How to Pack for a Florida Hike

What’s in your pack? Florida hikers need to plan differently than hikers from other parts of the United States.

Our hiking season is upside down from the rest of the country: October through April are our prime months.

Our need to deal with heat, sun, and insects as well as extremes of wet and dry conditions mean a little thought is in order before you toss your pack in the back of the car.

Here are the essentials you need for a comfortable hike in Florida.

For Day Hikers

• Water (and plenty of it!)
• Food
• Map, plus compass or GPS for longer trips
• Rain gear
• Hat
• First aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream, and items you need for your personal health and safety
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Optional personal items such as a camera, sketch pad, or field guide

For Backpackers

All of the elements needed for a day hike, plus:

• Water filtration or treatment method
• Adequate food for the length of the trip, stored in a bag you can hang at night
• Camp stove and fuel, firestarter (matches or lighter)
• Cook pot and fork or spoon
• Tent, hammock, or bivy
• Sleeping bag and pad
• Headlamp or other light source with spare batteries
• Duct tape for emergency repairs
• Bandana
• Biodegradable soap or alcohol-based hand cleaner
• Toiletry items
• Toilet paper or wipes, with zip-closure bag to pack out used tissue
• Lightweight cord for bear-bagging food
• Spare set of dry clothes, especially socks
• Camp shoes

We explain exactly the gear we personally use on a regular basis in this article on preparing for a Florida Trail hike.

Choosing Gear for a Florida Trail Hike

Our detailed recommendations and reviews of the best hiking and backpacking gear for your thru-hike or section hike of the Florida Trail based on our own successful use of certain tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and more.