How To Pack A Day Pack Based On Geography

Being fortunate enough to hike in a wide variety of climates around the country has taught us an important lesson: it matters what you put in your pack. If we’re heading out for a few hours and want our packs to be as light as possible, we make decisions based on the type of geography and climate we’re hiking in. Here’s what we’ve learned about how to pack a daypack for three different environments we hiked in this year.

How To Pack A Daypack For The Desert

When we were in the Mojave Desert wicking clothing and the ability to adjust to temperature changes was a must. Zip-off pants were handy, and a thin head sock was great for windy dusty conditions. Obviously, water is crucial in dry desert conditions, so a water filter and lightweight flexible canteens helped us out a lot.

1. Victorinox Almont Series Backpack
2. Water filter
3. Lightweight canteens
4. Zip-off hiking pants
5. External battery
6. Breathable trail shoes
7. Synthetic wicking t-shirt
8. Thin lightweight head sock
9. Paracord
10. Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit XC
11. Stormproof matches
12. Shades
13. Sunscreen
14. Jerky
15. Ultralight medical kit
16. Trail bars

How To Pack A Daypack For Cold Windy Conditions

On the east coast in Acadia National Park, the hiking conditions were a bit unpredictable. It could be sunny, but a cold wind would come in from the ocean and try to put a chill in our bones. It didn’t take long for us to grab gloves and a neck warmer, in addition to full base layers before heading out for a hike. You can always take it off, but if you don’t have it you’re gonna have a bad time.

1. Victorinox Swiss Army Vx Touring Backpack
2. Water filter
3. Lightweight canteens
4. Windbreaker
5. Merino wool base layer – upper
6. Merino wool base layer – bottom
7. Merino wool neck warmer
8. Hat
9. External battery
10. Waterproof hiking boots
11. Gloves
12. Extra wool socks
13. Paracord
14. Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit XC
15. Stormproof matches
16. Shades
17. Sunscreen/bugdope combo
18. Jerky
19. Ultralight medical kit
20. Trail bars

How To Pack A Daypack For Wet Weather

We didn’t know what wet was until we spent a week on the Oregon Coast. It was a battle that never seemed to end. Still, we faired alright by always having the right gear with us. A rain jacket and rain pants (Clint fell in love with waxed pants) were crucial, but a few other items made it easier. A small microfiber towel is nice for drying camera gear, and an emergency poncho weighs almost nothing and can be used in a variety of ways. We had both a waterproof case for smaller items and a touch-sensitive waterproof bag for phones. No need for an expensive case, as these worked out well.

1. Victorinox Altmont Series Backpack
2. Water filter
3. Lightweight cantenes
4. Waterproof jacket
5. Small microfiber towel
6. Extra wool socks
7. Rain pants or waxed pants
8. Emergency poncho
9. Merino wool hat
10. Merino wool base layer – upper
11. External battery
12. Waterproof hiking boots
13. Waterproof case for small items
14. Waterproof bag for phone
15. Paracord
16. Sunscreen/bug dope combo
17. Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit XC
18. Stormproof matches
19. Shades
20. Jerky (always)
21. Ultralight medical kit
22. Trail bars