A Guide to Day Hike Prep

A Guide to Day Hike Preparation

Started on Jan 15, 2023
Revised on Jan 20, 2024


This guide will help you know what to expect and what to bring on a Lake Lucerne All Youth Day Hike. These trips are typically 4-5 hours long (including travel time), leaving town around 8am and returning by 12:30 or 1pm. For most hikes, plan on meeting at the Smith home to carpool from there. We will start with a prayer, have some quick training/safety reminders/thoughts/tips on being in the outdoors for just a few minutes. Then we will leave for the trailhead around 8:15am. 

Each youth should have their own backpack and carry their own stuff. This is a smaller size, school day-pack style backpack.

Footwear - hiking boots are fine, but not required. Trail running shoes (with good traction) are ideal. Road running shoes will work for most hikes. 


Packing List 

(these things should easily fit in your backpack):

Backpack
Jacket (shell layer)
Water
Snacks
Hat (for warmth - fleece is recommended)
Gloves

Obviously, the clothes you wear are not included above. That is a personal choice and also very important and beyond the scope of this article (for now). There are many more items that could be included - this is a good start. Please view this like a minimum checklist. 

Fun Pro Tip:

Arrange your packed items on your bed (or whatever) and take a photo from above. Here is an example:


The photo shows a green shell coat, black puffy coat, gloves, fleece hat, headlamp, cap, first aid kit, GPS communicator, water bottle, snacks, backpack. The idea is to gather everything, arrange it nicely, check it off on your list, then pack it in the backpack. This is a great way to make sure you bring everything you need. Do this on every trip! The photo is fun and optional. 


Advanced Packing List

There are many more things you can bring to be well prepared than what was listed above. Learn more by reading about the 10 Essential Items (or Systems). The Mountaineers (local climbing group based in Seattle) came up with this guidance many years ago. REI also provides a good packing list found here:

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

This website is a great resource. Yes, this list is much longer than what is needed for a short, 4-hour hike. But it provides a great learning resource. 


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