A good day hike is won or lost at the grocery store the night before, not on the trail, when it's too late to fix a missed detail. Before you even think about packing your bag, there's a shopping list to get right. Get it right, and you'll have an easy, enjoyable day out. Get it wrong, and you'll be the one nursing sunburn, running low on water, or stuck with the wrong snacks halfway up.
Here's what to pick up, aisle by aisle.
Hydration and energy
Water comes first, but quantity alone isn't the whole story: pace it out and back it up with something that holds up under effort.
- Still water (plan on at least 1.5–2 litres per person for a half-day hike)
- Electrolyte tablets or powder, especially useful on hot days or tougher routes
- Energy or granola bars
- Nuts and dried fruit (almonds, raisins, trail mix)
- Fresh fruit that travels well (apples, bananas)
Trail lunch
Go for food that won't melt, won't get crushed, and doesn't need cutlery.
- Bread and deli meat or cheese to assemble on the spot
- Airtight containers for sandwiches or pre-made salads
- Savoury snacks (crackers, pretzels)
- A piece of fruit or a bar for the afternoon energy dip
Sun and weather protection
Sun exposure is stronger at altitude even when the air feels cool, and mountain weather turns fast.
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A hat or bandana
- A lightweight rain shell or packable waterproof jacket
- Light gloves, depending on the season
One app for your whole household
Shopping lists and loyalty cards on every device — free to start, Pro when you want to share in real time.
Essential safety basics
You don't need a professional-grade kit, but a few extras in your bag cost little in weight and can make a real difference.
- Basic first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes, gauze)
- Headlamp or small torch
- Portable phone charger (power bank)
- Emergency whistle
Layered clothing
Layering stays rule number one on the mountain: better to peel one off than to realise you brought one too few.
- Breathable technical base layer top
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Windproof or waterproof jacket
- Technical hiking socks (a genuine upgrade over everyday socks)
Don't forget (but you won't find these in a shop)
Not everything you need for the trail comes from a shopping cart. A few reminders to add before you head out the door:
- ID or driver's licence
- Fully charged phone with the route downloaded offline
- Broken-in hiking shoes
- A bag to carry your rubbish back down
