What to pack for a day hike?

A good hiking pack is not a full pack: it is a well-judged one. Too light and you shiver at the first shower; too heavy and every climb hurts. After hundreds of outings with groups of all levels, here is what I recommend for a day in the mid-mountains.

The pack itself

20 to 30 litres is plenty for a day. Choose one with a hip belt: it carries the load, not your shoulders. Adjust it at home, fully loaded, before the big day.

The essentials

• Water: 1.5 to 2 litres per person, more in hot weather. Reliable springs are rare on our routes.
• Lunch and snacks: dried fruit, cereal bars, a piece of cheese. Nibble every hour rather than having one big meal.
• A waterproof, breathable jacket, even on a sunny day.
• A warm layer: fleece or light down jacket. At the summit it is easily 10 °C colder than at the car park.
• Cap, sunglasses and sunscreen: UV radiation rises by about 10% every 1,000 metres.
• A small kit: plasters, blister patches, your personal medication.
• A charged phone and your ID.

On your feet

Ankle-high hiking boots, already worn in, with a grippy sole. City trainers slip on wet grass and on the limestone of the Bauges. Add proper hiking socks without bulky seams: the best protection against blisters.

What to leave at home

Glass bottles, the big camera you never take out, three spare outfits. Every kilo counts on the way up: a 5–7 kg pack, water included, is a good target.