery.

8. Trail Map

Whenever we’re headed out on a hike, I search the internet for a trail map of the park we’re exploring and save it on my phone. As much as I love to use AllTrails for hike planning, I’ve been led astray by following someone else’s trail map to a closed or unmaintained trail.

Save yourself a little trouble and check the official trail map before departing for your hike and save a version on your phone, just in case.

9. Rain Jacket

No, there isn’t rain in the forecast, but I’m still packing my raincoat. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over years of hiking it’s the times I didn’t bring a rain coat are the times it will for certain rain.

They’re light and easily to throw in the bottom of your day pack. Plus, rain jackets are great for adding a little warmth when conditions get windy or temperatures drop!

10. Itinerary shared with a friend

One important item often forgotten when packing for a day hike is to let someone, who is not going with you, know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Just remember to tell your friend/family when you’re home safe, so they don’t start to worry!

Optional: Camera

If you’re like me, you rarely leave home without a camera – and hiking is no different. What camera I take depends on how I’m feeling that day and how much I’m willing to carry, but by far my favorite day hike camera is my Nikon COOLPIX A. It’s a lightweight point and shoot camera that packs a huge sensor and 28mm (equiv.) f/2.8 lens. You can read all about why I love this old gold of a camera in my other post dedicated to its glory (nerd alert!).

Day hikes are our favorite way to explore more of the beauty around you while improving your health in several ways. With a little effort and the right preparation, you can easily enjoy more of the nature around your home and beyond. This checklist is only a starting point though. What other items do you take on day hikes? Let us know over on our Instagram account!