What to pack for a day hike (with coffee!)
There’s nothing quite like hitting the trail early, breathing in the mountain air, and knowing you’ve got a hot (or iced!) coffee in hand. Whether you're headed into the Adirondacks, strolling a local trail in Saratoga, or road-tripping to explore somewhere new, having the right gear makes all the difference — especially when it comes to fueling the adventure.
Here’s our go-to list for what to pack on your next day hike — with a caffeinated twist, of course.
Trail Fuel: Coffee Essentials
Cold Brew or Iced Coffee in a Bottle
We love prepping a strong batch of cold brew the night before and pouring it into an insulated bottle.
What we bring:
Iced chai latte from the camper (yes, we take our own drinks on the trail!)
Eco-friendly, leakproof thermos
A reusable straw (because why not feel fancy in the forest?)
Brewing on the Trail
Feeling adventurous? Bring a compact pour-over or Aeropress and make your cup right at the summit.
Our must-haves:
Compact pour-over kit
Collapsible kettle or Jetboil
Pre-ground beans in a resealable bag
Day Hike Must-Haves
Don’t forget the basics:
Small backpack or hydration pack
2L of water (minimum)
Snacks (trail mix, jerky, dried fruit)
Lightweight rain jacket
Map or GPS app downloaded offline
First aid basics
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
A mini trash bag (pack it in, pack it out!)
👉 We recommend our On-The-Go Insect Repellent which is crafted with a natural blend of essential oils, it effectively keeps bugs at bay without harsh chemicals. Its refreshing, plant-based formula is gentle on skin yet tough on mosquitoes, ticks, and other pesky insects.
The compact metal tin is perfect for tossing into your backpack, purse, or pocket. Eco-friendly, and travel-ready, this insect repellent is your go-to companion for outdoor fun.
Our Favorite Quick Trails Near Saratoga
Spring Run Trail
Easy, dog-friendly, and close to town. The Spring Run Trail is an off-road, handicapped accessible pedestrian and bicycle loop trail path along the Victorian-era railroad bed along the fault line of historic natural springs. The trail is owned and maintained by the City of Saratoga Springs.
There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of East Avenue at the west end of the trail. Both of them are van-accessible with a striped access aisle. The trail surface is paved.
Moreau Lake Overlook
The Baker Trail to Old Moreau Overlook Trail is a moderately challenging trail that ascends steadily through a beautiful forest.
It begins with a small stream crossing and continues through fern-covered clearings and rocky terrain. At the top, the overlook provides sweeping views of Moreau Lake and distant mountains, making it a popular spot within the park.
The trail is well-marked with green discs and intersects with the Ridge Run Trail (marked in red), offering the option for an extended hike.
Hadley Mountain
Located near the town of Hadley, NY the trail-head is about 1.5 miles down Tower Road after it branches off from Hadley Hill Road which can be reached after turning onto the Stony Creek Road at the Hadley "four corners".
This trail is popular among seasoned hikers, families, and dog lovers alike as they enjoy the moderate trek of 3.6 miles round-trip that follows red trail markers from the parking lot to the summit. After an ascent of 1525', hikers can delight in amazing views ranging from the Sacandaga Lake to Vermont, the Catskills, and to both the southern Adirondacks and their northern high peaks.