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If you're planning a day hike what you take will depend on the where you're planning to go and the time of year, but there are a couple of rules that apply whatever the terrain or weather.

1. Travel as light as you can but don't neglect equipment that will ensure you remain safe in the event of the unexpected.

2. Plan your route carefully beforehand and make sure someone at home knows where and when to expect you and what to do if you're later than anticipated.

When or wherever you're going, you will need:

1. Clothing suitable for the terrain.
a) Forget the high heels or fancy sneakers - stout flat footwear with some support in the ankles is best for the great out doors.
b) Comfortable (and unfortunately that rarely means stylish) socks. You'll need these to protect against the dreaded blisters.
b) Clothing that is warm enough and will keep you shielded from the elements. Several layers are better than one for keeping warm, and you can alway strip off if you get too warm - and if you're way off the beaten track, who's to know, right?
c) Don't forget a hat to either guard against the sun or keep you warm - a lot of heat can be lost through the head, especially if your hair is short or thinning.
d) Spare pair of socks and other clothing in case of the unexpected.

2. A means of finding your way. A map and compass is nearly always essential and I don't mean the map you picked up in the gas station you passed on your way to your starting point.

3. Food, and importantly, liquid, to sustain you for the planned duration and some more besides in case you are delayed. High energy stuff such as chocolate, raisins etc it useful because it packs a lot of punch to the pound. Take more than you will need for a day and remember that you will be losing a lot of liquid, particularly if it's warm, so bring plenty. For emergencies take some tablets to sterilize water you may find on route.

4. A rudimentary first aid kit that can cope with cuts and grazes, insect bites and stings. And if you've forgotten those socks you'll want more plasters to treat the blisters you'll get - you can't say you weren't warned.

5. Something to put it all in - and make sure that this evenly distributes the weight, so a small ruck sack is ideal whilst two carrier bags are not.

6. If you are traveling in an area that gets cell phone coverage a phone could be a useful addition in case of emergencies, but don't rely on this.

In temperate climates rain is always possible. In England it's doubly so, so make sure you have:

7. Waterproof clothing and some means (such as a sealable polythene bag) to protect your map from water. You will also want to keep any spare clothing dry, so wrap these carefully.

And yet hopefully you will see a lot of fine weather, so don't forget:

8. Sun screen and sunglasses.

9. Insect repellent. Chemical stuff, not a fly swatter - sure it stinks, but that is the general idea - you're not trying to attract a mate here.

10. A good pocket knife - you won't be needing many of those fancy attachments that the Swiss Army like - just make sure it has a good sharp blade

11. A flashlight and spare batteries - if you're later than expected this could be vital.

12. Matches - wrapped up to keep dry - in case you're stuck and need a fire.

I would also recommend:

A buddy to give you someone to enjoy the scenery with - and to moan at about your lack of socks, blisters, water or whatever.

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