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.
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.
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.
Having a few additional clothing layers will help you stay warm and dry. Depending on the season, temperatures can fall quickly around sunset. It's a good idea to outfit with synthetic clothing. That way, if you get wet they will dry faster. Wet clothing in cold temperatures is a recipe for disaster.
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.
A good personal first aid kit is a must. If you like, you can make one yourself but be sure to include moleskin, triangular bandages and specifics for the outdoors. Don't forget any personal medications. Take a basic wilderness first aid course to help you understand common outdoor injury and illness.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Having a few additional clothing layers will help you stay warm and dry. Depending on the season, temperatures can fall quickly around sunset. It's a good idea to outfit with synthetic clothing. That way, if you get wet they will dry faster. Wet clothing in cold temperatures is a recipe for disaster.
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.
A good personal first aid kit is a must. If you like, you can make one yourself but be sure to include moleskin, triangular bandages and specifics for the outdoors. Don't forget any personal medications. Take a basic wilderness first aid course to help you understand common outdoor injury and illness.
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!
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!
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 and mountain guide who believes 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, visit: beginner hiking and backpacking guide
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