With some frequency, I get asked the same question when people find out I’m a hiker. Maybe it’s because I feel approachable. Maybe it’s because I look like them.
“Hey Kaci... I would love to start hiking too. What should I carry with me?”
While you’ll find endless lists online about what you should carry on a day hike (and those are great), I’d like to share some of what I carry with me as a 48-year-old midsize, slow hiker. Not a “perfect” list, but some of what I actually carry for both safety and comfort on a hike in New England.
Funny thing is... when people ask what I carry, I’m guessing they are expecting a bulleted gear list. What I’ve learned over the years, is what I pack says more about HOW I hike, than what I hike with.
My Non-Negotiables
When I began hiking again in my 40s (and started going alone), it felt like I needed more gear every time I turned around. Every list I found on the internet sounded like I was preparing for the apocalypse. Over time, I’ve learned that most of what I pack ends up on repeat, so it’s ok for it to be a little boring. Every item has its place!
Water – I typically carry a liter on a day hike with a backup filter just in case.
Snacks – I don’t want to be hangry and no one else wants me to be either😉
Phone and charging block – I use it for GPS and texting my check ins to those at home.
Small first aid kit – just enough to patch up myself or others on the trail. I was able to share a band aid once with a small girl who skinned her knee on trail. Did she need it? Maybe not, but it sure made her feel better – the nurse in me is always prepared for an injury!
Headlamp – even on a day hike... I had to use mine once when I was having so much fun on trail, that I went way farther than I thought and got caught after dark.
GPS device – If I’m solo, I need to be able to call for help if needed. It’s one of my more expensive pieces of gear, but it gives both me and my family peace of mind when I’m out alone.
Layers – rain jacket in summer and a winter layer when it’s cold. 28-year-old me had no clue how to layer and was always too cold. 48-year-old me has enough experience to dial the layers in, so I don’t have to think.
I’ve learned over the years the New England weather changes fast, so I don’t mind carrying the few extra ounces for the peace of mind. I once had to buy a jacket at a mountain hut above tree line when the weather changed, and I was worried about making it back down!
The Things I Carry Because I’m 48, Not 28
I used to be able to take a tumble and shake it off, but these days, injury is just around the corner if I’m not careful. I have enough miles on these old bones, that I know where to put my energy. Here are a few things that keep me safe – because I’d rather finish the hike than prove anything to anyone.
Ankle Brace – I’ve got some old injuries that make problems for me every once in a while, and I don’t want to be stuck on a trail.
Trekking poles – These days my knees love a little extra support and water crossings are WAY easier with poles. I’m not a fan of wet feet.
Ibuprofen – always a good idea when the aches and pains kick in.
Reading Glasses – I always bring my glasses with me – My old eyes can’t read a thing without them!
Hiking in midlife isn’t worse than when you’re younger; it’s just different. My body needs a little more support to make it through, but it gets there! The more I accept where I’m at hiking gets more fun, since I’m not fighting my body.
My Favorite Comfort Items that Make Hiking More Enjoyable
Small sit pad – My tush always appreciates a warm dry spot to park when I have my snacks.
Lip balm – With all that heavy breathing, my lips get dry, so I carry one with me on every hike.
Buff or lightweight neck gaiter – It weighs almost nothing but somehow solves a dozen little problems on the trail.
No one is giving out trophies because you did a hard hike. It’s all about what you enjoy and finding the balance between bringing too much and making the hike comfortable enough to enjoy it. I don’t know about you, but I don’t always want Type 2 Fun. Sometimes I just want a slow walk in the woods with a snack at the end.
Here’s What I’m Not Carrying
Too many “just in case” things – I used to be weighed down with stuff like two water bottles and I have to say, I never used that second one once.
A whole extra outfit – When I learned to layer, it saved me so much weight on my back! When you layer properly you can add and subtract for weather all day long as needed, and New England weather is notorious.
Both my own experience over the years and learning from other experienced hikers has helped me to simplify my pack over time. I usually weigh in somewhere between 5-7 lbs (more in winter) for a day pack and that’s not too hard to carry.
My Typical Day Hike Snacks
Hiking snacks don’t have to be complicated. They just need to be portable and easy to eat. I always try to pair a protein with a carb for steady energy and it usually works out well for me.
Protein Bar – My favorite these days is Kate’s Real Food as I can recognize what’s in it and they taste amazing!
Jerky – I’ll throw in Chomps or Paleo Valley for protein and pair it with a carb like crackers or a fun candy as a treat
LMNT packet – I have more energy with electrolytes on longer hikes, and LMNT is the one I actually enjoy drinking.
Whatever random snack I find in the pantry no one else will eat and I don’t want to waste... enough said.
The truth is my pack isn’t very impressive.
Honestly, if you dumped my pack out onto the floor, you’d find more than what I talked about here. There are always a few extra randoms rattling around. But these things are the things I think about every hike – the ones that make the biggest difference.
The more years I hike, the less I care about the perfect setup (although I LOVE a good piece of fun gear!).
I care more about getting outside consistently.
My pack is just a collection of things that help me spend another day outside.
And that’s what matters to me most.
Maybe that’s one gift of getting older. I spend little time worrying about how fast I am, how far I hike or having the perfect ultralight setup. I just want to be comfortable enough, prepared enough and healthy enough to keep doing something that brings me joy.
Not the gear.
Not the mileage.
Not the summit photos (although I do love a good summit!)
Just having what I need so I can keep showing up.
One trail at a time.
*A few readers have asked for links to some of the snacks and gear I use. I've added them throughout the article where relevant.
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