What to Pack for Hiking Trails

Packing for a hiking trip depends on where you are going to hike, and for how long. This list should be able to provide you with at least the basics of the essentials.

Gear
You can't just get any backpack and stuff it with water and a first aid kit. This requires careful planning. For a basic hiking trip one person needs a first-aid kit with the basics of gauze for wounds, tweezers, anti-itch cream, alcohol wipes, aloe vera gel, bandages, scissors and gloves. I'm not saying this is all that you need for a first-aid kit, these are the essential items that you might need. A compass, watch, and a 33 gallon size trash bag should prove very useful as well. Why a trash bag? You can use it to keep you dry when it rains too much, or in emergency situations you can stuff it with dry leaves and cover yourself in it!! Try to also get a backpack made specifically made for hiking and trails. These backpacks are made in such a way that your back is fully supported and there is less weight on your shoulders. Some of them even have built-in pouches to hold water! A bit of nylon rope, perhaps 20 feet, can prove to be useful for many things. A powerful flashlight is a must. The ones with L.E.D. 's are the best because the batteries last much longer compared to an ordinary flashlight. (light emitting diode) A tactical folding knife is highly recommended when hiking as well; to cut things with, make a trap for game, etc. A hiking stick can be useful for balance while walking, clear spiderwebs in your path and defense against wild animals. Major outdoor stores should carry them, mainly one's made of metal and aluminum. They are all adjustable. Adjust the hiking stick so that one hand can comfortably hold it while standing up. Your arm should be bent at the elbow at 90 degrees, and with your hand at about waist level.

Footwear
If you aren't going to hike in snow, then low to medium height hiking boots should suffice. Don't just pick a big name brand, or popular hiking boots. It is best to pick boots that will fit your personal walking style. The boots that you select have to be comfortable, not too heavy, and ready to endure the rigors of the trail. It also needs to have plenty of gripping power in the treads. The last thing you need is to slip and fall, bust your knee up and injure yourself, all because you didn't have enough grip under your feet.

The food that you take with you for hiking should have enough energy to keep you going, not take up a lot of space, and at least be decent enough to eat.

Snacks
Dried fruit is healthy for you and gives your body a boost of vitamins.
Trail mixes are great, but you mainly want to stick to the one's that have a lot of mixed nuts.
Oatmeal cookies have plenty of carbohydrates to fuel your body and keep you full.

Drinks
One of the best things to drink on a hiking trail is water. Hiking on trails with weight on your back can be tiring. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking 8 ounces of water every hour. There are special bags made to hold different amounts of water and without being heavy at the same time. Your electrolytes might need replenishing as well. There are several electrolyte drinks out in the stores, but try to pick the one with the lowest sugar per serving. It's not a good idea to have a sugar rush and then feel sluggish later on. You want to keep your body at the optimum level for hiking.

Meals
Apple slices with cheese.
Granola bars with dried fruit.
There are various meals ready to eat- (MRE's), but are costly.

Clothing
These will be the heaviest items in your backpack, so you have to pack smart. Ripstop shorts are always good to have, because inevitably your clothes will snag on some bush or brush and try to tear a hole in it. With durable ripstop shorts, they should be able make it through the trails with no problem. Try not to pack thick shirts, instead pack thin cotton shirts. Your body will be able to breathe comfortably while hiking on the trails and keep sweat to a minimum.

Emergency Items
In case there is an urgent matter or an emergency, what do you have to signal for help? A small mirror can help, you can use it with sunlight to flash light to helicopters. If there is no sunlight, you can use your flashlight. If you are incapacitated, then a bright colored scarf or shirt can help rescuers spot your position much more easily.

If you are going to hike in the snow, then you will have to pack accordingly. Snow hiking is another matter entirely. You will have to adjust your items entirely for the type of hiking you are going to do.