Whether you will be dayhiking or doing a multi-day backpacking trip, these items will insure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
First recommendation is to obtain a map of the area that you will be hiking. You don't want to become lost, so pick up a map at the visitor center, ranger station or download one at www.usgs.gov. If you suffer an injury, you can use the map to aid rescuers in locating you.
Get yourself a good map reading compass. Using the map and compass together, you can orient your map to your direction and surroundings, choose the correct path and keep yourself on course.
Two, one liter bottles of water so that you stay hydrated. This is your minimum required intake per day, but since hiking is physically demanding you will drink more, especially in warmer climates. You can survive for a month without food, but only two or three days without water. You should have some sort of water treatment with you. I carry Aqua-Mira, which is a liquid purifying agent.
It's possible to spend an unexpected night in the woods. Always have some extra food, enough for an additional day if you need it. Even having a few back up whole food bars with you should do the trick. Especially if they constitute meal replacement. You will have the extra energy with you just in case.
Bring a couple more layers of clothing. These will serve to keep you warm and dry should the temperature drop unexpectedly, you somehow become wet or both. Choose layers that are synthetic. Most of them will still retain some insulative quality even if they are wet and they tend to dry a lot faster.
Pack some sort of light source like a headlamp or flashlight. If you are forced to make camp or hike out in the dark, you will be able to see trail debris an obstacles that could cause danger.
Having an accident or injury in the backcountry is no fun. Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can create one out of household supplies but don't forget hiking needs like moleskin or blister treatment. I recommend taking a basic wilderness medicine course.
Matches, a lighter and or candle as firestarters. Be certain to keep them in a waterproof container. Only light a fire in the wilderness if it is a matter of survival, not just simply staying warm if an additional layer of clothing will do. Prevent wildfires, use caution!
A small camping knife may come in handy for a number of purposes. Make sure that the one you use has a locking blade, you don't want it to close on a finger.
Last but not least, UV protection. Bring a hat with a brim, sunblock and a pair of sunglasses if you will be out in the sun for an extended period. Your eyes and skin will thank you.
First recommendation is to obtain a map of the area that you will be hiking. You don't want to become lost, so pick up a map at the visitor center, ranger station or download one at www.usgs.gov. If you suffer an injury, you can use the map to aid rescuers in locating you.
Get yourself a good map reading compass. Using the map and compass together, you can orient your map to your direction and surroundings, choose the correct path and keep yourself on course.
Two, one liter bottles of water so that you stay hydrated. This is your minimum required intake per day, but since hiking is physically demanding you will drink more, especially in warmer climates. You can survive for a month without food, but only two or three days without water. You should have some sort of water treatment with you. I carry Aqua-Mira, which is a liquid purifying agent.
It's possible to spend an unexpected night in the woods. Always have some extra food, enough for an additional day if you need it. Even having a few back up whole food bars with you should do the trick. Especially if they constitute meal replacement. You will have the extra energy with you just in case.
Bring a couple more layers of clothing. These will serve to keep you warm and dry should the temperature drop unexpectedly, you somehow become wet or both. Choose layers that are synthetic. Most of them will still retain some insulative quality even if they are wet and they tend to dry a lot faster.
Pack some sort of light source like a headlamp or flashlight. If you are forced to make camp or hike out in the dark, you will be able to see trail debris an obstacles that could cause danger.
Having an accident or injury in the backcountry is no fun. Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can create one out of household supplies but don't forget hiking needs like moleskin or blister treatment. I recommend taking a basic wilderness medicine course.
Matches, a lighter and or candle as firestarters. Be certain to keep them in a waterproof container. Only light a fire in the wilderness if it is a matter of survival, not just simply staying warm if an additional layer of clothing will do. Prevent wildfires, use caution!
A small camping knife may come in handy for a number of purposes. Make sure that the one you use has a locking blade, you don't want it to close on a finger.
Last but not least, UV protection. Bring a hat with a brim, sunblock and a pair of sunglasses if you will be out in the sun for an extended period. Your eyes and skin will thank you.
About the Author:
James Warner is a mountain guide who believes that outdoor adventure can improve one's life mentally, physically and spiritually. If you would like to learn more about hiking and backpacking, visit: beginner hiking and backpacking guide
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