
Loadout: Lightweight Day Hike
Student, LJ takes any chance he can get for an adventure, and he uses this loadout to help him go light and move fast.
I take any chance I can get for adventure, so I like to go light and move fast. This loadout in my Osprey Talon 11 helps me do just that:
- Osprey Talon 11
- Keith Titanium Water Bottle
- Osprey Ultralight 3L Stuff Sack
- Snugpak Patrol Poncho
- Carhart Beanie
- Morakniv Companion Stainless
- Petzl Tactikka Headlamp
- Bushcraft Outfitters Signal Sack
- Clif Bars
- Osprey Ultralight Tool Roll
- IFAK (SWAT-T, Gauze, Boo Boo Kit, meds, etc.)
- Gorilla Tape (3ft.)
- Aquatab Water Tablets
- 550 Paracord (25ft.)
- Fire Kit (Bic, UCO Matches, WetFire cube, Fatwood)
- Exotac Nano Beeswax Candles (x2)
This pack, along with my EDC, gives me enough gear to tackle the trail for a day hike (and survive unexpected emergencies) while keeping a low form factor. I usually just toss in an extra bottle of water and go!
My kit contents are pretty self explanatory, but I would like to add my remarks on a few items:
I don’t expect to be encountering any traumatic injuries while on a rural day hike, so you will see that my trauma kit is quite minimal. The SWAT-T tourniquet can be used as a tourniquet (with proper training, which I have), a sling, or an improvised pressure bandage when combined with the gauze. The Gorilla tape can be used for a wide variety of things, but I keep it with my trauma items so that I can improvise a chest seal with the packaging of the gauze, etc. if need be.
The Signal Sack from Bushcraft Outfitters is one of my favorite pieces of kit. I am a huge believer in multi-use items, and this exemplifies that perfectly. I use it as a large waterproof seat, as a signal panel during hunting season, a bag for collecting tinder, edibles, etc. a pillow when stuffed with a jacket, an improvised backpack when rigged up with some cord, a flag to mark my camp, and so much more! At only 4 ounces, this thing comes with me no matter what
Although not the lightest, I chose to go with the Snugpak Patrol Poncho for two reasons: 1. It is an excellent poncho – the Snugpak has dedicated sleeves with thumb holes, a great hood, a front pocket, and many other features that serve great when used as a poncho. 2. The enclosed sides of the poncho mean that you can sit down while wearing the poncho, pull your legs inside, and draw up the hood to have a “personal tent” or bothy bag while taking a break in nasty weather. Add my beeswax candles and you have what is known as the “Palmer Furnace”, a great technique originally developed for cavers to keep warm without a fire (look it up!).
To conclude, this loadout can serve as a wilderness day hike bag or as an emergency GHB, if need be. I want to give a huge thanks to Pack Config for letting me share my gear and putting out great content.
Stay sharp my friends, L.J.


Pack Config takes part in affiliates programs to help generate income to support the continuation of the blog. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking some of the links on this page Pack Config may earn a sales commission.
Editor: We each have our own unique carry journeys and gear preferences, but by sharing your pack and its contents you can help inform and equip others on their adventures too. Why not share a loadout today?