Hiking is a great way to escape the routine of everyday life while you explore new or familiar places. If a longer expedition isn’t in the cards, a day hike can offer everything you need to recharge and reset. Whether you want to check out stunning views of the Indian River at Warsaw Caves, or trek through the last surviving stand of old-growth forest along the Oak Ridges Moraine, there are so many fantastic trails to explore in the Kawarthas.

While your hike might literally be just a walk in the park, it is always a good idea to be prepared. The right gear makes it much easier to enjoy a comfortable day in the great outdoors. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our top day-hike products to help you have an awesome day on the trail.

DEUTER FUTURA 28L PACK AND FUTURA 26L SL PACK

Katadyn BeFree Water Bottle

Clean drinking water is crucial for any trip into the wilderness, but staying hydrated isn’t as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. Not all water sources are unsafe, but even the most pristine-looking source can make you sick. Simply put, if your water is from an untreated source, you should treat it before you drink it.

The Katadyn BeFree Water Filters remove bacteria, cysts and sediment with its pore size of 0.1 micron. Just fill it up and you’re good to go! As an added bonus, the collapsible flask packs small to fit into tight spaces like running shorts, jackets, paddling or fishing vests.

YETI RAMBLER 26OZ BOTTLE W/ CHUG LID OR STRAW LID

Yeti Rambler Bottle

Looking for a way to keep your favourite beverage with you all day? The Yeti Rambler Bottle has you covered. It’s durable, reliable, and keeps your water cold (or coffee hot) until the last sip. To get to drinking faster, we recommend the chug lid or straw lid as well!

OPINEL KNIFE

Opinel Knife

Whether it’s for trail-side food prep or foraging for mushrooms, a knife is an exceptionally handy item to have with you in the outdoors. When selecting a pocket knife, it’s important to consider how you plan on using it. For a day hike, we have a line-up of Opinel knives with tempered carbon steel blades that are sure to become your backwoods best friend.

SEA TO SUMMIT MOSQUITO HEAD NET

Sea to Summit Mosquito Head Net

Mosquitoes, black flies and deer flies mounting an attack from all directions on a hike is not a good time. Introducing the Sea to Summit Mosquito Head Net. The soft polyester mesh is black in colour, which is way easier to see through, and the elastic drawcord means it’ll fit you, no matter how big your noggin is. You 1, ticks, ants, flies and mosquitoes 0.

BEN'S INSECT REPELLENT

Ben's Insect Repellent

Tested in some of the worst bug-infested areas in the world, this bug spray will protect you against deer ticks, mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. While many bug repellents are alcohol-based, Ben’s uses a water-based formula, which means that it evaporates more slowly, giving you more time for bug-free fun.

SUN BUM SUNSCREEN

Sun Bum Sunscreen

You’ve probably heard it your entire life, but we’ll say it again: time outdoors (even if it’s cloudy) will expose your skin to damaging UVA and UVB rays. There are many sunscreen products out there, but our favourite by far is Sun Bum. Sun Bum products protect against UVA / UVB rays, but they’re also kind to your skin, the planet and animals. Available in 15, 30, and 50 SPF, there’s a Sun Bum sunscreen for everyone!

CLIF BAR(S)

Clif Bar

Forget what gear to bring on a hike, let’s talk about snacks - because, snacks. There’s nothing better than finding that perfect spot to stop, catch your breath, take in the view, and feed your rumbling tummy. Our staff favourite snack is the well-known (and loved) Clif Bar. They are an awesome energy source and are jam-packed with organic ingredients. Pack one, or two - hey, they’re tasty!

For all your hiking and outdoor adventure needs, we’re here to help. Come visit us on Charlotte Street to get geared up to Go Out and Play!

You might also like: How to choose the perfect hiking boot