My Top 10 Hiking Essentials

I'm not going to pretend like I'm an avid hiker, but I do enjoy a good trek into the outdoors whenever the opportunity presents itself. I have found that having the right things in your backpack can make or break your experience, so I compiled a list of my top 10 things to bring on a simple day hike, along with my suggestions for my favorite products:

1. A good backpack. Something lightweight, easy to get into, and durable is the best. You don't want a backpack that's going to weigh you down or one that's complicated when you're trying to get what you need. A few pockets are always a good idea to stay organized. I personally like to use the removable top pouch of my 80 liter backpack. I bought the 80 liter for a multi-country trip, but the top pouch removes and has a strap and two pockets. It's super easy to grab and go!

2. A good water bottle. Stay hydrated, out there! You should always bring a water bottle full of water backup water if there's nowhere to refill on the trail. Most national parks and state parks have plenty of places to refill, but I've been on trails in Thailand and Australia where that wasn't the case, so it's better to be prepared. I like my Nalgene bottle because it holds a lot and also is easy to attach to my bag.

3. Sunscreen and bug spray. Getting on a trail only to be swarmed by bugs or fried by the sun can ruin an entire day. I always pack a small sunscreen and bug spray just in case. Tip: put on your sunscreen and let it absorb into your skin before putting a light layer of bug spray on top!

4. Carabiners. I'm a big fan of hooks. You can attach things like the jacket you took off or a water bottle for easy access and extra storage. Plus, they're super cheap.

5. Good hiking shoes. You'll want something sturdy with a lot of support, but not anything too bulky that makes it hard to hike. The boots I chose are somewhat bulky, but after breaking them in, they're perfect for me! Whatever shoes you choose, make sure they are right for your personal preferences and that you break them in before trying to take on a hike.

6. Snacks. Depending on the length and difficulty of your hike, make sure to pack something to refuel along the way.

7. Maps. Obviously, I'm the kind of person who likes to be prepared. I like to research what I'm doing ahead of time and have maps ready, especially if I'm in another country.Take the time to look up other people's experiences or the park's official website.

8. Layers. On the note of being prepared, look up the weather before you head off for your hike. I like to always wear layers that I can easily take on or off as needed throughout the day. This was something that was especially important to me in the Grand Canyon, where the day would start out rather cold and become very hot mid-hike. A light rain jacket is always a good idea if there is a chance of rain, and a light running jacket can make a world of a difference if it gets chilly.

9. A good small camera. If you are going on a hike, you are most likely going for the views. I always have my GoPro with me for hikes, and my Nikon for casual exploring where I won't have to worry about how bulky it is. Cameras on phones are just as good these days, but I like that a GoPro can strap onto your chest or wrist where you don't have to worry about dropping it.

10. First aid kit. It may sound like just extra stuff you don't need, but a first aid kit can really come in handy. Walmart makes a great, miniature first aid kit with some things you might never think you would need. I like this one because it's lightweight, has all your basics like bandages, burn cream and antibiotics, but it also has safety pins, sunscreen lotion, and even an outdoor emergency blanket. It was the perfect thing to bring with us to the Grand Canyon, as we were camping for a week.

Some people are minimalists, while others like to pack anything that might come in handy. I like to think I fall somewhere in between so that I'm always prepared but never overdoing it. If you have any must-have items you like to bring on hikes, I would love to hear from you!