A guide to hiking close to home — packing list for a picnic day out
If there was ever a good time for a local outing, it's now. Migratory birds are returning, and the woods are full of birdsong as nesting season gets under way again. Nature is waking up, and fresh green shoots are pushing through everywhere. This part of spring passes quickly, so make the most of it.
The beauty of a local outing is that your nearest woods are easy to get to. Keep the bar low, and if hiking is new to you, start by simply getting yourself outdoors. You can head out every day if you like, and give each trip a different theme or something new to do.
How do you find good spots close to home?
Even experienced hikers and trekkers often overlook their local woods and head straight for popular hiking areas instead. Urban woodland is often rich in wildlife, and the variety of nature you'll find there can be a real surprise.
The easiest way to find your local woods is with an online map. Satellite view on Google Maps, for example, gives you a good overview of your surroundings. For a closer look, though, use a topographic map. It makes it much easier to spot paths, rocky outcrops, steep slopes, streams, bogs and anything else in your local woods that looks worth a visit.
If you already know your local woods well and fancy finding somewhere new, we recommend Retkipaikka's map service. It has enough new destinations to keep you exploring for years.
What can you do on an outing?
You don't have to do anything other than enjoy being outdoors – but if you want something to do, there's plenty to choose from.
For many people, the food break is the highlight of the day. You can prepare your food at home and enjoy it outdoors, or cook it on the spot. The simplest option is a ready-made trail meal: just add water, wait a few minutes and eat it straight from the pouch.
You can also cook from scratch outdoors – stews and soups are the easiest. Sandwiches are simple to make at home before you set off, and nothing beats homemade rolls or a fresh baguette.
Other things to do:
- watching nature
- birdwatching
- picking berries and mushrooms
- foraging for wild herbs
- photography
- practising navigation
- testing new outdoor gear
- geocaching
What clothing and gear do you need?
You can get started with the clothes and kit most people already have at home. You don't necessarily need anything special. Once you've been at it a while, you can start thinking about new activities – and better clothing will give you more functionality and comfort.
Packing list for a day out with a picnic:
- A rucksack that fits your back
- Fixed-blade knife, folding knife or multi-tool
- Water bottle
- Kuksa (wooden camp cup)
- First aid kit
- Camping stove
- Coffee pot and/or pans
- Eating utensils: plate, spoon
- Lighter/matches/fire steel for the stove
- Food, coffee or tea
- Compass
- Map
- Warm layers for breaks, e.g. a lightweight insulated jacket, shell jacket, gloves and a beanie
- Binoculars
- Camera
- A good dose of enthusiasm
What to wear
What you wear is a personal choice. It depends on the weather, the terrain, how fast you're moving, your own habits and how well you cope with the cold. Dress smartly and you can adjust your layers as you go. With spare clothing in your rucksack, you'll be ready for changing conditions. Read more about the three-layer system.
All that's left is to enjoy your day out! Watch our video for quick day-trip tips too. Click here to watch the video.