Preparing for a Spring- or Summer-Day Hike: Supplies and What to Know

As the season opens up for spring and summer hiking, it's time to pull out the equipment and enjoy the sun, flowers and beautiful days with endless trails into the countryside and mountains. There are lakes, rivers and deserts enough for everyone to find that perfect place to start walking. It is nature's way of giving new life after winter to all living things.

But as you think about this wonderful world and all there is to explore you have to remember nature is giving new life to even the dangers of what survives and thrives where humans do not make their homes. Being aware of the dangers and what to do is part of staying alive and healthy long enough to enjoy your waiting adventure. Prepare with a plan and enjoy the land. But follow the rules of the trail.

1. If you are going to enjoy an early spring day hike just remember in most places of the country it could still snow. So prepare for cold weather, but enjoy the warmth while it last. Do not venture too far during this time of year in case weather forces you to return to the trailhead where your transportation is waiting. Carry all essential items with you for a cold night in the forest just in case you are trapped and have to spend a few days before rescue.

2. If you are going a little later in the spring you will need to prepare for rains. Carry a raincoat or just a large plastic garbage bag. The garbage bag is light weight and easy to pack. By cutting a slit in the bottom you can pull it over your head to keep you dry and then you can make a few small slits to put your arms through. This will keep you dry and if you are dry you will stay warm much easier.

Now for the next problem with a day hike this time of year. If you are going into mountains of any kind you have to remember it is the time of year when bears are coming out of hibernation. They are grumpy and they are hungry. They will eat just about anything including any food you might be carrying even if they eat it while it is still in the pack you wear or your pockets! Bears do not respond to screams, prayers or begging during this time of year if you are between them and food.

Stay out of their way and do not offer them food! If you are carrying food in a pack and the bear is coming after you, then give him the pack and leave quickly. M&M's are not worth being mauled by a bear! If you come across a bear eating berries or on the trail, stop! Move away slowly and find another direction. Do NOT think you can out run the bear or sneak by him. Bears are a lot smarter than you are when it comes to survival in the wilds.

3. Invest in good shoes. Your feet are your only transportation in the wilderness when hiking so you have to take good care of them. If you wear a blister on your foot because of bad footwear you cannot stop and just put on a spare foot! Make sure you are wearing good socks and always take an extra pair just in case something happens. You will be so glad if you are tired, soar and wet from wading too many swollen streams if you have a dry pair of socks to change into after you stop.

4. Wear light to medium weight clothing good for hiking. Cotton material is a good choice because it will absorb sweat and breath well if the weather is hot. It dries quickly and is easy to care for. Always carry a heavier shirt or jacket incase the weather changes during your hike. It's no fun if you are freezing. Wear a hat for protection from rain, wind and sun. It won't matter if you have long hair because you can still burn your face or the part in your hair. A hat will keep heat from escaping your body too quickly if the weather becomes cold.

5. Carry a pack with a few extras for comfort and emergencies. Always carry a small first aid kit. You can buy one at any camp section in any department store for a very low price. While you are buying the first aid kit also consider the very simple and tiny kit for rattlesnake bite. For less the a few dollars you could live to tell the story if you have one with you and learn quickly how to use it!

Invest in sun block to prevent sunburns and invest in bug repellent to prevent being eaten alive by hungry, hungry bugs and mosquitoes! For such tiny creatures they can make life really miserable real fast. Also carry a reflector blanket. It is perfect for shade in hot sun or keeping warm if trapped in the open when it gets cold. Use a sealable baggie and carry matches, extra snacks and a flashlight. These are for the emergency when you are lost, hurt or just don't want to go home and have to spend the night on the trail somewhere.

6. Always, always carry water! Use a canteen, use a military water pack or take bottled water with you. Use it sparingly, but be sure you drink enough to stay alive! You can live a long time on water only if you run out of food or can't beg any from others in your party. Try not to drink from streams unless it is a true emergency, because if you are downstream from a cattle ranch the water can be infected.

7. Have a plan! Even if it is a trail you are familiar with always let someone know where you are going and when you will return. If you don't return within a reasonable amount of time of when expected then a search can start. If you get seriously hurt you may not be able to get back to your car even if you were only 20 minutes into the hike.

If you are trying a new trail for the first time use a map. You can pick them up at any camping or hiking store. Look it over carefully before you leave and learn a little about the trail you'll be walking. What is the terrain like? Is it steep, rivers, canyons? Is there shade or is it open land exposed to direct sunlight? Once you decide on a trail and notify your watch party and do not leave it. Stay on the trail you planned unless you return and re-plan the hike for safety sake.

Now you are ready for whatever happens. You are ready for cold, heat, snow, rain, steep trails, bears, rattlesnakes and all else you could encounter on the trail. But no matter how ready you think you are there are a lot more things you could encounter you never thought of. Bulls! Moose? Skunk! Good luck, good hiking and have the adventure of a lifetime. Life can be exciting within a few