Essentials and Tips
The Ten Essentials
1.
Maps - A 15' map
should be good enough if you stay on the trail. If you are more
adventurous, it may be a good idea to have more detail, such as a 7.5' map. You
can purchase good Green Trail maps at REI or GI-Joe. An alternative to
purchasing maps is to print your own. I use the program Topo
2. Compass - A map isn't much good without something to tell you the correct direction. You can pick up books on how to use a compass and there are a couple web sites that are pretty good. Just do a search with Google. Don't forget that here in the Northwest, magnetic North is about 20 to 22 degrees to east of true North.
3. Flashlight/Headlamp - You don't want to be caught in the dark if for some reason you don't get back to the trailhead before dark. I find a headlamp is best since it frees both your hands. This is especially convenient when you are in the dark. The new LED based headlamps last much longer on a set of batteries. I choose one that uses 3 common AAA batteries. It lasts between 20 and 80 hours depending on the setting. It even has a blinking mode which could help someone find you in the dark.
4. Extra Food - If for some reason you get stuck out on the trail overnight, it is good to have extra food to keep your energy up. I keep an extra pack of trailmix usually and a couple packs of PowerBar GEL.
5. Extra Clothing - Layering is always the best. Pack an extra jacket or sweater to keep your core warm incase it gets colder than you expected. Also, a rain shell. Weather in the cascades can change in a mater of hours. I always pack with the assumption that I may have to spend the night. A friend of mine says dress like summer and pack like winter.
6. Sunglasses - First time I saw sunglasses on the list I thought it was a mistake. The first time I had to cross a large snow drift on a bright summer day I understood. I began to carry a cheap $10 pair of sunglasses. One may I hiked to Blanca lake with my cheap sunglasses. My eyes hurt for several days afterward. After a little research, I found that you want to make sure your sunglasses block over 90% UV.
7. First-aid Kit - Make sure you get a first-aid kit is more than just bandaids. Carry the necessary items to deal with injuries such as puncture wounds or bad scrapes from a fall. Don't forget the aspirin and the Advil. I carry sting and bite wipes and a foot blister kit. A first aid course is also a good idea.
8. Pocket Knife - I use to carry just a pocket knife, but I replaced it with a small multi-purpose Leatherman tool. I can cut or repair just about anything.
9. Matches - Waterproof matches in a waterproof case is a good idea. I lighter is also a good backup. Just be careful you don't start a forest fire.
10. Fire
starter - With regular matches or a lighter it can be hard to start a fire
in the wet or damp woods of the
Other Essentials that I carry
1. Sunscreen - Many hikes start in the shaded woods then move to a more exposed area. Just a few hours in the sun or even a cloudy sky can give you a major sunburn. If you sweat like I do, applying sunscreen on the face doesn't seem to work well. A friend suggested applying the sunscreen before I left for the hike. This seems to work pretty well for me.
2. Hat - Something to cover the head and keep the sun out of your eyes.
3. Insect repellent - You can go on several hikes and only see a couple bugs, then one day there are a million mosquitoes and flies. I carry a small container each of non-toxic and 100% deet. I only use the deet if all else fails.
4. Whistle - If you something happens and people are looking for you a whistle makes much more noise with much little effort.
5. Altimeter - A watch/altimeter combo can be very handy. It is a quick way to figure out how far along you are.
6.
GPS - Not required of course, but fun for the
real geek. I leave mine on and track the trail so I can upload the trail
on GoogleEarth. You can also upload the track
to programs like Topo
A few tips.
- Research your hike. Look at a map and trace out the route. Check the length, elevation gain, and level of your hike.
- Set a turn around time. If the hike takes longer than you planned, make sure you get back before dark if that was your plan.
- Leave hike details with friend or relative. Give them details where you will park and when you plan to return home.
- Make sure you bring enough water or filter to make more drinkable water. If you bring a water filter make sure there is a water source.
- Check the weather. Don't be surprised, but be prepared.
- Footwear is probably the most important piece of equipment when it comes to comfort. Take time to get hiking boots or shoes that are comfortable. Break them in before your first hike. Wear them around the house or work for a couple of days before you wear them on the trail.
- For anything but short hikes consider getting rid of your cotton cloths. Cotton is comfortable at home or work, but not when it gets wet. Choose clothing that wicks away perspiration.
Resources (links)
· Washington Trails Association (WTA) - Check out the hike review or maybe write one of your own. A hike review can help prepare you for unexpected trail conditions. If you find you use them often consider joining.
· USDA Forest Service - Phone numbers, trail information, a few pictures.
· Attrition.ws - This is a great site for hike reviews and pictures of the area. Good site to visit when you can't make up your mind where to hike tomorrow.
·
Maintain
Loop Highway - This site has some great pictures and reviews of hikes off
the
· REI - They have all the stuff, maybe not at the cheapest prices, but they do have good sales at time.
· GI-Joe - They have a limited supply of hiking gear and supplies, but have some pretty good sales.