A one-day trip is easily under-prepared, because it feels like going and coming straight back. But most uncomfortable situations in a forest happen within a day: the rain comes, darkness falls earlier than expected, or someone in the group turns an ankle.
A compact list for one day: water, food, one extra layer, rain protection, a light, a personal first-aid kit, a map and a bag for rubbish. As for packing, heavy items sit against your back in the middle of the pack, and anything urgent sits in an outer or lid pocket.
The list for one day
- Water: the amount depends on the distance and the weather. If there is a water source on the route, bring a way to treat water as well.
- Food: split into several small portions to eat through the day rather than one large meal.
- Clothing: one thin mid layer and one windproof layer, even when sun is forecast.
- Light: a small head lamp and batteries. This is the item most often left behind and also the one most often needed.
- Personal first aid: dressings, gauze, tape, and any personal medication you take.
- A paper map and a power bank.
- One small bag for rubbish, including fruit peel.
Spreading the weight
The heaviest items should sit against your back, level with the space between your shoulder blades and your waist. Weight at the bottom pulls you backwards; weight at the top costs you balance on rough ground. Light soft things like clothing are packed around to keep the mass from shifting.
Once packed, lift the pack and shake it gently. If you hear things moving inside, the mass is not tight and you will spend energy holding your balance all day.
The order things come out decides how comfortable the day is
Ask yourself which item you will need while it is raining and you do not want to open the main pack. A rain jacket, a light and water belong in that group, so they should not be at the bottom. On ZUNGZA trips we keep one small rule: anything needed within thirty seconds must be reachable without setting the pack on the ground.
A few questions you often send us
How many litres suits a day walk
Most people walking for a day find twenty to thirty litres about right. More important than the volume is whether the pack has a hip belt, because the hip belt moves part of the weight from the shoulders down onto the pelvis.
Should I bring a chair or cooking gear
It depends on the purpose of the trip. If it is an afternoon sitting in one place, it is well worth it; if it is a day of walking, every added item is paid for in energy. There is no answer that is right for every trip.
How do I know I am carrying too much
A practical method is to set aside, after the trip, everything you never took out. If an item goes unused three times in a row and is not part of your safety kit, it can stay at home next time.