It has been raining all weekend long so I haven’t been able to go on a hike. So instead of writing about my hiking experience this week I thought I would explain some of the basics I bring with me for every hike. My list may seem a bit long but it has been created based on numerous hikes and years of experience.
In my backpack
First and foremost I always bring water with me. Even if you are only hiking for a mile you should bring water to make sure you maintained hydrated throughout your journey. For those longer hikes I make sure to pack a protein bar and some fruit. A lot of the hikes I go on are over five miles and having a protein bar or an apple halfway through my hike gives me a boost of energy that I sometimes need. If possible I always bring a map of the trails I will be hiking. I find these on websites for the park before hand or at a visitor’s center. I like to make sure I know where I am going before I begin or where to go if I wander off the trail a bit. I also always make sure to have a few Band-Aids handy. Nothing is worse than being a mile into a hike and realize your boots are giving you a blister. You won’t be able to enjoy your hike and you’ll be stuck with a painful sore on your foot for a few days.
Bag’s all packed! What else should I do?
I’m not sure how many people saw the movie 127 Hours but it sends out a very clear message: tell people where you are going. Before leaving on any hike, weather I am going with a group or by myself, I always tell someone who is not going with me where I will be. By doings so, I have ensure that someone will know where I am if something happens. A bit paranoid, maybe, but I like to play it safe. I have looked at the weather for the weekend and it looks like more rain but hopefully things will clear up so I can get back on the trails soon!
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