Overpacking makes your pack heavy; underpacking can make your day dangerous. After years of guiding groups through Lebanon's mountains, here's the list we trust for a one-day hike.
The non-negotiables
- Water: 2 litres per person minimum, 3 in summer
- Food: lunch plus energy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate)
- Navigation: charged phone with an offline map
- First aid: bandages, antiseptic, blister plasters, personal medication
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- A whistle — three blasts is the universal distress signal
Clothing & extras
- A light fleece or jacket, even in summer — summits are windy
- A rain shell if there's any chance of weather
- Blister prevention: good hiking socks, no brand-new boots
- Headlamp or flashlight if there's any chance of finishing after dark
- Power bank for your phone
- A small trash bag — everything you carry in, you carry out
What to skip
Heavy camera gear (unless photography is the point), extra shoes, books, and 'just in case' duplicates. Every 100 grams matters after three hours of climbing. A day pack of 15–20 litres should be plenty; if your bag is bigger, you'll fill it with things you don't need.
One last tip: pack the night before, and tell someone your route and expected return time. It's the cheapest insurance there is.
