Planning a hike is the best way to ensure that you have everything you need to make it through the day.
You don’t want to be stuck on a mountain with nowhere to get supplies or worse, get injured and need medical assistance.
Preparation is key when hiking, especially if it’s your first time or if you’re going on an extended trip into uncharted territory.
If you’re planning a 7 mile hike then here is what I recommend packing in your backpack:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Proper planning and preparation are essential for a 7-mile hike. |
| It’s important to pack lightweight and versatile clothing suitable for the weather conditions. |
| Don’t forget to bring appropriate footwear for the terrain, such as hiking boots or trail shoes. |
| Carry enough water and stay hydrated throughout the hike. |
| Pack nutritious snacks and meals to keep your energy levels up. |
| Essential gear includes a backpack, map or GPS, first aid kit, and navigation tools. |
| Sun protection items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are crucial. |
| Additional items to consider are a headlamp or flashlight, extra layers, and a rain jacket. |
| Don’t overlook personal items such as insect repellent and a camera for capturing memorable moments. |
| Leave no trace and respect the environment by practicing proper waste disposal. |
Hiking Shoes
What kind of shoes are best for hiking?
Hiking shoes should have a good grip, be breathable, waterproof, lightweight and comfortable. They must also have a good sole that offers stability and durability.
If you’re going on a long hike, it’s important to bring the right footwear with you. Your feet will be exposed to all kinds of conditions from hot weather to cold weather so it’s important that your walking shoes can handle anything!
Are you wondering how long it takes to hike 5 km? Hiking distances can vary, but if you want to get an idea of the average time, check out our detailed guide on how long it takes to hike 5 km. You’ll find useful information to plan your hiking adventure.
Water Bottle
You’ll be hiking for seven miles, so it’s a good idea to bring a water bottle. Make sure it’s not too big and that there is room in your backpack to carry it around.
You can also bring a water filter or purifier if you have one, but make sure they’re compatible with the types of water sources you’ll encounter on the trail—some filters won’t work with murky or dirty water.
If you don’t have either of those things, look into getting yourself a hydration bladder that fits inside your backpack and allows for easy access without having to take off all your stuff every time someone asks if anyone has any spare change.
Or if all else fails? Just remember: stay away from people asking for spare change!
| Brand | Features | Capacity | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydro Flask | Double-walled insulation, wide-mouth opening | 32 oz | Stainless steel |
| Nalgene | BPA-free, durable, wide-mouth opening | 24 oz | Tritan plastic |
| CamelBak | Leak-proof, built-in straw, easy to carry | 20 oz | BPA-free plastic |
| Yeti | Vacuum insulation, durable construction | 26 oz | Stainless steel |
| Contigo | Leak-proof, one-handed operation, spout cover | 16 oz | BPA-free plastic |
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an absolute must-pack for any hike, but especially when you’re hiking 7 miles. You’ll want to include bandages and gauze pads in case of injury, scissors, tweezers and a small pair of scissors in case you need to cut hair out of your mouth or eyes.
You’ll also want to include antiseptic wipes as well as a small bottle of antibiotic ointment and pain reliever (if there’s any).
Finally, don’t forget hydrogen peroxide for cleaning cuts after they’ve been treated with the other items in your kit!
The Stanford Dish is a popular hiking trail, but do you know how long it takes to complete the hike? Discover the answer and get more insights in our comprehensive guide on how long it takes to hike the Stanford Dish. Plan your hike accordingly and make the most of this scenic trail.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important to pack. Apply it often, especially if you are going to be sweating or swimming.
Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before you go outside and reapplied every two hours.
It’s also recommended that you wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeve clothes to protect yourself from the suns rays.
Sunglasses
Safety Glasses: I prefer sunglasses over safety glasses because they offer protection from the sun, but also allow me to see better at night. I love these Oakley Men’s Airbrake XLJ Sunglasses .
The frame and lenses are made from an incredibly durable material called O Matter that is lightweight and flexible, so it won’t break even if you’re hiking with them for hours on end.
They also have an integrated ventilation system so you don’t sweat as much in hot weather, an anti-fog coating, plus you can swap out the lenses for different light conditions like foggy days or nighttime hikes.
Polarized Lenses: Polarized lenses are great for hiking because they reduce glare from snow (or any reflective surface) which will prevent eye strain while walking on flat ground or in difficult terrain where there may be lots of bumps along the way!
These Smith Optics Persimmon Polarized Sunglasses are lightweight enough to wear all day long without feeling fatigued by them; plus they come with a case pouch so you can protect them while hiking – very important in case anything happens like dropping them on rocks or stepping on them!
Hat
You can keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes, sweat from dripping down into your eyes, and bugs out of your hair. And if you’re hiking in cold weather, a hat will also keep you warm.
For me personally, I prefer hats with a brim so that I can block the sun on my face and neck while still being able to see where I’m going.
Snacks for the trail
Snacks should be light and nutritious
Examples of snacks: apples, nuts, granola bars/trail mix (we recommend packing your own homemade trail mix)
How much food to pack: enough for a day or two at the most. If you are hiking longer than that, you can cook meals at campgrounds along the way or just buy food in towns along the way.
How to keep snacks fresh: freeze them before you go on your hike! Or pack a cooler with ice packs in it so they don’t get too warm (ice melts very quickly in hot weather).
How to pack snacks: make sure there’s a secure place inside your backpack where things won’t fall out easily while on long hikes. You can use a waterproof bag if necessary!
Heading to the Smoky Mountains for a hiking trip? Make sure you’re well-prepared with our essential checklist. Check out our comprehensive guide on what to bring hiking in the Smoky Mountains to ensure you have all the necessary gear and supplies for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Map and compass
I’m a huge fan of maps and compasses. They just seem so old school, which I love. I love the idea of being able to navigate without relying on technology.
But let’s get real: in this day and age, it’s much safer to bring along a map (and maybe even a compass) as a backup for your GPS system or cell phone signals.
If you can’t get reception, having a map and compass is the best way to go about finding your way back safely—or at least figuring out how far away from home base you are!
After all, what happens if your battery dies? Or if the device gets stolen? You don’t want to be stuck out in nature with no way of determining where you are or what direction leads back home!
| Brand | Features |
|---|---|
| Suunto | High-quality compass, adjustable declination, durable |
| Garmin | GPS-enabled, preloaded maps, compass functionality |
| Silva | Lightweight, clear baseplate, reliable |
| Brunton | Global needle, sighting mirror, map scales |
| Coghlan’s | Affordable, liquid-filled compass, luminous dial |
GPS Locator Device
One thing you definitely want to pack is a GPS locator device. This is especially important if you are going on a solo hike, because it can be used in case of emergency and/or when you get lost.
It’ll come in handy whether it’s sunny out or raining, so take advantage of this functionality no matter what kind of weather you find yourself hiking through.
The GPS locator device allows people who are hiked deep into nature to track their progress and get back home safely, especially if they have been separated from the rest of their group for some reason (i.e., someone falls down and needs medical attention).
The device also allows hikers to find their way back to where they started so that they don’t have to start over again at the beginning point next time around!
Determining where exactly we’re located before any sort of trip starts will help us avoid getting lost during this process.”
Flashlight or Headlamp
A headlamp is a must-have for hiking. Why? Because you can use both hands, which means more stability and less fatigue.
It also allows you to keep your hands free when you need them. For example, if there are bugs on the trail or you need to set up camp in the dark, having both hands free will make things much easier!
The first step in choosing a headlamp is deciding whether it’s worth getting one with multiple light settings.
The difference between low and high is marginal but can be helpful if your hike starts at dusk or ends long after dark (if, say, your campsite isn’t right near where all the trails meet).
Consider bringing two different kinds of lights: one for walking around camp during the day and another for walking through pitch black woods at night (and maybe even a third type just in case).
Safety is paramount when hiking, and preventing falls is a crucial aspect. If you want to know how to keep from falling while hiking, our informative guide on how to keep from falling when hiking offers valuable tips and techniques to maintain stability and enjoy a safe hiking experience.
Fire starter and matches
You will want to pack a fire starter and matches. There are many varieties of these available, such as a flint stone or a lighter. If you have experience with starting fires using another method, this could be the best option for you.
However, if you’re new to building campfires or simply don’t want to spend time figuring it out, it’s best if you just stick with what works: an easily accessible matchbook or waterproof matches that can be found in any grocery store or pharmacy (or purchased online).
| Brand | Features |
|---|---|
| Zippo | Windproof, durable construction, refillable |
| UCO | Waterproof, long-lasting, compact |
| Light My Fire | All-weather, reliable, integrated whistle |
| Exotac | Lightweight, easy to use, sparks in all conditions |
| Coleman | Affordable, multiple pack options, reliable |
Extra Clothing Layers
If it gets cold and windy, you can always throw on another layer. For example, if you’re wearing a t-shirt and shorts that day, maybe bring along a long sleeved sweatshirt or light jacket in case the weather changes.
If it rains or snows (and it often does at higher elevations), bring an extra pair of socks to change into after your boots get soaked.
Also bring extra clothing layers for when you arrive at your destination because even if the temperature remains constant all day, it will be much warmer than where you started out due to the effects of altitude.
The more clothes you have with you on your hike, the better prepared you will be for any unexpected conditions.
Trekking poles are a valuable accessory for hikers, providing stability and support on various terrains. If you’re unsure about how to properly carry trekking poles and make the most of their benefits, our guide on how to carry trekking poles offers insightful tips and techniques to enhance your hiking performance.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you a good idea of what to pack for a 7 mile hike. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to gear just make sure that whatever you bring is appropriate for the weather conditions and terrain. Happy hiking!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful for further information on hiking essentials and packing:
- REI – Day Hiking Checklist: REI provides an expert advice checklist for day hiking, covering the essential gear and supplies you should bring for a successful day hike.
- Travel Lemming – Hiking Essentials Packing List: Travel Lemming offers a comprehensive packing list for hiking essentials, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable hike.
- Camotrek – How to Pack a Hiking Backpack for a Multi-Day Hike: Camotrek’s blog provides guidance on how to effectively pack your hiking backpack for a multi-day hike, including tips on organization and weight distribution.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to hiking essentials and packing:
Q: What should I bring for a day hike?
A: For a day hike, it’s important to bring essentials such as a backpack, water bottle, navigation tools (map or GPS), extra clothing layers, snacks, a first aid kit, and sun protection.
Q: How do I choose the right hiking backpack size?
A: When selecting a hiking backpack, consider the duration of your hike and the amount of gear you’ll need to carry. Smaller capacities (around 20-30 liters) are suitable for day hikes, while multi-day hikes may require larger capacities (50 liters or more).
Q: What are some essential items for a multi-day hike?
A: For a multi-day hike, in addition to basic day hike essentials, you’ll need camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, cooking supplies, food, and hygiene products. Adequate clothing, including rain gear and warm layers, is also crucial.
Q: How do I pack my hiking backpack efficiently?
A: Efficiently packing your hiking backpack involves organizing items according to weight and accessibility, using packing cubes or dry bags for organization, and distributing weight evenly to maintain balance and comfort during the hike.
Q: How much water should I carry when hiking?
A: The amount of water to carry depends on factors such as the length and difficulty of the hike, temperature, and personal hydration needs. As a general guideline, aim for at least 2 liters of water per day and adjust accordingly based on conditions.
Hellen James is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and hiker. She loves to explore the world around her by immersing herself in nature and visiting new places.
