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Day Hiking Essentials
By an Amazon.com customer
CamelBak Men's M.U.L.E 3-Liter Hydration PackCamelBak Men's M.U.L.E 3-Liter Hydration Pack
Buy new: $69.95 - $103.99
Plenty of room for a day hike and the design plays a huge part in its overall comfort. It's a pleasure to carry this pack. I have a similar one. This one is a bit bigger than mine but the basic design is the same. Well worth the money you'll invest.
Master Jack Military Assault Survival KnifeMaster Jack Military Assault Survival Knife
Buy new: $13.99
I don't have this exact one but a sharp knife at your side is a must.
HEAVY DUTY Lensatic MILITARY Marching COMPASS + light weightHEAVY DUTY Lensatic MILITARY Marching COMPASS + light weight
Buy new: $7.99
Durable and precise. Two things you want in a compass. The compass that comes on the walking stick I have listed here isn't good at all.
Hammers HP9 Anti-shock Hiking Pole with Compass & ThermometerHammers HP9 Anti-shock Hiking Pole with Compass & Thermometer
Buy new: $25.98
Very light and durable. It's collapsible too for when you are climbing and need to put it away. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference the anti-shock feature makes. Do not use the compass that comes with it.
Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire StarterGenuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter
Buy new: $9.00
Easy to use, durable, and waterproof. Collect a zip-lock bag full of dryer lint and you'll be set.
Ultimate Survival Technologies JetScream Whistle (Black)Ultimate Survival Technologies JetScream Whistle (Black)
Buy new: $9.95
You don't want to have to use this, but if you get separated from your group, you'll be glad you have it.
Adventure Medical Kits UltraLight & Watertight .9 International KitAdventure Medical Kits UltraLight & Watertight .9 International Kit
Buy new: $7.99 - $38.50
From a little cut to a deep wound, you'll want to be prepared.
Emergency Mylar Blanket - 52" x 84" - Pack of 12 Blankets - EB-12Emergency Mylar Blanket - 52" x 84" - Pack of 12 Blankets - EB-12
Buy new: $12.09
Great for emergency warmth and the shiny mylar makes it a good signaling tool. Less expensive ones come in packs of four.
SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at SeaSAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea by John Lofty Wiseman
Buy used from: $12.29
If you carry nothing else, this will get you out alive.
Bushnell Tripod Window MountBushnell Tripod Window Mount
Buy new: $15.54
Capture all the exciting moments. Sometimes you just can't find a rock to sit your camera on. I wish it was easier to unfold, but it's extremely durable. I don't use it as much as I thought I would, but I'm glad I have it when I need it.
Flagging Tape 1-3/16" wide, Solid Colors, 14 to choose fromFlagging Tape 1-3/16" wide, Solid Colors, 14 to choose from
Buy new: $2.56
When you get off the trail, mark it with this. All the trees will look the same.
Bushnell Powerview 12x25 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black)Bushnell Powerview 12x25 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black)
Buy new: $18.27
Another item that you don't use a lot in certain areas but a great tool nonetheless.
Henkel 00-03201-01 Duck 1.88-Inch-by-20-Yard Colored Duck Tape, CamouflageHenkel 00-03201-01 Duck 1.88-Inch-by-20-Yard Colored Duck Tape, Camouflage
Buy new: $6.56
It's good for anything. However, in camping stores you can often find flat rolls of the stuff. It's more compact that way if you're concerned about space.
Lexan 3pcs Camping Utensil Set, knife, fork and spoonLexan 3pcs Camping Utensil Set, knife, fork and spoon
Buy new: $1.49
The wooden spoon in your tuna lunch pack just won't cut it.
Coleman WideBeam 2AA HeadlampColeman WideBeam 2AA Headlamp
This lamp can tilt and has various beam & light choices. It's not terribly bright though for larger caves with high ceilings. I'd take a good white beam flashlight in those instances.
Rick Steves Hide-Away PonchoRick Steves Hide-Away Poncho
Buy new: $26.50 - $29.95
A necessity that you'll be glad you have. It's out of your way when you don't need it, yet is better than the old one in your glove box. The pouch these usually come in doubles as a trash bag that you can hang off your pack with a carabiner clip. This keeps gross stuff from leaking in your pack.
Camelbak Cleaning Kit (Includes 2 Cleaning Tablets)Camelbak Cleaning Kit (Includes 2 Cleaning Tablets)
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $11.99
Your CamelBak bladder is very important and you'll want to take care of it. Don't skip this item. Soap and water will work but the yellow pieces that prop it open to dry are invaluable unless you can rig something up yourself. Doing that is not as easy as you might think.
Professional Grade Snake Bite/Insect Sting KitProfessional Grade Snake Bite/Insect Sting Kit
Buy new: $29.95
This has tips and the tools to help you survive a snake bite.
Under Armour Heatgear Compression Short Mens MediumUnder Armour Heatgear Compression Short Mens Medium
Buy new: $24.90
I bought these for exercising and put them to the real test when I went on a ten mile day hike. I was in waste deep water for nearly an hour and didn't wait to dry before starting my departure. I walked for two and a half hours solid and had absolutely no chaffing. What more do I need to say? I am a believer in Under Armour. Add the waterproof Newport sandals and you are an ATV on the trails.
Keen Newport H2 Sandal MensKeen Newport H2 Sandal Mens
Buy new: $59.90 - $97.00
I don't have this exact pair. I got mine from Bass Shoes (not Bass Pro) for $39. I like this one because of its toe portion. If it's warm enough, you can walk through water without being bothered at all. I don't like the open heel feature of this one that allows rocks to hop in.
Champion  Men's Double Dry Training Muscle T ShirtChampion Men's Double Dry Training Muscle T Shirt
Buy new: $11.95 - $22.00
I thought, "A shirt is a shirt." Well, on a recent hike of mine I didn't miss cold sweat being pressed against my back every time I put my pack on. The shirt is light and just plain comfortable. You'll be glad you have it.
Grizzly Grip Utility CarabinersGrizzly Grip Utility Carabiners
Buy new: $9.95
Your pack has spots to hook stuff on. These are a great way to make good use of that feature. You can hang your wet clothing items or garbage (see poncho review).
Sigg Traveler Classic Water Bottle (1.0-Liters)Sigg Traveler Classic Water Bottle (1.0-Liters)
Buy new: $19.90 - $24.99
This is good to carry in your pack on those super hot days when you need some extra water beyond your camel supply. Sigg provides a light and strong bottle. I have one for daily use.