so when i go out, which is rarely, its usually just a trip to the woods for 1-2hrs.but im interested in day hikes. im not really fit, its more the opposite. im pretty skinny and dont have a lot of strength and stamina, is ultralight gear the way to go for me?i dont plan on sleeping outside, so i dont need a tent.i need a good backpack, shoes and just the regular stuff. actually, i dont really know what i need for day hikes. i guess enough space for food, water and other necessities. budget is 500any recommendations or do i just look up yt and see what they say?
You can just use an old school backpack you have laying around, and fill it with some water and snacks. You might not even need proper hiking shoes depending on the landscape. Don't overthink it. Pack weight won't be bad if you're not camping, since that stuff is most of the weight.
>>2855242All you need is a water bottle. You can pick up a hiking stick off the ground. If you want to bring a raincoat and a fleece just in case, the smallest backpack you already own will do fine. You're just going walking bro.
>>2855242>actually, i dont really know what i need for day hikesDepends on your climate and terrain.Weather's fairly mild around me so I easily do an 8h hike with just a 2L hydration pack, a couple of clif bars and a tube of sunblock, regardless of the season.There are other areas where even a 2h hike necessitates carrying comprehensive cold weather gear and an emergency shelter because you never know when a blizzard will unexpectedly roll in and leave you lost or at risk of hypothermia.Where are you likely to be doing most of your hiking?
>>2855244>>2855245thanks!>>2855250middle europe, bavarian forest mostly. its between a temperate climate and a humid continental/hemiboreal climate zone
>>2855242If you are only going out for the day it doesnt matter how much your gear wieghs. You're talking a matter of ounces to a pound or 2 at most difference. Just a backpack big enough to fit food, water, rain jacket, extra layers etc...knife, lighter/matches, TP, etc...https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-daypack
Buying ultralight for a dayhike is overkill. Spend the money on some sandwiches and bulk up. What you need is>ShoesOutdoorsy shoes or boots, depends on your terrain mostly. A lanklet may prefer shoes even in heavier terrain. I prefer pure leather as a middle way between waterproof but sweaty (goretex) and airy but not waterproof at all (mesh or fabric). If you only day hike in good weather you can go with the latter. The important thing about a shoe is that it fits your foot. Go to a store, try some. You don't really need to spend much money if you can find some that fit, but spending more is most acceptable on shoes.>ClothesIf you're doing something very exerting (probably not, since you say you don't have stamina) or if you go in rainy weather, you need synthetic or wool clothing. Decent synthetic clothing for base layers (undershirts) and fleeces can be very cheap, check at decathlon for starts but there are many online shops. Wool is for the extra comfy and non-stinky factor, but you don't need that for dayhikes. If you go in good weather and nothing exerting, your day to day cotton clothes will do.>Rain protectionYou can spend a lot of money here... or you get a cheap decathlon waterproof jacket or a poncho from amazon and be done. But if there's a chance of rain, you should bring *something*.>Water 1l/10km is a good baseline. More in hot weather. Buy some bottles at the local supermarket.... or special bottles and fill them with tap water. Whatever.>FoodStarting at 10km you should bring some food.>BackpackSince you don't bring much to begin with, your backpack will not be heavy anyway either. So no need to go ultralight.
