Hiking can be as simple or as complicated as you really want it to be. If you want to plan out a trip and pack water, snacks, camera gear, a tent, and the like, you absolutely can. If you just want to get out of the house and go check out a trail, you can do that too.
Weather you are in for a simple or a complex hike, here are a few of the things I typically carry.
Hiking
Back Pack
Generally speaking I will bring one of two bags with me. I either carry my 5.11 24 hour back, or something a little more tailored to camera gear. Something like a Peak Design Everyday bag.
Few things that always stay in the backpack are as follows:
Medicine: The standard normal, Advil, Tylenol, Alavert, EpiPen.
Food & Water: Anything from a power bar to a full meal.
Camera Body & Lens: Typically a macro, wide and telephoto.
Drone: Either a mini or full size.
Self Defense + Tools: I generally carry a firearm (location depending) and a knife.
Water Proof Liner: Never get caught in the rain.
Trash Bag: Always bring out what you bring in.
Snacks & Sips
This is going to be largely up to you. Where you intend to go hiking, how far the hike is and conditions are going to play the largest factors. For water, the golden rule is half a liter per hour assuming moderate conditions. However, if it is hotter, or there is more elevation gain, you may need more. I generally bring a gallon for a day hike which is right around 3.75 liters. In addition I will also generally leave extra water in the car with some electrolyte mix. For snacks, you can go one of two ways, something quick, clean, and easy. Like a power bar, or a little more involved like a sandwich, fruit and chips. What we have found works for us is to bring something of a pick-nick style meal, that we can take a break and eat when we get tired.
Camera + Drone
What I bring in terms of camera tech depends mostly on time of year, where we are going, and what I expect to see. If I think there is going to be a solid chance of bugs, the macro comes along. If I think it is just going to be landscapes and maybe some birds, then the wide angle and the telephoto comes. I wish I could bring all my lenses, but that would simply become too heavy.
Drone is going to be one of two options, depending if I think I am going to get good footage. I have an Air 3 and a Mini 2. If I think the weather will be poor, or I just want to explore the mini 2 comes along. Though I hate to say it, this one has become my “disposable” drone. If I expect good flying conditions and want to get nicer aerial footage, the Air 3 comes along.
Self Defense
First things first. I am not a layer and I am not going to tell you where you can and cannot carry. But if you are going hiking, you are going into the woods, you will find animals, and you will be in their territory. They will try to defend it.
Generally speaking, most animals will want nothing to do with you, but if you are out in rut season and come across a buck, pig, bear, or any other aggressive animal. You are going to want to be armed. Do your research and make sure you know what type of wild life will be in the same area you are. Plan accordingly.
