What to Bring on a Hiking Trip

When you go for a hike, the most important part of your trip happens long before you leave. It's the part where you take the time to be prepared for everything you are likely to encounter. Smart hikers can, with a minimum of extra effort, be prepared for almost anything.

Besides your basics like comfortable walking/hiking shoes, a comfortable back pack, season appropriate clothing, and a water bottle, there are many things that can make a minor backcountry excursion a well prepared one.

Many people simply do not prepare for changes in weather when hiking; especially when deciding to hike on peaks and in mountainous areas. The weather on mountain ranges can vary from one spot to another, indeed, there is often still snow on the peak surrounding Crater Lake, OR in the middle of July. Always anticipate weather variables and wear clothing in layers for your hike. You can always strip off extra layers; whereas you cannot put on what you don't have. While it might seem extreme to carry a set of mittens, hat and a change of socks year round, they are lightweight, compact and may well save your life. Also consider having a mini rain poncho (available in many stores for as little as two dollars) and/or a large orange garbage bag and/or a "solar blanket". These could keep you warm and dry if you should run into extreme conditions on the peaks, and could help signal for help if you need it.

As a prepared hiker, you most likely are carrying some sort of food with you. Always carry enough dried food to last you at least twenty four hours, preferably for forty eight hours. If you should get lost, you will at least have something to sustain you. Much more importantly, you need to have a source of water, and a way to purify water should you run out. If you can't carry a water purification kit, always carry water purification tablets just in case.

Because trails often deteriorate, it is important for you to have a map and compass of the area where you are hiking. Know how to use them both. Poor weather and fatigue or injury can cause anyone to lose their way. Using the map and compass can help you find your way back to the trail and home again.

In the event that you, or one in your party is injured and are unable to move, a first aid kit can be a big help. Always carry a first aid kit equipped with the full spectrum of first aid equipment you're likely to need - from plaster bandages to anti-venom depending on your expedition. It would also help if you took a basic first aid course. If you're immobilized, you can use the orange plastic bag to let searchers know where you are. Some people carry emergency flares, and these can also be a light-weight but effective way to signal your presence. Whistles do more than keep wild animals at bay, they can also be used to help rescuers so long as they don't sound like any of the wild birds in the area. Fox 40 whistles have a sharp, piercing sound that cannot be mistaken for anything else.

If you happen to get stuck, and need to stay overnight, you'll need a way to warm water, cook food and to keep warm. Besides your cold weather gear, a box of waterproof matches, fire-starters or a lighter and candles will be a smart investment. Besides being a source of light and warmth, a campfire will deter some wild animals and be a way for search and rescue to find you. You might also want to carry an LED flashlight, or invest in a flashlight that doesn't require batteries. Then you can keep warm while making light.

A utility knife is perhaps one of the greatest tools of the backcountry hiker. With it, a hiker can do just about anything they need to; they can cut clothes, saw small branches, split open a fish, or open a bottle. When choosing a utility knife, think about what it can help you do more effectively if you're in the back country.

Depending on where you hike, you may (or may not) need to carry bear spray. If you're paying attention to animal signs as you hike you may never run into "wildlife gone bad". However, if you live in an area that has predatory animals, make certain that you observe the laws of your region while keeping yourself and your party safe.

Equipped with all these goodies, you'll be a regular "boy scout" and "be prepared for just about anything on your hike.

For other suggestions to having a safer hike, check out the British Columbia Search and Rescue website at http://www.bcsara.com/safetytips.php