KIT: A good-quality kit whose contents you’re familiar with and that contains instructions
KNIFE: Preferably a multitool device with pliers
LIGHT: Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulbs and batteries
FIRE: Windproof matches or lighter and fire starter
EXTRA FOOD: Always bring more than you need.
EXTRA CLOTHES: Rain protection, warm layers, gloves, and a warm hat
SUN PROTECTION: Sunglasses, lip balm, sunblock, and a sun hat
First-Aid Kit
A TYPICAL FIRST-AID KIT may contain more items than you might think necessary. These are just the basics. Prepackaged kits in waterproof bags (Atwater Carey and Adventure Medical make a variety of kits) are available. Even though there are quite a few items listed here, they pack down into a small space:
Ace bandages or Spenco joint wraps
Adhesive bandages
Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)
Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)
Butterfly-closure bandages
Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (for severe allergic reactions to bee stings, usually by prescription only)
Gauze (one roll)
Gauze compress pads (a half dozen 4 x 4-inch pads)
Hydrogen peroxide or iodine
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Insect repellent
Matches or pocket lighter
Moleskin or Spenco Second Skin
Sunscreen
Whistle (It’s more effective at signaling rescuers than your voice is.)
The following items are optional but worth their weight (make your own lists for different seasons and keep them in your hiking pack):
Aluminum foil
Bandana
Carabiners
Cellular phone (emergencies only)
Dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa)
Digital camera
Disinfectant wipes (baby wipes)
Extra batteries
Flashlight
Foam pad (for lightning strikes)
Garbage bag
Gloves (for warmth)
GPS receiver
Hand warmers (air activated)
High-energy food and drinks
Lip balm
Long pants
Plastic bags with zip closure
Rain coat and rain pants
Shorts
Socks
Snakebite kit
Sunglasses
Toilet paper
Watch
General Safety
NO ONE IS TOO YOUNG FOR A HIKE. Be mindful though. Flat, short, and shaded trails are best if you’re carrying an infant. Toddlers who have not quite mastered walking can still tag along, riding on an adult’s back in a child carrier. Use common sense to judge a child’s capacity to hike a particular trail, and always expect that the child will tire quickly and need to be carried.
Hiking is a great way to introduce a child to hands-on lessons beyond the classroom in the natural environment. Check out the top five hikes for children on page.
NEVER RELY ON A CELL PHONE, but bring one just in case. While signals and access are inconsistent, they are also becoming more common. A backcountry equestrian on the PCT turned me on to a very cool technology for keeping his wife informed of his whereabouts. Called SPOT GPS technology, it allows account holders’ friends and family to constantly track carriers’ whereabouts. The device features a help button that immediately sends coordinate locations to search and rescue professionals. Improvements are being made daily to allow users to upload pictures, videos, and so on that are tied to exact locations.
ALWAYS CARRY FOOD AND WATER, whether you plan to go overnight or not. Food will give you energy, help keep you warm, and sustain you in an emergency until help arrives. You never know if you’ll have a stream nearby when you become thirsty. Bring potable water, or treat water before drinking it from a stream. Boil or filter all found water before drinking it.
STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS. Most hikers get lost when they leave the path. Even on the most clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider which direction to head in. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps to the point where you went awry. Using a map, a compass, and this book, and keeping in mind what you have passed thus far, reorient yourself and trust your judgment on how best to continue. If you become absolutely unsure of how to do so, return to your vehicle the same way you came in. If you become completely lost and have no idea how to return to the trailhead, stay where you are and wait for help—most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.
BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING STREAMS. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a foot log, go ahead and ford the stream instead. When crossing, use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance, and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life for.
BE CAREFUL AT OVERLOOKS. They may provide spectacular views, but they’re potentially dangerous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops and be absolutely sure of your footing; a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.
STANDING DEAD TREES and storm-damaged living trees pose a real hazard to hikers and tent campers. These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. When choosing a spot to rest or a backcountry campsite, look up.
TAKE ALONG YOUR BRAIN. A cool, calculating mind is the single most important piece of equipment you can bring with you on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoid accidents before they happen.
Animal, Insect, and Plant Hazards
THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL through Northern California is
