Admittedly, a “repair kit” might be a little bit of an
overstatement for what is essential for a day hike. Even then, however, having
a backpack strap break, a water bladder burst, or another simple failure can
turn an otherwise great day into an ordeal. When backpacking overnight, the
opportunity for failure only grows as tents, sleeping pads, stoves, etc. can
cause problems. The best way to prevent any of this is to simplify your kit as
much as possible, with as few “moving parts” in your gear as possible. This, of course, is
subjective and one hiker’s “blissful simplicity” is another’s “uncomfortably
primitive.” So, with that caveat covered, it is wise to bring a few items along
that can help you doctor up a gear failure should it occur. Below are a few
items you might want to consider as well as some links for online purchase (I have zero affiliation with any retailers or manufacturers, I'm just providing links for gear I use, like, and have purchased myself.)
