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.
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.
Bring a couple more layers of clothing. These will serve to keep you warm and dry should the temperature drop unexpectedly, you somehow become wet or both. Choose layers that are synthetic. Most of them will still retain some insulative quality even if they are wet and they tend to dry a lot faster.
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.
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.
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 small camping knife may come in handy for a number of purposes. Make sure that the one you use has a locking blade, you don't want it to close on a finger.
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.
Bring a couple more layers of clothing. These will serve to keep you warm and dry should the temperature drop unexpectedly, you somehow become wet or both. Choose layers that are synthetic. Most of them will still retain some insulative quality even if they are wet and they tend to dry a lot faster.
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.
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.
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 small camping knife may come in handy for a number of purposes. Make sure that the one you use has a locking blade, you don't want it to close on a finger.
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
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