One of the best things about a day hike: You don't need to bring too much. A few hours and you'll likely need

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little more than a few liters of water, a jacket, a snack, and something to carry it all. Longer outings typically mean the same gear, just a bit more food—break up the day by packing along a sandwich from your favorite deli for lunch.

The best strategy: check the weather reports before going out, and pack accordingly. To help in that pursuit, the list below covers just about everything you'd need for a daylong outing. And when it comes to clothing, no cotton. If you get wet, it'll take the duration of your hike to dry.

Naked Hiking Day The first day of summer every year sees thru-hikers up and down the Appalachian Mountain Range observe this most revealing of traditions. Taking part in Naked Hiking Day is indeed liberating, but it's also hard not to laugh while swinging and swaying down the trail, realizing the next bend could bring an awkward encounter with repulsed day hikers. I'm not sure where the tradition began, but Naked Hiking Day is very real. It's also not condoned by the authorities. But taking part in this most slight of indiscretions is perhaps worth it, as you'll bond like hell with your hiking partners, hopefully from a safe angle and distance. You'll feel ridiculous as you bust your butt up long climbs and down endless descents, sitting bare-bottomed on downed trees or leaning against cold rocks. I did. And maybe that's the point. —TG

Essentials

• Day backpack
• 2 one-liter water bottles
• Map, trail directions, or guidebook

Clothing

• Trail-running shoes or hiking boots
• Wicking t-shirt (or long-sleeved if colder)
• Fleece jacket (or vest if warmer)
• Synthetic pants/shorts (or convertible pants)
• Hiking socks
• Sun/rain hat
• Rain/wind jacket and pants
• Fleece/wool hat*
• Gloves*

Accessories

• Food (snacks, trail mix, energy bars, or lunch)
• Knife/multi-tool
• Camera and film
• Watch
• Band-Aids
• Bug repellent
• Hiking poles*
• Sunglasses*
• Sunscreen*

*Indicates optional/depending on climate and geography