Day Hike Add-ons (a.k.a. The “Stuff You’ll Wish You Had”)

mummadingoadventur
Sep 29
3 min read

The Not-So-Basic Basics: Hiking Essentials (With a Mumma Dingo Twist)

Sure, everyone bangs on about the 10 Essentials — map, compass, fire, shelter, yada yada. Don’t get me wrong, they’re non-negotiable if you want to survive a night in the bush. But let’s be real: surviving is one thing. Actually enjoying yourself out there is a whole different ball game.

If you want your hike to feel less like a bush-bash punishment and more like an adventure you’d actually do again (and brag about later), these little extras will change the game:

Small Backpack (15–30L)

The Goldilocks pack: not too big, not too small. Just right for your gear without making you feel like you’re hauling half of Bunnings up a mountain. Big enough to stash snacks, water, layers, and a few sneaky luxuries… but not so massive that you look like you’re moving house.

Trekking Poles

Let’s clear this up once and for all: trekking poles are not just for retirees power-walking in the park. These bad boys are knee-savers, balance-keepers, and trail-hackers. Plus, they instantly make you look like you know what you’re doing, even if you’re just winging it. Bonus: they double as snake probes, selfie sticks, or emergency tent poles. Multi-taskers for the win.

Bug Spray

Because mozzies, march flies, and midges don’t care how tough you are. I don’t care if you’ve got quads of steel and the endurance of an ultramarathon runner — one swarm of mozzies and you’ll be begging for mercy. Spray up or prepare to become a walking all-you-can-eat buffet.

Whistle

Tiny. Lightweight. Potentially life-saving. If you ever get in trouble, screaming “HELP!” is only going to shred your vocal cords (and make you sound like a kookaburra having a meltdown). A whistle, on the other hand? Loud, sharp, carries for ages. Plus, three short blasts is the universal SOS signal. Handy knowledge to tuck away.

Phone (in Airplane Mode)

Yes, yes, we hike to “disconnect.” But let’s be honest: if it didn’t happen on Instagram, did it even happen? Keep your phone in airplane mode — it’ll save battery, hold your GPS maps, store emergency contacts, and let you snap those sweaty summit selfies. Priorities, people.

Power Bank

Phones die faster than your enthusiasm on a steep incline. Especially if you’re taking videos, tracking your hike, or doom-scrolling TikTok on snack breaks. A little power bank weighs almost nothing but will save your bacon when your phone dips to 1% halfway through the hike.

Personal ID & Health Info

Not glamorous. Not Instagram-worthy. But if things go pear-shaped, rescuers need to know who you are, who to call, and if you’ve got any medical stuff they should know about. A little card in your pocket or pack = smart hiker. Forgetting it = risky business.

Toilet Paper & Trowel (or Wag Bag)

Nature calls, even on mountains. Dig a hole, do your thing, and cover it up. Or pack it out if you’re in a fragile area. Nobody — and I mean nobody — wants to stumble across your little “souvenir” under a log. If you take nothing else from me, take this: respect the bush.

Pro Tips (Straight from Mumma Dingo’s Muddy Boots)

Check the Weather.Blue skies can turn into “holy heck, why is the sky attacking me?” in minutes. Always assume Mother Nature’s got a trick up her sleeve.
Tell Someone Your Plans.Leave a breadcrumb trail (metaphorically). Text a mate: “If I’m not back by 7, I’m probably in a ditch.” Dramatic? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Pack in Dry Bags or Ziplocks.Because nothing ruins a trip faster than soggy snacks, drenched gear, or a phone that’s gone swimming. Plus, spiders don’t crawl into sealed bags. (You’re welcome for that nightmare fuel.)

Here’s the bottom line: unprepared hikers don’t just have a bad day… they become cautionary tales other hikers laugh about around the campfire. Don’t be that person. Be the one who pulls out a whistle, a snack, and bug spray like the prepared trail legend you are.

If in doubt, add snacks — Mumma Dingo

Click here for a printable checklist courtesy of Mumma Dingo: