I always carry extra clothes, a first aid kit, a lighter, a raincoat, a knife, extra water, and extra granola bars or protein bars when I day hike. I even carry a pack of playing cards just in case I have take shelter with strangers. I also make sure to tell someone where I will be hiking and what time I expect to be done because I prefer to hike solo (I know it's not recommended but I hike to clear my mind). Seems like common sense to me but I was also in Boy Scouts and have taken some survival courses.
I always carry extra clothes, a first aid kit, a lighter, a raincoat, a knife, extra water, and extra granola bars or protein bars when I day hike. I even carry a pack of playing cards just in case I have take shelter with strangers. I also make sure to tell someone where I will be hiking and what time I expect to be done because I prefer to hike solo (I know it's not recommended but I hike to clear my mind). Seems like common sense to me but I was also in Boy Scouts and have taken some survival courses.
I've heard man times people that get lost and die are most often on day hikes not backpacking trips. Since they are only day hiking they don't think about carrying essential equipment.