What to take????

So as a new photographer who is also looking at getting into better shape. I have started hiking around 3-4miles with my camera thru the woods looking in the early hours for good photo ops. Any suggestions for making longer hikes more survivable and enjoyable.
Just. Curious what you would take for a 4-6hr trek

your gear list sums it up. bring those , a snack and water :)

Phone. Wouldn't do to bang an ankle up and have to hop out.

Thanks Everyone I was hoping for some great secret :)

If you can handle a tripod, you may want one, especially in the early hours when light isn't good enough for fast shutter speeds. Or maybe a monopod.

wider angle lens and low vantage point make for some fun landscapes.

Keeping it light and simple for a long hike is the way to go. Too much gear can quickly become a pain to deal with. When it becomes a hassle, photography doesn't seem as much fun and you are often less likely to want to take photos. This has happened to me several times. Now when I go on a long hike I will often times just take a P&S or a real basic DSLR kit.

Take a light backpack and use a walking pole that can be adapted for use as a monopod. Water and high energy snacks essential plus a toilet roll (you never know). Phone for sure as long as you are in signal range (preferably one with a gps built in). Choose a light zoom (70-300 say) and a wide angle prime of your preference. Always wear sturdy boots and sensible headgear that wont blow off in the wind. Windbreaker too.
Here in RSA sunscreen is essential. All this is easily managed in a comfortable little backpack. OH yes - perhaps a pair of 8x32 binoculars.
If you are going to carry any gear around your neck (inadvisable) the walking pole could save a lot of heartache in the event of slipping or losing your balance (experience here).

Take a light backpack and use a walking pole that can be adapted for use as a monopod. Water and high energy snacks essential plus a toilet roll (you never know). Phone for sure as long as you are in signal range (preferably one with a gps built in). Choose a light zoom (70-300 say) and a wide angle prime of your preference. Always wear sturdy boots and sensible headgear that wont blow off in the wind. Windbreaker too.
Here in RSA sunscreen is essential. All this is easily managed in a comfortable little backpack. OH yes - perhaps a pair of 8x32 binoculars.
If you are going to carry any gear around your neck (inadvisable) the walking pole could save a lot of heartache in the event of slipping or losing your balance (experience here).

well my current list would be this
Nikon d5100
18-55
55-300
nikon lens cleaning kit / lenspro
2 batteries
3 sd cards
monopod i use as walking stick also
also70+ sunscreen
we use our Tilley hats for head protection

all of this carried in a quick sling backpack

So Dennis you had a accident.
I usually walk with my camera on a neoprene neckstrap. I tried walking with my camera mounted on my monopod and that felt really wierd and out of balance. How do you get quick access to the camera when needed??

In easy terrain, around the neck is no problem. But slipping with that uncontrollable sling around your neck can lead to sadness, heartache and some pain LOL. Usually when the ground is difficult I would decide on a spot, set up and just wait. Some back packs have a facility to attach gear on the side with elastic ties and here I have carried a little 3 leg fold up stool just for comfort during the wait.
I havea friend who uses two velcro straps to attach his camera to his belt in order to obviate the neck gear. Also gets unwieldy with a longer lens. Have fun!!

I would not take anything for my Cotton carrier. It makes carying the camera or cameras easier and if you slip they can survive. I slipped on wet rocks on the Maine coast and with a strap I would have banged up about $5,000 in camera & lens as well as ruined my trip, but with the cameras on the Cotton carrier, there was no damage done, including my 67 year old body.

Good Point!!! Tried a "Spider" belt once and felt even more vulnerable than with my gear dangling round my neck! I have never seen a Cotton harness in the field and, in fact, have never seen one here in RSA or in any of the photo shops etc. but have heard that once the camera is clipped in it is quite tricky to release - is this your experience?

Sorry for getting back with you so late, but I am traveling. Yes, once it is in, it is locked in and cannot get out (as best i can tell). There is even a way to carry a medium length lens and it not bouce around. About the only way to do damage it is to run straight into something and if you do that you will get a flat nose. There is even a way to tether the camera to you, which allows you to use it, but not drop it off the cliff. I know I may look goofy, but if I am traveling and taking photos, it goes on with my pants in the morning and comes off when I undress at night. If you don't have it on you will not use it.