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Ten Essentials for a Day HikeBy Nancy Condon Fall is a great time to get out and hike in New England where I live. The landscape is gorgeous, the air is crisp and scenic views are now revealed through leafless branches. No matter where or when you hike, there are some basic necessities you should always carry. Before you hit the trail, make sure your daypack is stocked with these essential items for your comfort and safety: 1-Water. Keeping yourself hydrated is essential. You sweat and lose precious water no matter what season or location you choose to hike. Obviously, an ambitious hike in hot, sunny regions would require more water than on a leisurely stroll in the cool New England fall. Take water breaks even if you don't feel thirsty. 2-Snack. If your hike is expected to last most of the day, a lunch would be in order, but even if you plan to be out only a couple of hours, do not forget a granola bar, apple, peanuts, or some energy-rich snack to hold you over in case you overstay your expectations. 3-Raincoat. Despite its name, a raincoat can also act as a windbreaker or personal shelter. Its value in preserving body heat in wind, rain, or unexpected coolness is worth the bulk. Even in hot, sunny areas, a loose garment to drape over exposed skin could prevent water loss and sun damage. 4-Map and Compass. Preventing yourself from getting lost entails that you keep track of your progress along the way. Be cognizant of the direction you are heading and the distance you cover on the map to get a sense of the scale of the map. Also include a compass, so you can orient the map properly. 5-Flashlight. Even if you are an expert hiker, an unexpected turn-of-events may force your day hike into an overnight stay. Don't use it to continue your wandering in the dark. It is to see your surroundings to prepare for an overnight stay. Don't forget good batteries. 6-Rope. Twenty to thirty feet of parachute cord is always in my daypack. Rope is such a useful item, especially if you know a couple of knots to go with it. Rigging a shelter, carrying items, make-shift fishing line, drying clothes by a fire are all possible uses for rope. I'm sure you'll find more. 7-Pocketknife. My swiss-army knife is part of my regular pocket paraphernalia. I use it everyday for a number of purposes. In the woods, you will find even more uses. It is the handiest tool you will have. 8-Matches or lighter or flint & steel. A small fire provides warmth, drying power, a visible beacon to searchers, and comfort when a day hike extends into night. Be sure you have a way to build yourself a fire. 9-First aid kit. Though I have a very compact and lightweight kit, even I get annoyed at having to lug this thing around for years without using it. But when you need to stem some bleeding, take an aspirin for a headache or treat insect stings, you will be glad you have it. Make sure it is well stocked. 10-Whistle. This may seem like an odd choice, but under situations of cold, stress, and overwork, vocal chords can fail. Shouting for help can only last so long. It takes only breath to toot loudly and bring attention to yourself when you hear searchers nearby. You may be inclined to pack your cell phone. This is a great thing to have in emergencies, but do not rely on it to the exclusion of everything else. Ravines, hilly terrain, and mountains all block reception. A GPS can triangulate your location and be a great aid in helping you get your bearings, but it does not work if you can only reach one satellite. If you get good signals, be sure you know how to use that information to get yourself back into familiar territory. The bottom line is, do not rely solely on technology. Your preparedness, sense of self-reliance and rational thought will more assuredly win the day. Once that pack is complete, hit the trails, and enjoy yourself. About the author Nancy Condon is an award-winning Environmental Educator, cross-country canoeist, hike leader, fan of National Parks, and co-founder of NaturePods, Nature Traveler Guides. For unique programs to download to your iPod before you travel or explore the outdoors, visit http://www.NaturePods.com |
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