Walking day trip checklist

So, what do we mean by day trip? Well, a day trip basically means that you don’t have to take all your gear with you, but rather just enough to get through the day until you make it back to where you started. The most important thing is to take enough gear with you for the day (without an overnight stay). Here it is, our walking checklist:

Clothing

Functional shirt
Functional socks
Walking boots
Walking trousers / Zip-off trousers
Fleece jacket or jumper
Waterproof jacket/trousers
Softshell jacket

This is what you need

Rucksack 20-30l
First-aid kit including a space blanket and moleskins for blister treatment and prevention
if necessary your medication
Telephone with emergency numbers
Map, compass and guidebook
head torch
Cash
Water bottle and enough water (at least 1.5l)
Pocketknife/ Multi-tools
Snacks (nuts, bars)
Small bin bag
Identification
GPS device

Optional (depending on the trip and time of year)

Hardshell trousers
Knit hat
Cap / Buff (neck warmer)
Spare functional shirt
Sun hat or headband
Sunglasses/ glacier glasses
Sun lotion UPF 30
Sun lotion for lips
Gloves / thin gloves
Adjustable walking poles
Rain cover for your backpack

If you still have room in your pack

Insulated jacket for the rest at the summit
Camera
Sports watch
Binoculars
Snow spikes and/or gaiters (depending on time of year and altitude)
Tissues
Tick removal device
Lighter
Small seat cushion

The biggest advantage of a day trip? If you forget something on your list, you only have to go a single day without it! Nonetheless, there are a few essentials that you absolutely must take along on your trip. All other items fall under the category of “personal preference” or “weird habits” :-).