Essentials for Any Hike
What You'll Need - The Ten Essentials
#1. Map
Even if you are positive about where you’re headed and how
to get there, it is always a good idea to bring a map with you
on the trail. A good topographical map, or “topo” is
indispensable. Know how to read your map and consult it often.
Visit the Trading Post for map info.
Even if you are positive about where you’re headed and how
to get there, it is always a good idea to bring a map with you
on the trail. A good topographical map, or “topo” is
indispensable. Know how to read your map and consult it often.
Visit the Trading Post for map info.
#2. Compass
A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar
terrain – especially in bad weather where you can’t see
the landmarks. With a map and compass you can accurately
determine your position, travel cross-country and avoid
cliffs and other dangerous features in the landscape.
Global Positioning Systems are great, but beware of their
limitations. Batteries go dead, and, in gorges and beneath
heavy forest canopy, GPS units may be unable to receive
a signal. Speaking of signals, a compass with a sighting
mirror will double as a signaling device to alert passing
planes or distant hikers in an emergency.
A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar
terrain – especially in bad weather where you can’t see
the landmarks. With a map and compass you can accurately
determine your position, travel cross-country and avoid
cliffs and other dangerous features in the landscape.
Global Positioning Systems are great, but beware of their
limitations. Batteries go dead, and, in gorges and beneath
heavy forest canopy, GPS units may be unable to receive
a signal. Speaking of signals, a compass with a sighting
mirror will double as a signaling device to alert passing
planes or distant hikers in an emergency.
#3. Water
Without enough water, your body can’t perform as well. Drink
plenty of it and don’t drink untreated water. Many hikers
assume the water is pure and about 48 hours later wonder
why they have a queasy feeling. Even clear-looking water
can contain the organism Giardia Lamblia, one of the causes
of “travelers diarrhea”. If you are not carrying the water in
yourself, treat all backcountry drinking water with purification
tablets and/or a quality filter.
Without enough water, your body can’t perform as well. Drink
plenty of it and don’t drink untreated water. Many hikers
assume the water is pure and about 48 hours later wonder
why they have a queasy feeling. Even clear-looking water
can contain the organism Giardia Lamblia, one of the causes
of “travelers diarrhea”. If you are not carrying the water in
yourself, treat all backcountry drinking water with purification
tablets and/or a quality filter.
#4. Extra Food
You’ll need all your strength, especially on those steep grades
out of the gorges. Bring more food than you think you can eat.
You can survive days without eating, but you think more clearly
and react more quickly when you’re fueled up. Carry more food
than you think you need, even if it’s just a bag of raisins or nuts.
You’ll need all your strength, especially on those steep grades
out of the gorges. Bring more food than you think you can eat.
You can survive days without eating, but you think more clearly
and react more quickly when you’re fueled up. Carry more food
than you think you need, even if it’s just a bag of raisins or nuts.
#5. Extra Clothes
It almost doesn’t matter when you are hiking, the weather
often changes quickly and with little warning. The key is to
be prepared. Wet clothes can be a recipe for hypothermia.
Remember to layer for insulation and carry raingear even
when the threat of precipitation seems remote. A lightweight
emergency shelter such as a tarp or space blanket is also
advisable.
It almost doesn’t matter when you are hiking, the weather
often changes quickly and with little warning. The key is to
be prepared. Wet clothes can be a recipe for hypothermia.
Remember to layer for insulation and carry raingear even
when the threat of precipitation seems remote. A lightweight
emergency shelter such as a tarp or space blanket is also
advisable.
#6. First-Aid Kit
It’s important to be prepared for a range of mishaps: blisters,
cuts, scrapes, sprained ankles, among other things. Always
carry medical supplies adequate for minor injuries and blisters,
including sterile bandages and antibiotic ointments.
It’s important to be prepared for a range of mishaps: blisters,
cuts, scrapes, sprained ankles, among other things. Always
carry medical supplies adequate for minor injuries and blisters,
including sterile bandages and antibiotic ointments.
#7. Pocket Knife
From slicing salami or opening a can to cutting an ace
bandage to rigging an emergency shelter, a simple knife is the
most useful tool you can carry on any hike. Better still are
compact multi-tools like Swiss Army knives. Whatever you
carry, keep the blade sharp and rust-free.
From slicing salami or opening a can to cutting an ace
bandage to rigging an emergency shelter, a simple knife is the
most useful tool you can carry on any hike. Better still are
compact multi-tools like Swiss Army knives. Whatever you
carry, keep the blade sharp and rust-free.
#8. Sun Protection
No matter where you live, or what season it is, hikers need
to be aware of the hazards of the sun’s rays. Overexposure
to the sun can leave you fatigued, dehydrated, and painfully
burned. Don't be fooled by the forest canopy. A combination
of a hat, sunglasses, sun block and the proper clothing can
keep you protected.
No matter where you live, or what season it is, hikers need
to be aware of the hazards of the sun’s rays. Overexposure
to the sun can leave you fatigued, dehydrated, and painfully
burned. Don't be fooled by the forest canopy. A combination
of a hat, sunglasses, sun block and the proper clothing can
keep you protected.
#9. Flashlight
It is good to carry a flashlight or headlamp with you every
time you head out for a hike. Although you may have no
intention of being on your hike past dusk, it’s easy to
underestimate just how long a particular hike may take. A
light can be inexpensive, lightweight, and along with an
extra set of batteries, pretty reliable. Headlamps have the
extra benefit of being hands-free. Whichever you choose,
be sure to find one that’s waterproof. While you may never
to expect to get caught in the dark in the rain, it’s worth
the extra expense.
It is good to carry a flashlight or headlamp with you every
time you head out for a hike. Although you may have no
intention of being on your hike past dusk, it’s easy to
underestimate just how long a particular hike may take. A
light can be inexpensive, lightweight, and along with an
extra set of batteries, pretty reliable. Headlamps have the
extra benefit of being hands-free. Whichever you choose,
be sure to find one that’s waterproof. While you may never
to expect to get caught in the dark in the rain, it’s worth
the extra expense.
#10. Matches and Firestarter
Carry matches that have been waterproofed or wind and
waterproofed, or else carry extra strike anywhere matches
—along with something to strike them on—in a waterproof
container. Keep these matches separate from your regular
match or butane lighter supply. Keep them available for
emergency situations. Fire starters are useful for quickly
starting a fire, especially in emergency situations. They are
also useful for igniting wet wood. There are several
commercial fire starters available: magnesium blocks
w/striking flint; chemically-treated fire sticks, etc.
Carry matches that have been waterproofed or wind and
waterproofed, or else carry extra strike anywhere matches
—along with something to strike them on—in a waterproof
container. Keep these matches separate from your regular
match or butane lighter supply. Keep them available for
emergency situations. Fire starters are useful for quickly
starting a fire, especially in emergency situations. They are
also useful for igniting wet wood. There are several
commercial fire starters available: magnesium blocks
w/striking flint; chemically-treated fire sticks, etc.
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