Jillian is an affiliate of Target. This means she may receive a commission on items purchased through links in this post. Keep reading for some important things you might want in your hiking bag!
10 Things For Your Hiking Bag
Healthy Living October continues with this post that relates to one of my favorite fitness activities; hiking. Here in PA we are having the most perfect, and unusually warm October weather for hiking and other outdoor activities. It is also a good time to go looking for awesome views of the pretty fall foliage. I live close to the Appalachian Trail, several state parks, and even some lesser-known hiking areas with amazing views. We also have Gettysburg nearby, and Maryland is close enough with all the Historic elements that are lovely to capture with the Fall foliage in the background.
Check list of some useful items you do not want to forget for your hiking trip!
When going for a hike (I usually do 4-8 miles), I always take the same bag always packed with what I might need. You can click on the links to order these items now from Target! Here are my suggestions:
1. A leak-proof water bottle
This is a must! Do not forget to fill it, and let chill before you go if preferred.
2. Sunscreen
I prefer the travel size so it takes up less room in my bag.
3. Bug Repellent
I love this repellent! Great for sweaty hikes!
4. Mini First Aid Kit
Just in case! Usually I find this in the travel size section in the beauty aisles. This one is also for purchase online.
5. Nutritious, lightweight snack
I usually throw in a granola bar or something with a decent amount of protein that is easy to eat on-the-go. These KIND energy bars have 10 grams of protein, a lower amount of sugar, and are gluten free!
6. Rain Poncho
Just in case! Can double as something to lay or sit on in an emergency as well. In store you might find these in the camping or travel size sections.
7. Your ID
I try not to bring any valuables or money along on my hikes for safety reason, but I do think having your ID along may be handy in case anything happens to you. Hopefully nothing ever will, but it will be easier for a rescue team to identify you if needed. I would suggest slipping your drivers license into a waterproof pouch like this one that can also protect your phone.
8. Hand wipes and/or Tissues
Again, travel packs are my preferred size to take up less room in my bag. These are great for cleaning up after your snack, or wiping off sap or other stickiness you may come into contact with.
9. Doggie waste dispenser and bags
This one is for the dog lovers! Most of the time I take along my dog. If you are hiking somewhere that requires you to cleanup after your faithful pooch, this bag dispenser is easy to hook onto a leash or your bag.
10. A rugged/waterproof Camera
I never forget my camera! You never know what cool wildlife or breathtaking views you may come across! We purchased a Pentax Optio WG-II waterproof, shockproof camera 3 years ago from Target, and it has been to so many places! It even works well in swimming pools and oceans!
It is no longer sold, but here is a similar camera currently available:
Panasonic Lumix TS25 16MP Waterproof Digital Camera
Thank you for reading!
– Jillian
I live near Gettysburg so I might have to find a good hiking area. I love the tips! Using travel sized items is such a smart idea! Thanks for the info!
Your Welcome! I live near there too! Maybe we will cross paths, er, I mean hiking-trails sometime!
This tips are truly important, i have never gone hiking before though. This are all awesome products, I will bookmark this page for reference when I finally want to go hiking.
The water bottle is essential when going on hikes. Never leave home without one. Also, the bug repellent. I am currently in Italy and the mosquitoes here are really awful.
SPF 70?! I need that ASAP I get burned to a crisp in summer which is coming up for me. You have some awesome essentials in your hiking bag, which coming from a non-hiker might not mean too much! Awesome post xo
Sounds so exciting, and when the weather is warm, it is perfect to go for hiking. Great tips, you have covered most of the essentials and tips in this post. Nice shot too.
Totally great list for things needed. I also have an energy bar packed, just in case. Dry socks as well in case my feet happen to get wet!
I’m not much of a hiker. But I can imagine bringing some of the same things if I ever did went on a hike. Especially water and bug repellent.
We love hiking, too. We are blessed here in OH with many, many hiking trails as well. This is a great list of items to have with you on a hike. I can’t even tell you how many times we could have actually used a first aid kit!
I love the off bug repellent brand. I find it to be the most effective. I love this list you have here. I am going hiking Saturday and i will be sure to pack these things in my hiking bag.
This is a great list for people like me who are new to hiking and still building up my stamina for a hike soon.
I have taken a liking to hiking this year and your tips are very helpful. Gotta have that mini first aid kit!
This is a great list. I tend to forget everything, except my water bottle when we go hiking. I never think about a poncho, a first aid kit, and sometimes even snacks I tend to forget. So glad I bumped into this post this week!
This is such a great list to pack when we go in hiking. I’ve been hiking once I also have bottled water but forgot to refill. It’s so crazy. Lol!! That’s why it is important to make a checklist for those who do not have to forget and put all those stuff in the hiking bag.
I usually keep the same designated bag for long dog walks/hiking in the same spot in my house so it is always ready to go – besides refilling the water bottle!
We’ve got a crazy arsenal of camping supplies now that our middle son is a Boy Scout. They go camping one weekend a month, and Hubby usually goes with them. Our basement is like a camp supply arena these days. I love the hand wipes. And yes, if we ever bring Dog, we always need “the bags.” 😉
I love hiking! It’s my favorite thing to do when I go on camping trips. Sunscreen and a water bottle is a must. Rain poncho and Waterproof phone case are seriously very useful.