Thrillist: Your Guide to Day Hiking Essentials, According to Hardcore Hikers

Knowing what to bring on a hike often comes with experience... and now this handy guide!

At its most basic, hiking is a leisurely walk through the forest. But anyone who's fallen for this fallacy knows that hiking can also be a strenuous and exhausting effort. An innocuous "it's only a couple of miles" typically means "it's a two mile hike up the side of a mountain." Hiking is an ethereal experience that allows you to connect with nature by immersing yourself within it. Just read Emerson, he'll tell you. But anyone who's ever gone on a hike underprepared usually has regrets. The wrong shoes, pants, lack of water, bad socks, etc.

As an avid hiker myself (seriously, here I am atop a mountain), I love when people like to join me for walks in the woods, but I've noticed more times than not, people generally forget even the most basic things (like water… seriously). So, with the help of my friend and PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) veteran Carl O'Connell, as well as numerous hikers across the globe, I've compiled a comprehensive list of everything -- for men and women -- you’ll need for a thoroughly enjoyable day hike (emphasis on day). And even better? Most of the stuff on here can be used for camping, picnics, and basic travel. Let's start from the ground up.

See the full guide from Alex Robinson on Thrillist's website here.