How to Be Prepared for a Hike

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Enlist a friend to hike with you: someone who likes hiking and is good company is a good choice.

   Consider the following when choosing: natural views and landscape, accessibility, the availability of marked hiking trails, the length of the hike based on your personal experience and ability.
   
   Consider the terrain of the area as well.
   
   Hills and mountains are beautiful but even a short steep hike can be too challenging. , Even if you plan to hike for just a couple of hours, you do not want to run the risk of becoming dehydrated.
   
   Plan 1 L per person per hour of hiking. , Hiking boots are best.
   
   If you do not have boots, wear comfortable shoes with thick supportive soles.
   
   Make sure to take an extra pair of socks as well, particularly if you are going on a longer hike. , If you are hiking in an area where the weather is changeable, pack rain gear. , Pack additional sunscreen. , GORP doesn't have to be raisins and peanuts.
   
   Cherries, almonds, M&Ms, walnuts, cranberries, and peanut butter chips are all good.
   
   Anything non-perishable and bite-sized will do.
   
   If you are eating a meal on the trail, pack light, and as spill-free as possible.
   
   Sandwiches, bite-sized vegetables, beef sticks, fruit leather, and apples are also good trail food.
   
   Pack a small bag to contain any trash that you make.
   
   Do not leave any trash on the trail. , Normal work-gloves are good too.
   
   Hiking or walking sticks are also helpful for getting up a steep slopes, particularly if you carry a heavy pack or do not have good balance. , Tell them you will check in with them when you return.
   
   Then check in with that person when you return.
   
   Just in case anything goes wrong (for example, you get lost), that person will know where to look for you, or know to contact help if you do not return as expected. ,,,, For example, if you are going on a 9-mile hike, try a 5-mile hike a week or two before, carrying the same gear on your back that you will have for the 9-mile.
   
   This gives you time to get comfortable with your bag, and to fix any weight-distribution problems in your packing, and also time to find a comfortable strap adjustment.
2. 2

   Step 2: Choose where to hike.

3. 3

   Step 3: Pack plenty of water.

4. 4

   Step 4: Wear supportive

5. 5

   Step 5: closed footwear and comfortable socks.

6. 6

   Step 6: Wear comfortable clothes in layers that you can remove or add as needed.

7. 7

   Step 7: Wear a hat and sunscreen.

8. 8

   Step 8: Somewhere along the trail you will probably get hungry

9. 9

   Step 9: so you should pack something like GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts).

10. 10

    Step 10: If you are going somewhere with steep

11. 11

    Step 11: rocky slopes

12. 12

    Step 12: then fingerless gloves are a good thing to have on you.

13. 13

    Step 13: Let someone know that you are hiking

14. 14

    Step 14: and how long you expect to hike.

15. 15

    Step 15: Pack a cell phone.

16. 16

    Step 16: Pack basic first aid supplies

17. 17

    Step 17: including bandages

18. 18

    Step 18: moleskin

19. 19

    Step 19: tweezers

20. 20

    Step 20: and antiseptic wipes.

21. 21

    Step 21: Pack your camera.

22. 22

    Step 22: Make sure you are conditioned for long hikes.

Detailed Guide

About the Author