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.
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.
Staying hydrated is crucial. You can survive about a month with no food, but only a few days without water. You can become dehydrated quickly by exertion, perspiration, heat and exposure. It's a good idea to have 2 one liter bottles of water. Also, carry some water purification means with you. I use a liquid water treatment drops.
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.
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.
Bring a small flashlight or headlamp with you. Sunset may occur sooner than expected and you may have a few more miles to go. Hiking in the dark over uneven terrain is dangerous.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Staying hydrated is crucial. You can survive about a month with no food, but only a few days without water. You can become dehydrated quickly by exertion, perspiration, heat and exposure. It's a good idea to have 2 one liter bottles of water. Also, carry some water purification means with you. I use a liquid water treatment drops.
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.
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.
Bring a small flashlight or headlamp with you. Sunset may occur sooner than expected and you may have a few more miles to go. Hiking in the dark over uneven terrain is dangerous.
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.
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.
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.
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 hike leader who feels that outdoor adventure can improve one's life mentally, physically and spiritually. If you liked this article and want to learn more about hiking and backpacking, check out: beginner hiking and backpacking guide
0 comments:
Post a Comment