Fall has arrived, and for much of the country this means cool, crisp days when it's a positive delight to explore the changing countryside on a day-long hike. Whether a 1-mile ramble or a 10-mile trek, day hiking is even more pleasurable (or less likely to become unpleasurable) with a little preparation. Take along the right equipment and supplies and you'll be ready for any surprises, from inclement weather to map readers who turn a jaunt into something much more daunting.
Here's a checklist of supplies you might consider for your hike:
Shoes/Boots: The right shoe depends a great deal on the conditions you will encounter on your journey. For a short stroll on a pristine path, any comfortable shoe will do. If you plan to hike a long way on muddy, rocky, or steep paths, though, you'll want a good pair of boots that will keep your feet dry and support your ankles. These L.L.Bean Men's Mid-Cut Trail Model Hikers II Boots ($49.99 with free shipping, $19 off) feel like lightweight sneakers but provide the heavy-duty support perfect for trekking through the woods.
Clothes: Consider wearing apparel made of a synthetic fiber or wool rather than cotton, which soaks up water like a sponge. (You wouldn't want to wind up a wet and cold hiker in danger of hypothermia.) You'll especially want socks like these Cabela's Men's Ingenius Series 10 Socks ($12.99, or 3 pairs for $10.99 each, with $5.95 s&h, up to $9 off), which feature a wool/synthetic blend to keep wet feet warm. Remember to dress in layers so while you hike, you'll stay comfortable. A hat is great for both inclement weather and sun protection. And in addition to fabrics that handle moisture well, you can keep this Coghlan's Unisex Lightweight Poncho ($3.99 with $5.95 s&h, a low by $3) stuffed in your bag.
Pack: A daypack is a great way to carry all your supplies, and can be a useful bag to have around for other purposes. They can vary widely in terms of price, but since these are simple bags without too many bells and whistles, you don't need to break the bank to find something sufficient. One of the cheapest options we found is the High Sierra Curve Daypack ($18.95 with free shipping, a low by $8).
Map, Compass, or Backcountry GPS Unit: It's easy to become disoriented in the woods, so a standard trail map and compass — like the über cheap Transparent Compass with Neck Lanyard ($1.99 with free shipping, a low by $4) — are invaluable aids to keep track of where you are. An even better choice, albeit much pricier, is a GPS unit programmed with trails for the backcountry like the Garmin eTrex Venture Portable GPS Navigator ($115.40 with free shipping, a low by $6).
Flashlight: A new LED flashlight, such as the 6-LED Adjustable Head Flashlight ($2.99 with free shipping), will last much longer on a set of batteries than one with an incandescent bulb.
First Aid Kit: A lightweight, general purpose first aid kit like the Physicians Care All Purpose First Aid Kit ($10.88 with free shipping) will keep you covered for any nicks and cuts that arise on the trail.
Knife & Fire Starter: It's useful to bring a few key tools with you, because you never know what may happen on a hike. A knife, or even better, a multi-tool, is always a handy device to have. The Leatherman Squirt Multi-tool ($23.95 with free shipping, a low by $2) has pliers, scissors, a knife blade, and other accessories built in. Additionally, should you be stranded somewhere overnight, the ability to start a fire could be a lifesaver. If you take matches, keep them dry. A lighter would also be a useful choice. We recently tested the Wilderness Survival Flint / Fire Starter ($3.99 with free shipping, a low by $3) from Meritline, with positive reviews.
Food & Water: Energy bars and GORP (i.e., good old raisins and peanuts) make tasty trail snacks and are high-energy emergency provisions. Remember to check with hikers for peanut allergies, though. Carry enough foodstuff to get you through to the next day in case of an emergency. Also, pack plenty of bottled water, and, if appropriate, carry along a water filter. A neat trick from REI: wrap the water bottle with several turns of duct tape, and you'll have the tape to use in an emergency.
Bug Repellent & Sunscreen: Nothing can destroy a pleasant ramble quicker than a hoard of mosquitoes or pesky black files. Your local outdoor store should be able to help find a repellent for the specific pests you're likely to encounter. And don't forget to wear sunscreen! Even under the canopy of a forest you'll be catching some sun rays, and your skin can burn sooner than you think.
Emergency Blanket: You never know what might happen while hiking, so a simple emergency blanket like the Space All-Weather Blanket ($15.47 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $6) is a smart item to keep on hand. It takes up very little space and weighs less than a pound, but can help keep you warm overnight in a pinch. If you bring along some string, you can turn this blanket it into a lean-to, as well.
Why sit at home watching the boob tube when nature is inviting you to witness the annual miracle of fall? Just fill up that pack and head out to the trailhead; it will do both your soul and your soles good.
Front page photo courtesy: CGPGrey.com
Top page photo credit: David Steltz via Flickr
New to dealnews? Click here register now.