I am often asked what to pack or bring along on a hike. Here is a list of items that I always bring, and are recommended by rescue professionals.
Safety
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to get back.
- Dress in layers and prepare for rain, the mountain front usually experiences surprise showers on otherwise clear days.
- Wear proper shoes that fit well and have a good tread.
- Always bring water and a small first aid kit.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat – heat stroke can happen to anyone and is easily avoidable.
- Bring a cell phone and a list of necessary numbers.
First Aid Kit
- Small roll of duct tape - good for mending clothes, gear and protecting blisters
- Large safety pin
- Band Aids
- Athletic tape for wrapping sprains
- Burts Bees Res-Q ointment - good for scrapes, burns, stings
- Alcohol wipes
- Aspirin
- Benadryl
- Anti Diarreal
- Small swiss army knife with tweezers
- Lighter/matches/fire starter (cotton balls with vaseline work great)
- Water purification tablets
- Sunscreen
- Thread and needle
Day Hike Packing List
- First Aid Kit
- Light weight rain jacket
- Sunscreen
- Wide brimmed hat
- Snacks - granola bars, whole fruit
- Water - at least 32 oz.
- Walking poles - these transfer up to 25% of the load from your legs to your arms
- Wet wipes, and extra zip lock bags
- Small trash bag to carry any trash - pack it in, pack it out!
- Camera/Binoculars/Pocket Trail Guide/Maps
Overnight Backpacking List
Everything from the day hike list plus:- Light weight underlayer for chilly evenings - top and bottom
- Light weight rain jacket/pants
- Stocking cap and gloves
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Reading material
- Headlamp/Flashlight
- 2-3 handkerchiefs to clean up with
- Biodegradable soap - Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap is good for both body and dishes
- Toothpaste/toothbrush/floss (yes, floss - floss every day otherwise your mouth stinks. Trust me)
- Water tablets for purification - the new ones do not have any aftertaste
- 2-3 water bottles - one gallon of water a day per person
- Camp shoes - flip flops or crocs work well
- Small campstove and pans for cooking
- Utensils
- Tent or groundcloth
- Small, lightweight backpack or bag to take on day hikes from base camp
No comments:
Post a Comment