Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've been doing a ton of hiking the last couple of months and have been building a small list in my head of things I should have on different levels of hikes. Right now, I keep it very simple. Plenty of water, food, and extra layers depending on the weather. I know there are probably a 100 other things I should be thinking of (bug spray comes to mind right now), and someone even mentioned possibly carrying a firearm. Do you think that's really needed?
Let me hear your list of must haves and nice-to-haves.
I assume you're talking about day hikes, not overnight? It really depends on where the hike is...the more remote and less used the trail is, the more "emergency" type equipment could be needed. Some things I usually have:
Matches
A small knife
Map or guidebook
Poncho
Water
Energy Bar/apple
Compass (never, ever used it, lol)
Small length of cord or thin rope
Long sleeve shirt
I never took a whistle, but its probably a good idea.
I think a gun is way overboard.
Small silky, waterproof matches/lighters, fire starter, water filter, sunglasses, sun screen, lip balm, headlamp, GPS, space blanket, extra batteries, paracord.
We just hike with our camelbaks. We put a dog bowl for the dogs h20, a small first aid kit (more then once I've had to hunt a bandaid down for a blister), sunblock, bug spray, map (even though we know most spots by heart it's still so important if you get turned around), jacket, and extra socks.
I don't see anything you are missing and I think a gun is way overboard. If we were out west with grizzles and mountain lions, maybe. But not here.
Oh and remember to always leave a note or tell someone where you go and when you are expected back.
More than enough water, if more than 5 miles in a camelback, less than 5 then bottles in a hip pack. Next important is a small pocketable P&S camera. Mine is a Canon S95, 2.8, shoots in RAW. Small pocket knife, Case Texas Toothpick. Small bag of Trader Joes unsalted roasted sunflower seeds,a chocolate bar and an apple. Before any of that get a good pair of made in USA Danner hiking boots, $300+. Anything else for a day hike depends on length and weather. If you start early, then much less chance of getting caught in a summer storm. A gun is useless extra weight and just adds unnecessary expectation of a non-existing threat and needlessly threatens others.
We just hike with our camelbaks. We put a dog bowl for the dogs h20, a small first aid kit (more then once I've had to hunt a bandaid down for a blister), sunblock, bug spray, map (even though we know most spots by heart it's still so important if you get turned around), jacket, and extra socks.
I don't see anything you are missing and I think a gun is way overboard. If we were out west with grizzles and mountain lions, maybe. But not here.
Oh and remember to always leave a note or tell someone where you go and when you are expected back.
Good stuff! I always have a whistle and at least one trekking pole
No firearm, we've been camping for 40 years never felt the need. Just returned from a 4,756 mile trip out west with our teardrop camper and never felt unsafe. We do take bear spray as we were in an area with Mountain Lions. Never have seen a lion or a bear. More bears in our yard!
Carry a weapon? Nah ... just throw your apple or energy bar at a bear.
Haha, or one could just hop on their broom and fly away from the bear!
I think the OP was looking to hear from people who actually, you know, hike.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
