By: James Warner
Published: August 26, 2009
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.
One of the most important things is having a map of the trail you will explore. Get one at the park visitor center or find one online that you can download. This will keep you from getting lost, help you identify new trails to check out and possibly help rescuers locate you if you’re in trouble.
Purchase a map reading compass and learn how to use it. Once you’ve learned how to orient the park map and the compass, you will know what direction you are facing, how to easily correct your course and get back on track.
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.
It’s possible to spend an unexpected night in the woods. Always have some extra food, enough for an additional day if you need it. Even having a few back up whole food bars with you should do the trick. Especially if they constitute meal replacement. You will have the extra energy with you just in case.
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.
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.
In a waterproof canister, bring matches and a lighter. Lighting a fire in the wilderness should only be considered as a means of survival. Do not start a fire if another layer of clothing will suffice. Use common sense and help prevent wildfires.
Carry a knife with you. Mine has come in handy so many times. If you use a folding knife, make sure that it has a locking blade. Non-locking knives have closed on fingers!
Last but not least, UV protection. Bring a hat with a brim, sunblock and a pair of sunglasses if you will be out in the sun for an extended period. Your eyes and skin will thank you.
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