Joined May 2008
L4: Apprentice
Forum Thread
Hiking equipment suggestions?
February 1, 2016 at
03:53 PM
My GF and I are thinking about hiking starting in the spring. We will be on trails but you never know if an emergency comes up. I am looking for suggestions for gear.
Mainly a handheld GPS and an emergency beacon.
Other gear suggestions other than good shoes, socks, appropriate clothes, water, backpack.
Don't worry about a camera, I have that covered
Mainly a handheld GPS and an emergency beacon.
Other gear suggestions other than good shoes, socks, appropriate clothes, water, backpack.
Don't worry about a camera, I have that covered
About the OP
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Two good 1L nalgene bottles (one each side).
First aid kit w/moleskin
Emergency bivy (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb...gen
Lightweight raingear
Fire starter kit
paracord
Sawyer water filter in case you run out of water (http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Prod...yer+filt
Flashlight/headlamp
Personal survival kit
Toilet paper and small shovel (just in case the mood strikes)
Electrolyte tablets to prevent/help with cramping.
Knife/multitool
Do you need anything for cooking?
The trails in the mountains are very good, too.
Backpack - I didn't think of that since I have a nice camera bag that is a backpack.
Mainly a handheld GPS and an emergency beacon.
Other gear suggestions other than good shoes, socks, appropriate clothes, water, backpack.
Don't worry about a camera, I have that covered
First and foremost, don't buy too much until you get a few hikes under your belt. A hundred experienced hikers like myself can tell you what to bring or not bring, what to wear, etc. and you may find that something else entirely is what's best for you. HYOH (Hike your Own Hike). OK, that said ...
GPS: I've got an old Garmin 60Csx. There is a replacement model now with a nicer screen, etc, but if you don't mind having a basic screen, it might be worth looking into picking up the 60Csx used on eBay, Craigslist, etc. Alternately, check out Gaia GPS for iPhone/Android. It is hands-down the best GPS hiking app out there. Just make sure to download the maps you need while you still have a signal so they will be available offline. BONUS: In addition to current trails, Gaia shows old trails that are no longer maintained, which makes for some great bushwhacking loops if you're the adventurous type.
Backpack: Go to REI and try them on. A 20-25L daypack can hold more than enough food, extra clothing, etc. for 1-2 people for a dayhike. I'm partial to Gregory and Osprey, but there are tons to choose from. FWIW, the pack I've been using for the last 7 years is a Gregory Z25.
Socks: You implied that you have socks, but I will say this anyway: Avoid cotton! Cotton will result in hot spots and blisters regardless of how good your boots are. Many hikers like wool, but if your feet tend to sweat a lot, I wouldn't recommend them as wool doesn't dry out quickly. I prefer the quick-drying polyester blend socks, such as the ones made by Thorlo.
Water: Again, you implied that you had water covered, but I would recommend a hydration bladder over the Nalgenes. It will allow you to carry more water and do so more comfortably. Be sure to drop a couple Efferdent tablets in it every now and then to eliminate any bacteria buildup.
Headlamp: Get one, even if you don't plan on being out overnight. Even experienced hikers get lost, injured, or slowed down sufficiently by something sometimes.
Trekking Poles: These are not a must, but they're helpful in snow/ice, to save your knees some torment on the way down, to divide up the work between your arms/legs a little on the way up, etc. Black Diamond is my preferred brand FWIW. I am no longer able to use them, unfortunately, as my pack of rescue dogs has grown considerably and I rarely have 2 hands free for long.
Shoes: Yeah, yeah .. you have them.
General tips ...
- Bring extra clothing. Extra socks are always good; you never know when yours are going to get wet. In the fall, winter, or even early spring an extra layer is always a good idea. If you can afford it, check out some of the lightweight down/down alternative pieces (e.g. Arc'teryx).
- Always plan for the unexpected (e.g. headlamp, rain gear).
- Bring some type of tick removal device. Tick spoon, tick lasso, tweezers, whatever. No one has ticks like we do, but I figure they're still somewhat of an issue in NH.
- Consider a tripod or mini-tripod of some sort. A selfie isn't going to capture you, the GF, and the beautiful scenery behind you - and there is rarely anyone else around to snap that photo (lack of people is what makes hiking great after all!). Gorilla Pods are worth a look if you just want something small and simple.
First, get and learn how to use basic navigational tools like a GOOD (USGS) topographical map and a prismatic compass. An altimeter is also extremely useful. Once you've mastered analog navigation, and if you start doing really hard core cross country hiking, then get a GPS.
I honestly just carrying an old jansport backpack. I keep it light. It's worked great.
I forced my boyfriend into toe socks for hikes because he gets nasty blisters. I also bring kinesio tape. I have it for other reasons, but I bring it in case someone sprains an ankle, etc. What we have figured out is that it is amazing to stick on top of a blister you feel forming. It stops it.
I have a camel pack for water. It's worth investing in if you drink a lot of water. If not, I fill my backpack with at least three water bottles per person.
I just use my phone for a GPS, but that's bc I'm cheap and don't want to invest in one for hiking.
Shoes... Make sure they support your ankles. You're gonna trip and twist over tree roots more than likely.
- Bring extra clothing. Extra socks are always good; you never know when yours are going to get wet. In the fall, winter, or even early spring an extra layer is always a good idea.
Also bring toilet paper/wet wipes. When my friend and I got lost, we had to take a few trips into the woods. We were both girls, but yeah.
Also a first aid kit. I've fallen and destroyed my knee and needed it.
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As for the hiking, take a thermal emergency blanket, extra food and a good light. You never know what might happen out on the trails so it's best to prepare for the worst case scenario.
There was an incident here recently where some day hikers and overnight campers became stranded due to an unexpected heavy snowfall on one of the really easy trails here. Either direction on the trail would lead you back to a paved road but the snow was too deep to hike through one way and the other way was blocked by an avalanche of snow and downed trees. They had to wait for daylight the next day and rescue everyone with Snowcats.
As for the hiking, take a thermal emergency blanket, extra food and a good light. You never know what might happen out on the trails so it's best to prepare for the worst case scenario.
There was an incident here recently where some day hikers and overnight campers became stranded due to an unexpected heavy snowfall on one of the really easy trails here. Either direction on the trail would lead you back to a paved road but the snow was too deep to hike through one way and the other way was blocked by an avalanche of snow and downed trees. They had to wait for daylight the next day and rescue everyone with Snowcats.
1) In the first aid kit should be - even for a day hike - some pain reliever tabs clearly marked. Clove oil is a good and cheap anesthetic.
2) Know before you go is the motto of Surfline.
3) Layer your clothes but not to where it's bulky or heavy.
4) Let people know where you're going exactly and give them a "window" of when you should be back. Seriously. Leave an effing map and estimated times of where you'll be. Do not deviate.
5) If there's a ranger station check in with it. This sometimes means simply writing your name on paper and leaving it in a marked box on the trail.
6) If there are other people on the trail, give them some space but don't drift too far apart. This is another opportunity to let people know who you are and where you are and how you are.
7) Have some idea of how to treat basic injuries. Grab a Red Cross first aid book at your library and at least skim read.
8) And take FOOD of some kind. Haven't seen it mentioned. Protein bars, trail mix, beef jerky. Eating before you go may make you feel sleepy but you'll be starting out on a full stomach.