BIG-TARGET
12-10-2004, 06:02 PM
Gear Essentials
Packing for a Day Hike
By Lesley Suppes
Aug 3, 2004, 09:02
You only plan on hiking for a few hours, but there are never any guarantees. Maybe you run across an injured hiker. Maybe the bridge to the trailhead washes out. Maybe you are contained in a tree by a black bear. Here are some daypack essentials that might smooth out these scenarios.
1.Grub: Energy bars, PB&J, Apples (don't crush under pressure), Candy Bars: things that will get you through a few extra hours. Don't forget a bone for FIDO!
2. Knife/Multi-Tool: Swiss Army, Leatherman: any kind of blade to cut clothes, old barbed-wired, or rig something MacGuyver style.
3. Water: And plenty of it! It's not a bad idea to throw some iodine tablets in for safe- keeping.
4. Extra Layers: Remember 'cotton kills' when it gets wet with sweat or water, so pack an extra fleece or poly-pro, and wind shell. Throw in something for bare legs if you have the room.
5. Sun Protection: Sunny-g's, baseball cap/visor, sunscreen, lip balm. You never know when the sun will make an appearance.
6. First Aid Kit: Pack the basics: Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, gauze, vet wrap (works great for bandaging), moleskin!
7. Lighting: Headlamp or small flashlight.
8. Matches: Or other (waterproof) fire starters.
9. Compass: And freshly honed orienteering skills.
10. Extras: Bug repellent, camera, pepper spray, ID, and a journal to document your journey.
© Copyright 1999-2004 by Hooked on the Outdoors
www.ruhooked.com
Packing for a Day Hike
By Lesley Suppes
Aug 3, 2004, 09:02
You only plan on hiking for a few hours, but there are never any guarantees. Maybe you run across an injured hiker. Maybe the bridge to the trailhead washes out. Maybe you are contained in a tree by a black bear. Here are some daypack essentials that might smooth out these scenarios.
1.Grub: Energy bars, PB&J, Apples (don't crush under pressure), Candy Bars: things that will get you through a few extra hours. Don't forget a bone for FIDO!
2. Knife/Multi-Tool: Swiss Army, Leatherman: any kind of blade to cut clothes, old barbed-wired, or rig something MacGuyver style.
3. Water: And plenty of it! It's not a bad idea to throw some iodine tablets in for safe- keeping.
4. Extra Layers: Remember 'cotton kills' when it gets wet with sweat or water, so pack an extra fleece or poly-pro, and wind shell. Throw in something for bare legs if you have the room.
5. Sun Protection: Sunny-g's, baseball cap/visor, sunscreen, lip balm. You never know when the sun will make an appearance.
6. First Aid Kit: Pack the basics: Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, gauze, vet wrap (works great for bandaging), moleskin!
7. Lighting: Headlamp or small flashlight.
8. Matches: Or other (waterproof) fire starters.
9. Compass: And freshly honed orienteering skills.
10. Extras: Bug repellent, camera, pepper spray, ID, and a journal to document your journey.
© Copyright 1999-2004 by Hooked on the Outdoors
www.ruhooked.com