4 minute read
The Eleven Essentials for a Well-Prepared Hike
WRITTEN BY KATIE DAUGHENBAUGH
Fall can be the most pleasant time of year to hike. It’s cooler. It smells good. The trails are less busy. Perfection!
I used to be the type to hike with minimal gear. Sometimes I wouldn’t even bring a water bottle for a short one. What’s the worst that could happen? I’m close to town, there are others on the trail, I checked the weather forecast. I don’t want the weight or that sweaty thing on my back.
Fast forward 10 years and I have a much different approach. Due to my experience in scouting, I now make sure I have the 11 essentials in my pack any time I head out. Consider adding the following to your daypack as well:
Water. Well, duh. I also bring Aqua Mira in case I need to treat some water along the trail if I run out. On a hot hike once, my troop ran into a couple from out-of-state who had run out of water and we were able to rescue them with our stores, much to their relief.
Warm layers. In Montana, even in the warmest months, the wind can pick up or a storm can come out of nowhere and you can chill fast. I bring a lightweight fleece and a hat and gloves. Yep, yearround.
Rain gear. I use to pretend rain gear was overkill. Not anymore! Let yourself get soaked once or twice on a trail and suffer the chilly repercussions afterwards and you won’t leave it behind. It also serves as a second warm layer and/or windbreaker in the right conditions.
Sun protection. Sunglasses, always, because I will wither without them. I like a ball cap, too. If I’m being honest, I’m not the best at sunscreen but I do have a little tube of it in my pack.
Trail food. I can usually budget my caloric needs before and after a hike so snacks aren’t too necessary if I’m out for a shorter hike, but I have helped out others who did not plan accordingly. Plus, if you are out with children, snacks are an excellent bribe.
Pocket knife. It weighs nothing. Throw it in. If you ever have a need to improvise a fix to a pack or cut a piece of MoleSkin, it’s handy. Another hint: electrical tape. It holds things together in an amazing way until you get home, like hiking boots.
Fire-starting materials. Honestly, I’ve never had to use this on a hike, but I can certainly envision times when I could. Especially if you get lost, or come across another hiker who is cold. Remember to follow all the fire rules in your area at the time, and leave no trace. No starting a forest fire, please. I bring a Bic lighter and call it good.
First-Aid kit. I find the pre-made kits you buy online or in stores to be disappointing. I prefer to make my own. I add Band-Aids, MoleSkin, antibiotic ointment, burn cream and a selection of OTC meds, like Ibuprofen, Imodium and Benadryl. I’ve used every little piece of my First Aid kit for myself or someone else over the years.
Flashlight. I prefer a headlamp. I specifically like mine in the fall on early morning hikes. It’s almost light enough to see where I’m going, but not quite. And then others can see me, too.7. Fire-starting materials. Honestly, I’ve never had to use this on a hike, but I can certainly envision times when I could. Especially if you get lost, or come across another hiker who is cold. Remember to follow all the fire rules in your area at the time, and leave no trace. No starting a forest fire, please. I bring a Bic lighter and call it good.
Map and compass. Scouting relics. I am old school and still bring mine because, if nothing else, they can be a fun exercise. You can also download maps of the area to your phone beforehand using an app. I like Gaia but there are lots of others.
Bear Spray! Since we live in bear country, I never go out without bear spray, year-round, no matter what. I figure it’s also better than nothing on moose and mountain lions should I need it. I like a Scat belt – look it up!
I have a few more items that I won’t go without, such as an inflatable seat cushion (luxurious on a cold hike when you want to sit and eat your lunch), a bit of rope, ear plugs and a Sharpie. These are probably leftovers from my days as Scoutmaster, but I can’t part with them.
Start with these basic 11 essentials and add to them as your experience grows. You too will learn the items you need to feel prepared on any outdoor adventure.
Katie Daughenbaugh is the Mountain Valley District Commissioner for Scouting America.
