What to take on a day walk

On a day walk, your rucksack should be light and always contain the same things. The most reliable way to avoid forgetting anything is to have a fixed checklist and go through it the night before, not on the morning of the walk.

Always essential

• Water: 1.5–2 l for half a day, 2.5–3 l in summer or if there are no safe water sources.
• Food: something solid for mid-morning and lunch, plus a snack bar or nuts kept as a reserve that you leave untouched.
• A waterproof, windproof layer, even if the forecast is sunny.
• A warm layer: a thin fleece or lightweight down jacket.
• Sun protection: sunscreen, a cap and sunglasses.
• A head torch or torch with the battery checked.
• A small first aid kit: blister dressings, gauze, medical tape, plasters, a painkiller, your medication.
• A charged mobile phone with the map downloaded, and a power bank if the route is long.
• An identity document and, if you have one, your federation membership or insurance card.
• A bag for your rubbish.

Depending on the route

• Walking poles: a great help on long descents and when carrying a load.
• An emergency blanket and whistle: they weigh almost nothing and are useful while waiting for rescue.
• Thin gloves and a hat: at high altitudes, they are needed even in spring.
• Insect repellent in damp areas and in summer.
• A filter or water purification tablets if you will be relying on natural water sources.
• Dry spare clothes to leave in the car; you will appreciate them more than you might think.

What you can usually leave behind

Crockery, a stove, duplicate clothes ‘just in case’, three walking guidebooks and a fully stocked washbag. On a day walk, you will be carrying everything you pack uphill yourself. A good aim is to keep your loaded rucksack below 10 % of your body weight.

How to distribute the weight

1. Keep heavy items (water, food) close to your back at shoulder-blade height.
2. Put bulky, lightweight items (warm clothing, waterproofs) at the top and sides.
3. Keep anything you will need without taking off your rucksack (snack bar, cap, map) in the outer pockets.
4. Do not leave anything dangling outside: it catches on branches and in narrow passages.

Warning:Check the forecast on the day of your walk, not two days before. In the mountains, a change over twelve hours can turn an easy walk into a cold, windy day.