Whether you will be dayhiking or doing a multi-day backpacking trip, these items will insure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Obtain a map of where you will be hiking. Usually, you can pick one up at the park visitor center or ranger station. You can also download maps from various websites. Having a good map will not only will not only prevent you from getting lost, but it can help rescuers find you if you suffer an injury.
A map reading compass will help you find your bearings and keep you from getting lost. Using the map and compass together will keep you correctly oriented to know which direction you're heading.
Always carry two, one liter water bottles. Two liters is the minimum daily intake but chances are you will require more. Hiking is a physical activity and through perspiration, exposure and climate you can become dehydrated quickly. Bring some type of water purifier with you. For personal use, I take liquid treatment with me. Although you can survive a month without food, you will only last a few days without water.
Take a bit more food than you think you will need, to get you through an extra day if need be. This can easily be accomplished by having a few whole food bars with you, each of which constitute a complete meal replacement. Important for maintaining energy output.
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.
Take a flashlight with you. You may want to purchase a headlamp so that you can be hands-free. Every once in a while, you will be out a bit later than expected. Negotiating a hiking trail in the dark is dangerous.
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.
In a waterproof canister, bring matches and a lighter. Lighting a fire in the wilderness should only be considered as a means of survival. Do not start a fire if another layer of clothing will suffice. Use common sense and help prevent wildfires.
Carry a knife with you. Mine has come in handy so many times. If you use a folding knife, make sure that it has a locking blade. Non-locking knives have closed on fingers!
Don't forget the sunblock. Bring some sunglasses as well and you may want a cap with a visor or brim for extra UV protection. Your skin and eyes will be much happier.
Obtain a map of where you will be hiking. Usually, you can pick one up at the park visitor center or ranger station. You can also download maps from various websites. Having a good map will not only will not only prevent you from getting lost, but it can help rescuers find you if you suffer an injury.
A map reading compass will help you find your bearings and keep you from getting lost. Using the map and compass together will keep you correctly oriented to know which direction you're heading.
Always carry two, one liter water bottles. Two liters is the minimum daily intake but chances are you will require more. Hiking is a physical activity and through perspiration, exposure and climate you can become dehydrated quickly. Bring some type of water purifier with you. For personal use, I take liquid treatment with me. Although you can survive a month without food, you will only last a few days without water.
Take a bit more food than you think you will need, to get you through an extra day if need be. This can easily be accomplished by having a few whole food bars with you, each of which constitute a complete meal replacement. Important for maintaining energy output.
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.
Take a flashlight with you. You may want to purchase a headlamp so that you can be hands-free. Every once in a while, you will be out a bit later than expected. Negotiating a hiking trail in the dark is dangerous.
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.
In a waterproof canister, bring matches and a lighter. Lighting a fire in the wilderness should only be considered as a means of survival. Do not start a fire if another layer of clothing will suffice. Use common sense and help prevent wildfires.
Carry a knife with you. Mine has come in handy so many times. If you use a folding knife, make sure that it has a locking blade. Non-locking knives have closed on fingers!
Don't forget the sunblock. Bring some sunglasses as well and you may want a cap with a visor or brim for extra UV protection. Your skin and eyes will be much happier.
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 are new to hiking or backpacking and would like to learn more, check out: beginner hiking and backpacking guide
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