What to pack for a day hike

A good day pack isn't about expensive gear. It's about carrying the few things that keep you safe if a walk takes longer than planned, the weather turns or someone gets hurt. This guide sets out what to pack for a typical day walk in Australia, based on official parks safety advice, and how to adjust it for different conditions.

This guide is general information written in our own words, based on the official sources listed at the end. Track conditions, closures, fire danger and safety advice change, and rules differ between parks and states, so always check current park alerts and the managing agency's advice before you go. It is not a substitute for first aid training or local knowledge. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

The essentials

NSW National Parks' Think Before You TREK advice lists the basics to carry on a bushwalk. In our words, the core items are:

• Water: at least 2 litres per person, and more in heat or on long or steep walks.
• Food: plenty of snacks, plus a bag to carry out your rubbish.
• Clothing: waterproof and windproof layers to keep you warm.
• Sun protection: a hat and sunscreen.
• Navigation: a topographic map and compass, and the knowledge to use them, plus the NSW National Parks app with maps downloaded before you go.
• Light and fire: matches and a torch.
• First aid kit.
• Insect repellent.
• Communication: your mobile phone or a satellite phone, with the Emergency Plus app installed.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote walks, to use as a last resort.

Our free pack list builds a checklist from these items based on the walk you choose.

Water

Water is the heaviest thing in your pack and the most important. Don't rely on creeks or tanks unless an official source says the water is available and safe to drink, and even then treat it. Drink regularly rather than waiting until you're thirsty. On a hot day, you may need far more than 2 litres, so carry extra and plan a shorter walk.

Food

Pack more than you think you'll need. Easy-to-eat snacks such as dried fruit, nuts, sandwiches and muesli bars keep your energy up. Carry a little extra in case your walk takes longer than planned, and carry out everything you bring in, including food scraps.

Layers, not bulk

Australian weather can change fast, particularly in the mountains and on exposed coasts. A light waterproof, windproof jacket and a warm layer weigh little and can make the difference between a miserable afternoon and a dangerous one. NSW National Parks recommends lightweight layers you can take off as you warm up and put back on as you cool down, and bright colours so you can be seen if you are lost. See our footwear and clothing guide.

Navigation

Phone maps are useful, but parks agencies warn that mobile coverage is patchy in many national parks and cold weather can affect batteries. NSW National Parks recommends combining GPS with a topographic map and compass, and knowing how to use them. Download park maps at home before you leave, and carry a paper map for anything beyond short, well-signposted tracks.

First aid

A compact first aid kit should include elastic roller bandages, which are needed for snakebite first aid and are useful for sprains, along with adhesive dressings, blister care, any personal medicines, and something to clean wounds. A first aid course will help you use it well. Our snakebite first aid guide explains how bandages are used.

Light and emergency warmth

A torch or headlamp is essential if a walk runs late; walking out in the dark without one is a common reason for injuries and rescues. Matches or a lighter, and a lightweight emergency blanket, can help you stay warm if you have to wait for help.

Communication

Carry a charged phone, ideally with a small power bank. The Emergency Plus app can help emergency services find your location. Parks agencies note that technology can't guarantee your safety, which is why a personal locator beacon is recommended for remote walks. See our personal locator beacon guide.

Adjusting for conditions

• Hot weather: extra water, electrolytes, a wide-brimmed hat and long, loose clothing. Start early and rest in the shade.
• Cold or alpine areas: thermal layers, beanie, gloves and spare dry socks.
• Remote walks: a PLB, a paper map and compass, extra food and a lodged trip intention form.
• Walking with children: extra snacks and layers, and a plan to turn back early. See our hiking with kids guide.

Packing well

Put heavy items such as water close to your back, keep your jacket and first aid kit easy to reach, and keep your phone in a waterproof bag. A pack that fits well, with a hip belt, is much more comfortable than a school bag on a long walk.

Use our pack list

Our free pack list builds a checklist from the type of walk and the conditions you choose, such as hot weather, cold or alpine areas, remote walks without phone coverage and walking with children. It is based on NSW National Parks' bushwalking safety advice, runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere.

Where our information comes from

Factual statements in our guides are based on official and expert sources, including NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, healthdirect, the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation, St John Ambulance, the Australian Fire Danger Rating System, the NSW Rural Fire Service, the Bureau of Meteorology, Leave No Trace Australia and Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania. We link to each source at the end of the page and write everything in our own words.

Conditions change

Tracks close for fire, flood, storm damage, maintenance and pest control, and conditions can change quickly. Safety advice and park rules are also updated from time to time, and they differ between states and parks. Treat our guides as a starting point, and always check current park alerts, the weather forecast and the fire danger rating with the managing agency before you go.

Other states and territories

Our examples often draw on NSW National Parks advice, because it is detailed and clearly written, but every state and territory has its own parks agency, rules and safety information. Before walking in another state, check that agency's website for park alerts, bookings, fire and camping rules, and any trip registration options.

Learn first aid and navigation

Two skills make the biggest difference for regular walkers: first aid and navigation. A recognised first aid course teaches you how to manage injuries, snakebite and medical emergencies until help arrives. Navigation skills, including reading a topographic map and using a compass, help you stay on route when signs are missing or your phone fails. Walking clubs often run navigation training.

Walking clubs

Bushwalking clubs are a great way to build experience. Club walks are usually graded, led by experienced members and planned with safety in mind, and many clubs run training in navigation, first aid and multi-day walking. They are also a good way to discover new walks and meet people who share your interest.

A quick checklist

If you remember only a few things from our guides, make them these: choose a walk that suits the slowest person; check the weather, park alerts and fire danger; carry water, food, layers, a map, a torch and a first aid kit; tell someone your plans; carry a PLB for remote walks; and turn back when conditions change. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Key points

• Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, and more in heat.
• Pack waterproof, windproof layers, a hat and sunscreen.
• Carry a topographic map and compass, and know how to use them; don't rely on phone coverage.
• Include elastic roller bandages in your first aid kit.
• Take a torch, and a PLB for remote walks.