What goes in the backpack for a day hike? Do I really need a hat and gloves on a summer hike? Can I leave my hiking poles at home? Do I really need rain protection when the sun is shining? How do I pack the rucksack? What goes at the bottom and what must always be at hand? We too ask ourselves these questions again and again. Hiking guide Franz gives us valuable tips on what should not be missing from a hiking backpack for a day trip in summer and how to pack it. We have provided a clear checklist for you to download below.
What should not be missing from your backpack?
Let's get straight to the point: What should definitely be in your backpack? "An absolute must in your backpack for a day hike is hat, sunglasses, rain protection (for yourself and the backpack). A rain cover for your backpack is already integrated in a separate compartment in many rucksacks. Another thing that should not be missing from your backpack is sufficient liquid (Tip: Franz's freshness kick with superpower) and power snacks such as chocolate or glucose. Diabetics need to be particularly careful here. If there are no refreshment stops along the route, you must take a sufficient snack with you. Hiking poles should be foldable and can be stowed in your rucksack if you are walking in steep, rocky terrain. They they can be a hindrance and, in the worst case, even a dangerous tripping hazard."
Softly seated: the ideal seat
"A seat pad is very practical for a short break in between." Franz doesn’t go out without his inflatable seat cushion, which compensates for small irregularities and ensures pleasant sitting comfort. Thanks to its small pack size and low weight, it is guaranteed to fit in any backpack. "More important than soft seating, however, is that a seat pad is waterproof and has a thermo-insulating effect," Franz adds.
Safety first: Emergency kits and their contents
When the worst happens and there occurs an accident? Franz says that with a first aid kit we should be able to treat minor mishaps immediately: "Wound and blister plasters, an elastic bandage to treat an ankle sprain, a small bottle of wound disinfectant, a heat foil, painkillers and ideally a mouth guard for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should always be with you." Personal individual medicines are added here, of course. A fully charged mobile phone should also always be with you to make an emergency call. Further and detailed safety tips on the mountain are provided by the Alpine Club.
A successful tour begins with good preparation
Preparation is absolutely essential for a successful hike. Choose a suitable tour in advance and consider the length, walking time for the way there and back, and the difficulty. Also consider how high the highest point of the hike is. Be aware that a hiking tour in the high mountains is completely different from a hike in the low mountains. Check the weather forecast carefully. Some forecasts also take into account mountain weather and temperature levels at different altitudes. In the high mountains, hats and gloves can even come in handy in midsummer. Pack the hiking map in your rucksack or, even better, download the relevant map section onto a GPS-enabled mobile phone to make orientation easy.
How do I pack the rucksack?
"A backpack ideally has a bottom compartment, a main compartment and a lid compartment. That way I always have immediate access to what I need," says our experienced hiking guide. The bottom compartment should hold the seat pad and first aid kit, while the lid compartment is a good place for sunglasses and cap. Drinks should also always be within reach, preferably in a side compartment. The main compartment is a good place for the rest, such as snacks, jacket and rain gear. Mountain professionals also know that heavy items should be stowed near the back and light items at the bottom.
Rain poncho or collapsible umbrella?
"A telescopic umbrella is admittedly not a common sight in the mountains, but in light rain without wind it is definitely an alternative to a rain poncho." So we conclude that Franz also trudges across the alpine pastures with the Knirps from time to time, right? "Of course, you won't find me carrying it in the high mountains, but in the low mountains I do sometimes carry one of those small umbrellas in my backbag," he smiles.
Special case sunrise hikes
"A special case, of course, are the sunrise hikes. When we set off in the dark, a headlamp is indispensable. Alternatively, of course, we can use the mobile phone torch, but that's not ideal." For one thing, mobile phone batteries have a limited operating time, and we should always have enough battery for an emergency. For another, a headlamp gives us more freedom of movement and we can use hiking poles.
Conclusion
There is no packing list par excellence that is suitable for every hike. The contents of the backpack have to be adapted depending on the hike and personal needs. Franz puts it in a nutshell: "As much as necessary, as little as possible BUT: Better a little more than a little too little."
Packing list for a day hike in summer