A Hiker's Journal: The easiest way to start journaling your hikes and trails

 

I am so excited to share my journaling process with you.  My hiking journal is something that I decided to start to not only keep a record of the trails but for a place to keep memories and see how much progress I've made in my hiking venture.  I will provide links to all of the supplies I use at the end of this post.

Blue Ridge Parkway 2020

Journaling is something that is an individual process.  Not every person needs or wants or gets the same thing from doing it.  I've always had some sort of paper planner.  I prefer paper as it helps with my memory and it is something tangible that I can hold in my hand.  Now don't get me wrong, my phone calendar is where EVERYTHING gets scheduled.  It is color-coded and has every appointment, due dates, upcoming shows and movies and even events we may want to attend.  This is important because I do not always carry my journal to every appointment or event.  When it is time to set up my weekly spread in my bullet journal, everything in my phone calendar goes into my journal in pencil.  I even record all my hikes in pencil until I have all the information I want to record in place.  Then I go back and color-code appointments and make it more personal and fun.  

Why start journaling your hikes?  

The simplest answer is to keep a record of all the trails you've hiked.  The more sentimental answer is to have a physical album of memories.  And if you are anything like me, I like to look back and say "Whoa, look how many miles I've hiked" or "Man, my hikes have consistently gotten longer and harder".  Again this goes back to what you want to journal and record.  Its an individual and very personal decision.

What to put in your hiking journal?

I hate to sound like a record on repeat, but this is a personal decision.  And there is no wrong answer.  Journal the information you want to keep record of.  I like to journal a lot of information.  

• Day and date of the hike
• Trail name and location
• Distance and time it took to hike the trail
• Elevation and terrain
• Weather
• Difficulty

I add blurbs in my journal about my favorite parts of the hike, such as funny moments, breathtaking scenery, were there a lot of people on the trail and so-on.  I also like to add pictures, stamps, stickers and doodles.  It makes it more personal and adds to the overall memory of the hike.  You will find that each journal entry will look and feel different, even if you're using a template.  

The wonderful thing about your hiking journal is that it is yours to do what you want with.  Some other things I do that you might find helpful, I keep a small journal in my hiking bag.  Whether its to jot down some information, something funny that happened or to draw something you saw on the trail, a smaller journal or notepad is hiker friendly than your real journal.  This also prevents any damage while on the trail.

Journal Disclaimer

When I first started my hiking journal, I purchased one that was pre-printed. I thought it would be the right one, but I quickly learned that it wasn't.  HOWEVER, I have put stickers and pictures and all other kinds of memories into it that I just can't get back.  So .... I will be starting a new journal in 2026 that will be my own creation.  That will be the one I share.  I don't want to mislead you into thinking that you have to do it all yourself. My planner and journals are my creative outlet and that is what makes them special to me.  

The products I use!

Journal Cover

I like to try to use products that are sustainable and will last a long time.  I personally am a big fan of Portland Leather Goods.  When I saw they had leather journal covers, I bought two!  They are both in the color 'Cowboy Mint' which is a rich green.  I initially bought a small one but soon realized it is too small for my regular planner/journal.  I then purchased the large one and the fit was perfect.  I know keep the small one in my hiking bag to keep notes and other stuff.  They have blank and lined journal refills that can purchased along with your journal.  The quality is very nice and have 88 pages.  The only con that I have is they don't have one that is dotted - I have already sent in a product idea.  I would probably buy them out!

Bullet Journals

Yes, that is plural because I use a couple different types.  I love the black pages of the Portland Leather Goods refills.  They are really good quality.  That is what I have been using for my regular planner this past year.  But I wanted something that makes it a little easier to design and create without all of my stuff looking crooked or lopsided.  For 2026, my daily planner/journal will be this one.  It is a dotted planner and yes it fits in the planner cover by PLG.  I have purchased these as well and will probably turn these into my hiking and activity journals. They come in a pack of 12.

Banded Pen Case

This is a must if you want to keep several writing items on hand.  I have several pens, two mechanical pencils with lead and eraser refills and a small ruler.  The fact that this one can be personalized and is from a small business just puts it at the top of my list.  And that it is the perfect fit for my large journal cover ... BONUS!

Pens 

I use Sakura Pigma Micron pens for most of my journaling.  They have great color and multiple tip sizes that work for just about anything you'll need for journaling.  I write with an 01, line with an 03 and 05.  I have a separate color for each family member in a size 01, it helps keep my planner organized.  Just so you know, they do have smaller and larger and different types of tips.  You can get them on Amazon, or at most hobby and craft stores.

Pentel Mechanical Pencils

I always have my Pentel mechanical pencils on hand.  I have a 0.5 mm and a 0.9 mm, for the same reason as the micron pens.  Each one has a different use.  They have a variety of colors, can you see a theme?  I bought mine on Amazon and Staples (this is where I found the green one).

Small Ruler

Any ruler will do, but I wanted something small and portable.  With a bullet journal you won't need anything bigger than 6-8 inches.  Mine is 6 inches and is actually a sewing and knitting gauge.

Markers

There isn't any rule about what kind of marker you have to use.  Just be careful as many bleed.  The markers I really like are the Zebra Midliners Dual Tip Highlighter.  The colors are why I chose them.  I wanted more muted colors.  I didn't want bright colors for my planner/journal.  I have found several different packs with a large assortment of colors at Walmart and Target as well.

Do you already journal?  Comment with what supplies you use.  I like to have reasons to buy more stationary and supplies!

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