Hiking: Checklist for day hikes & how to pack your rucksack properly.

Hiking: Checklist for day hikes & how to pack your rucksack properly.

Have you found yourself going more often on hikes lately? In the past, excursions to the mountains were limited to family hikes on holidays - with the exception of mountain enthusiasts. But since the start of the Corona pandemic and the ensuing regulations about social distancing, hiking has become the only sporting activity that can be safely practised by most people. We have put together a list of the essentials that you need on a hike and how to best distribute the weight in your rucksack so that you save energy!

Of course, every individual's needs are different and depend on how much you eat, drink, whether you need medication or a stronger sunscreen... Our list should therefore not be interpreted as complete, but as a list of the bare minimum you need for a day hike:

  • A good map
  • Cell phone (and a power bank)
  • Money & ID
  • Water (approx. ½ litre per hour, depending on whether there are options for refilling on the way)
  • Snack (sandwiches with cold cuts or cheese, fruit, protein bars, nuts...)
  • First aid kit for emergencies and plasters
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Rain jacket
  • Tissues
  • Pocket knife
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • A change of clothes
  • Neckerchief or scarf
  • Gloves (for windy conditions or storms)
  • Hat or headband
  • Prescription medicines (if necessary)

At the bottom of your rucksack pack large and light articles that you probably won't need, e.g. your rain jacket on a sunny day. Heavy objects, like filled lunch boxes, should be kept close to your back. The top part of your pack should consist of lighter items that you often need, e.g. your cell phone. When buying a rucksack, make sure that it has several compartments and pockets that are accessible from the outside. They are perfect to store smaller items, such as your water bottle, lip balm or pocket knife.

No matter what you pack, you should definitely not forget to pack a reward for reaching the summit!