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.
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.
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.
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.
On rare occasion one must light a fire in the backcountry as a matter of survival. I've been on a kayak trip where someone overturned and they were soaked just as the temperature started to drop. Do not light a fire unless absolutely necessary. Bring matches and a lighter in a waterproof case and use caution to avoid 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.
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.
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.
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.
On rare occasion one must light a fire in the backcountry as a matter of survival. I've been on a kayak trip where someone overturned and they were soaked just as the temperature started to drop. Do not light a fire unless absolutely necessary. Bring matches and a lighter in a waterproof case and use caution to avoid 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, please visit: beginner hiking and backpacking guide
0 comments:
Post a Comment