You’ve made the commitment to hit the trail. Now what?
For this article, we’re going to assume you have adequate footwear, not necessarily hiking boots – although they’re’ great. But definitely good shoes. A good pair of sneakers or trail runners work too. There are so many options, and one size doesn’t fit all.
But please note; your feet are the most important thing on the trail. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you, escorting you through nature to astounding sights. Neglect them, and you’ll’ pay the price.
Double-know your shoelaces, grab a bottle of water, and you may already own almost everything you need for your first walks in the woods.
If you have read the story of my first hike, you’ll’ no doubt remember the old backpack fished out of the darkest recesses of my hall closet. ( If you haven’t and you’d like to click HERE.) You can probably do the same at your house. You don’t’ need anything too elaborate at this stage of the game. I might caution against one of those promotional backpacks given away at events and trade shows. Do you know what I’m’ talking about? They’re’ essentially pouches with thick string threaded through to form a backpack. They look hella uncomfortable to me, but hey, you do you. If that’s what you’ve’ got and you’re okay with it, then who am I to disagree?
In your pack, you’ll want some water. More than you’ll think you need. It’s’ important. You’ll’ be sorry – and in a potentially dangerous situation – if you run out. So always err on the side of caution when it comes to water.
As in any endeavor, you can collect as much gear as you want, spending lots of cash. Seriously, the sky is the limit. But why? It’s unnecessary to go overboard, especially in the beginning. If you, like my husband, find buying gear almost as fun as participating in the activity for which it’s intended, well, knock yourself out. Unless you are my husband, in that case, slow your roll! Have you looked in our garage lately?
The American Hiking Association suggests the Ten Essentials for any hiker on any trail. Regardless of length or difficulty. ‘m’ telling you now, so you don’t’ someday find yourself on the precipice of the Grand Canyon seconds away from beginning your descent only to have someone say to you, “Well, good luck. ‘m’ sure you’re’ prepared. You have the Ten Essentials, right?”
Because that happened to me.
WTF are the Ten Essentials? I thought to myself as I watched what looked like professional hikers step onto the trail in front of me. Ugh. As it turned out, I had most of the ten in my backpack, but I was unaware of this little factoid until I came out of said canyon two days later. I would like you to avoid the awkward moment, so here we go.
1) Navigation – Both paper and electronic. Because technology is great until it isn’t. technology can fail, cell phones may not have service, batteries can die. We’ve come to rely on our devices in modern society, for better or worse. Have a paper map and know how to read it. Extra credit if you put it in a plastic baggie, so it can’t get wet.
2) Hydration – Water. More than you think you need. If you have a pack with a bladder, please note that it can break. In the improbable event that this happens, you will want an emergency water bottle with water in it. I know this from experience after I had to hike on a hot summer day in Alabama three-plus miles to the car, where I found a half-empty bottle of Powerade that was at least ninety degrees after sitting in a locked up vehicle all day.
It tasted like the nectar of the gods.
Remember, err on the side of caution.
3) Nutrition – Again, more than you think you may need. But don’t’ go hog wild as I did on my Hike 1. remember, you have to carry all of that stuff. There are plenty of opinions on the best foods to bring – you’ll’ figure out your preference for snacks on the trail as you progress. Personally am hooked on the frozen Smuckers Uncrustables. By the time you’re’ ready to eat, they’ve’ defrosted. The right balance of carbs and protein makes for a satisfying and tasty snack—Fav for me.
4) Sun Protection – hats, lotions, sunglasses. Don’t forget some lip balm. You know what you need.
5) First Aid – be sure it includes foot care and bug repellent. They make some insect repellent wipes that have worked well for me without taking up much space.
6) Extra clothing – Think layers. Temperatures can change quickly. An extra pair of socks can be a lifesaver. And it’s’ always lovely to have a light rain jacket.
7) Fire – A lighter works here. Maybe some waterproof matches. Unless you want to go all Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway, which is not recommended.
8) Illumination – A headlamp works great. Don’t rely on your phone as a flashlight. If you get caught out after dark, you don’t’ want to try and navigate the trail in the dark while holding your phone in one hand. I’ve’ seen it, and it’s’ not pretty. Just get the headlamp, and throw in a couple of extra batteries while you’re at it.
9) Knife and Gear Repair – If you get one of the Leatherman tools or a Swiss Army knife, that should do it. Duck Tape has many miraculous applications and can fix a lot of stuff.
10) Emergency shelter – Don’t panic. We don’t’ have to pack a tent and sleeping bag for a simple day hike, but a bivy blanket is lightweight, compact, and inexpensive. It could also save your life in an emergency,
It may seem like a lot, but it isn’t. once you’ve’ assembled these items, you can store them (except for the food and water) in your backpack and be ready to hit the trails at a moment’s notice.
Excerpted from Stuff I Wish I Knew Before I Went Hiking: Tales and a Few Fails From the Trail
As always, thanks for reading! XOXO
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