Take a Hike – Things to bring
What is the difference between hiking and walking? Well, Fred and I “walk” downtown and “hike” along the San Pedro River in Arizona every week or so. In other words, walking is a leisurely physical activity in a “civilized” environment while hiking requires more perspiration and sturdier shoes while enjoying the “natural” environment. When we are on the road, visiting a national forest, hiking becomes our primary form of exercise, as well as, the means we use to explore the forest “up-close-and-personal.”
Here are some of the things we have learned to take on our day hikes in a national forest that help us enjoy a safe and pleasing adventure. Although these ten items will fit into one backpack, we often divide the load between both our packs. This gives Fred room for his camera stuff in his backpack.
10 Things to bring in your pack for a day hike:
1. Trail map – can be purchased at a variety of locations from Ranger District offices to local outdoor stores and some can even be downloaded from the forest’s website.
2. Compass or GPS (Global Position System) unit – A GPS is nice but, remember unless you are sure of receiving three satellite signals, the good old-fashion handheld compass is the most reliable. See about taking an orientation course to learn how to handle a GPS or compass.
3. Extra clothing – start out with layers and you’ll have this covered.
4. Extra food and water – how much room does a couple of extra snacks take? Water, on the other hand, gets heavy (about 8 pounds/gallon) so we recommend a good quality water filter to provide extra water or you could boil water. Note: The recommend amount of water intake varies depending on temperature, terrain, and the individual but one guideline suggests a gallon/ day and another recommends daily intake should be half your body weight in ounces (example; a 150 lb person should drink 75 ounces or a little more than 2 quarts per day). Remember, it is better to sip frequently than to wait until you are thirsty and gulping down water. And don’t forget the four-legged hikers need water, too.
5. Flashlight w/extra batteries – a heavy weight to carry but so important if you are out after sunset. We found a crank powered, LED flashlight to replace our heavy battery powered flashlight – lighter and pretty effective beam of light.
6. Waterproof matches or fire starter kit – every survival kit should have these items.
7. First aid kit – only the basics. Mine has a few adhesive bandages, an “Ace” wrap, antibacterial ointment, sun screen (FYI: the white powder off Aspen bark works fairly well in a pinch), insect repellent, and, in our kit, a treatment for bug bites.
8. Whistle – we consider individual whistles for every member in the group a must have.
9. Rain or wind jacket – Gor-tex fabric is wonderful but a leaf bag or one of those use-once-and-toss poncho jackets work too.
10. Pocket knife – amazingly useful item, be sure your pocket knife is sharp before you set off.
Tips to remembers:
- Have an understanding of the terrain you’ll be hiking so you can anticipate the delights and challenges of your chosen trail.
- Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you’ll be back.
- Don’t drink water that hasn’t been “treated” – boil or filter water from stream, lakes, and any “natural” source. Giardia is NO fun!
- Match the trail to your abilities and your group members.
- Look up, down, and back along the trail. It will help you stay oriented and safe plus often offers some great views.
- Don’t be afraid to make noise. It will warn the local wildlife residents you are in the area.
- If you do have an encounter with a local resident, such as a bear, don’t act aggressive but look bigger than you are – gather in a group, use jackets, hat, backpacks, whatever, to enlarge your presence, and maybe sing a favorite hiking or camping song.
- Check if a permit or permission is required. How would you like herds of people walking through your backyard? Be a considerate hiker.
