to binoculars. Or, if you don’t aspire to feel like a burro, you can neatly stow all of these items in your day pack or backpack. The following list showcases never-hike-without-them items, in alphabetical order, as all are important:
Extra clothes Raingear, warm hat, gloves, and change of socks and shirt
Extra food Trail mix, granola bars, or other high-energy foods
Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries
Insect repellent In some areas and seasons, this is vital.
Maps and a high-quality compass Even if you know the terrain from previous hikes, don’t leave home without these tools. And, as previously noted, bring maps in addition to those in this guidebook, and consult your maps prior to the hike. If you are versed in GPS usage, bring that device too, but don’t rely on it as your sole navigational tool, as battery life can dwindle or die. And be sure to compare its guidance with that of your maps.
Pocketknife and/or multitool, such as a Leatherman or Victorinox
Sunscreen Note the expiration date on the tube or bottle; it’s usually embossed on the top.
Water As emphasized more than once in this book, bring more than you think you will drink. Depending on your destination, you may want to bring a container and iodine or a filter for purifying water in case you run out.
Whistle This little gadget will be your best friend in an emergency.
Windproof matches and/or a lighter, as well as a fire starter
FIRST AID KIT
Besides all the aforementioned items, those below may appear overwhelming for a day hike. But any paramedic will tell you that the products listed here—in alphabetical order because all are important—are just the basics. The reality of hiking is that you can be out for a week of backpacking and acquire only a mosquito bite. Or you can hike for an hour, slip, and suffer a bleeding abrasion or broken bone. Fortunately, these items will collapse into a very small space. You may also purchase convenient, prepackaged kits at your pharmacy or on the Internet.
Adhesive bandages
Antibiotic ointment Neosporin or the generic equivalent
Athletic tape
Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine In case of allergic reactions
Blister kit, such as Moleskin/Spenco 2nd Skin
Butterfly-closure bandages
Elastic bandages or joint wraps
Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe Typically by prescription only, for people known to have severe allergic reactions to hiking occurrences such as bee stings
Gauze One roll and a half dozen 4-by-4-inch pads
Hydrogen peroxide or iodine
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Note: Consider your intended terrain and the number of hikers in your party before you exclude any article cited above. A botanical garden stroll may not inspire you to carry a complete kit, but anything beyond that warrants precaution. When hiking alone, you should always be prepared for a medical need. And if you are a twosome or with a group, one or more people in your party should be equipped with first aid materials.
General Safety
The following tips may have the familiar ring of your mother’s voice as you take note of them.
Always let someone know where you will be hiking and how long you expect to be gone. It’s a good idea to give that person a copy of your route, particularly if you are headed into any isolated area. Let them know when you return.
Always sign in and out of any trail registers provided. Don’t hesitate to comment on the trail condition if space is provided; that’s your opportunity to alert others to any problems you encounter.
Do not count on a cell phone for your safety. Reception may be spotty or nonexistent on the trail, even on an urban walk—especially if it is surrounded by towering trees.
Always carry food and water, even for a short hike. And bring more water than you think you will need. (That cannot be said often enough!)
Ask questions. State forest and park employees are there to help. It’s a lot easier to solicit advice before a problem occurs, and it will help you avoid a mishap away from civilization when it’s too late to amend an error.
Stay on designated trails. Even on the most clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider which way to go. 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 astray. 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 which way to head. If you become absolutely unsure of how
to binoculars. Or, if you don’t aspire to feel like a burro, you can neatly stow all of these items in your day pack or backpack. The following list showcases never-hike-without-them items, in alphabetical order, as all are important:
