Starting out hiking

Asherah29

I've always loved to hike but I've recently decided to get serious about it. Monday I have a trip planned. It will just be a day hike over well used trails ending up being about 6 miles. Moderate with some strenuous areas - mostly a half mile descent into a canyon.

I've got all the basic's covered. Good shoes, clothing, backpack, snacks, water, med kit, compass, and flashlight.

Its a relatively short hike so I can't think of anything else that I will need, but I thought I might as and see if any other more experienced hikers could weigh in and mention something I am forgetting or give advice.

Thanks in advance!

dtimedwards

Aside from comfy shoes and some water, the most important thing is to tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to return. No amount of fancy gear will save you when you bump your noggin, are unconscious, and nobody even knows to look for you.

LucasEVille

Enjoy the scenary, breath in the clean air, check out the wildlife (from a distance) and leave nothing behind except your footprints and smile!

If you eventually love it so much that your struggling for new routes look to buy a GPSr.... I have the Garmin GPSMAP 64 which I use for hiking and geocaching (treasure hunt while hiking). I use open street mapping which has nearly all the public footpaths in the UK marked.

Also if you have a fancy smartphone (like most of us!) if you worry about your battery being drained take a spare or a charger park so you have a phone for emergencies.

theserpah

the biggest omission I see on your list are good socks, two pairs. Never cotton, always blend or wool.

Jruzer

I agree with dtimedwards.

Plus a few more thoughts, as I'm preparing for a two-week backpacking trip:
- sunscreen
- rain gear
- whistle
- hiking poles (you may not need, but I find them helpful with my old man knees)

Asherah29

Aside from comfy shoes and some water, the most important thing is to tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to return. No amount of fancy gear will save you when you bump your noggin, are unconscious, and nobody even knows to look for you.

Forgot to add that. That is done as well, and I am going with a partner on this trip.

Asherah29

the biggest omission I see on your list are good socks, two pairs. Never cotton, always blend or wool.

I had thought of that, but was not sure if they were needed on a short trip. Thanks! I will add!

Asherah29

Enjoy the scenary, breath in the clean air, check out the wildlife (from a distance) and leave nothing behind except your footprints and smile!

If you eventually love it so much that your struggling for new routes look to buy a GPSr.... I have the Garmin GPSMAP 64 which I use for hiking and geocaching (treasure hunt while hiking). I use open street mapping which has nearly all the public footpaths in the UK marked.

Also if you have a fancy smartphone (like most of us!) if you worry about your battery being drained take a spare or a charger park so you have a phone for emergencies.

Thank you! I always carry an extra charger and a GPS eventually would be fantastic!

ozerion

Make sure you have your 10 Essentials (+4).
http://www.backpacking.net/ten-essl.html

Asherah29

I agree with dtimedwards.

Plus a few more thoughts, as I'm preparing for a two-week backpacking trip:
- sunscreen
- rain gear
- whistle
- hiking poles (you may not need, but I find them helpful with my old man knees)

Added several of those to my list as well. Thank you!

Asherah29

Make sure you have your 10 Essentials (+4).
http://www.backpacking.net/ten-essl.html

Great List! Thank you!

dmpizza

Trail Map ?

Cheeseburger85

I agree with theserpah - good socks are incredibly important. Merino wool is best in my opinion. Also pack a good sharp pocket knife. You will end up using it at some point.

theserpah

the biggest omission I see on your list are good socks, two pairs. Never cotton, always blend or wool.

I had thought of that, but was not sure if they were needed on a short trip. Thanks! I will add!

I bring a second pair not in the event I wear through the first pair but in the event I get the first pair wet (or it's quite hot). Hiking in wet socks is the easiest way to get a blister (and cast down on an otherwise great hike)

Asherah29

the biggest omission I see on your list are good socks, two pairs. Never cotton, always blend or wool.

I had thought of that, but was not sure if they were needed on a short trip. Thanks! I will add!

I bring a second pair not in the event I wear through the first pair but in the event I get the first pair wet (or it's quite hot). Hiking in wet socks is the easiest way to get a blister (and cast down on an otherwise great hike)

Excellent point. I don't want blisters!

Asherah29

Trail Map ?

Picking up tomorrow. I do not have it as yet.

Asherah29

I agree with theserpah - good socks are incredibly important. Merino wool is best in my opinion. Also pack a good sharp pocket knife. You will end up using it at some point.

I have that too. Always carry one aside from hiking. - country girl lol

LucasEVille

Also pack a good sharp pocket knife. You will end up using it at some point.

If you hike outside of your own country make sure you check the local laws on knives, in the UK you have to have a provable reason if you want a lock knife above a certain length, going on a small hike doesn't qualify. Going up the tallest mountain (for survival) or fishing (as a tool) for example will be fine.

Asherah29

Also pack a good sharp pocket knife. You will end up using it at some point.

If you hike outside of your own country make sure you check the local laws on knives, in the UK you have to have a provable reason if you want a lock knife above a certain length, going on a small hike doesn't qualify. Going up the tallest mountain (for survival) or fishing (as a tool) for example will be fine.

Oh good to know! I won't be leaving the country for a hike any time soon, but hopefully in the future!

ashenriver

Not sure where you are, but in my area bear spray is a must.

splashtree2

I've always loved to hike but I've recently decided to get serious about it. Monday I have a trip planned. It will just be a day hike over well used trails ending up being about 6 miles. Moderate with some strenuous areas - mostly a half mile descent into a canyon.

I've got all the basic's covered. Good shoes, clothing, backpack, snacks, water, med kit, compass, and flashlight.

Its a relatively short hike so I can't think of anything else that I will need, but I thought I might as and see if any other more experienced hikers could weigh in and mention something I am forgetting or give advice.

Thanks in advance!

I think you've everything, the most inportant thing is the company....so you don't get bored and you enjoy with someone...

jenilla1

I routinely hike and/or run long distances (5-10 miles) on familiar trails in the hills. The only thing I need is sunscreen (which I put on beforehand so I don't have to haul it along) and my hat. I drink tons of water the night before I leave and have plenty when I get back. I'll bring water with me only if it's hot that day. Unless my hike is going to be more than 10 miles, I don't like to carry a bunch of extra crap along unless I'm in an area I'm unfamiliar with and it will be extra strenuous.

Some of the suggestions here seem more appropriate for longer distance backpacking trips, not a simple 6 miler - for example, the two pairs of wool socks seems like overkill to me - but you should definitely take anything that you think you may need or want. It's also a good idea to let someone know where and when you'll be going, especially if it's an unfamiliar trail.

I recently did a 21 mile day hike with my husband, and we took his camelback full of water, lunch, and light jackets. The hike was NOT supposed to be 21 miles, but our defective map left out a 7 mile section connecting the two main trails, so we kinda ran out of light getting out of the wilderness. It would have been handy to have had flashlights, since it was dark for the last couple of miles, but we made it alright and had a ton of fun. That was the first time something like that had happened to us (I've been doing this kind of thing for over 20 years) but the most important thing to remember is to stay calm, adapt to the situation, and keep a sense of humor.

Enjoy your hike. You'll do great!

arf24_1

Don't forget bug spray.

kelly_e_montana

My usual hikes are 3.5 miles, but it's not unusual for me to do a 6-10 mile hike. On my 3.5 mile trail runs, I take a bottle of water, if that.
I put on sunscreen and bug spray beforehand.

On a few hour hike, I take a light day pack with an extra outer layer if the weather looks iffy, a meal/snack, bear spray, a pocket knife, small first aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, my camera, and a lighter. I also carry extra water and if I'll be near a stream, I take my microfilter water bottle so I don't have to pack much of that. I've never needed extra socks since it's dry around here, but they are light so I guess it isn't a bad idea at all!

Keep in mind that 6 miles to one person is a short run while to another, it may be an all day hike.

I've not had problems on a hike, but I have been stuck in the mud 40 miles from the nearest town with no cell coverage while on a back roads drive. The reason I don't mention taking a cell phone is because it's pretty much futile half the places where I live. So that being said, I always prepare myself for the idea that I might have to spend the night somewhere.

HelenWater

Camera!