These are the most important items in your pack. Applicable to both dayhikes and backpacking trips, these will improve your safety, comfort and quality of your outdoor adventure.
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.
Purchase a map reading compass and learn how to use it. Once you've learned how to orient the park map and the compass, you will know what direction you are facing, how to easily correct your course and get back on track.
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.
Have extra food with you. Enough so that you could get through another day if necessary. Some companies produce compressed whole food bars that serve as complete meal replacements. My favorite is called the Pro Bar. Taking a few of these with will extend your energy levels if you need them.
A few more layers of clothing for comfort and safety. Temperatures can drop unexpectedly or at nightfall. If you hike through rain or fall into a creek, having only one layer of wet clothes when it starts getting colder can spell disaster. Make sure to wear synthetics as they are more insulative when wet and dry quickly.
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.
Have a personal first aid kit and know how to use everything in it. Suffering an injury in the wilderness is no fun. You can assemble your own with supplies from home, but include triangular bandages and moleskin or mole foam. You may want to consider taking a basic wilderness first aid 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 folding camp knife will serve many a purpose. Be sure that the one you choose has a blade that locks when open. I've seen knives that don't lock take off finger tips.
Ultraviolet protection is really important. The suns rays can be damaging to eyes and skin, so bring a good pair of sunglasses, a small tube of sunblock and perhaps a wide brimmed hat.
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.
Purchase a map reading compass and learn how to use it. Once you've learned how to orient the park map and the compass, you will know what direction you are facing, how to easily correct your course and get back on track.
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.
Have extra food with you. Enough so that you could get through another day if necessary. Some companies produce compressed whole food bars that serve as complete meal replacements. My favorite is called the Pro Bar. Taking a few of these with will extend your energy levels if you need them.
A few more layers of clothing for comfort and safety. Temperatures can drop unexpectedly or at nightfall. If you hike through rain or fall into a creek, having only one layer of wet clothes when it starts getting colder can spell disaster. Make sure to wear synthetics as they are more insulative when wet and dry quickly.
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.
Have a personal first aid kit and know how to use everything in it. Suffering an injury in the wilderness is no fun. You can assemble your own with supplies from home, but include triangular bandages and moleskin or mole foam. You may want to consider taking a basic wilderness first aid 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 folding camp knife will serve many a purpose. Be sure that the one you choose has a blade that locks when open. I've seen knives that don't lock take off finger tips.
Ultraviolet protection is really important. The suns rays can be damaging to eyes and skin, so bring a good pair of sunglasses, a small tube of sunblock and perhaps a wide brimmed hat.
About the Author:
James Warner is a hike leader 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, check out: beginner hiking and backpacking guide
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