1. Map<\/strong> Even if you\u2019re positive about where you\u2019re headed and how to get there, it\u2019s wise to bring a map with you on the trail. GPS maps are great, and consider a paper map back-up.<\/p>\r\n You can find good trail maps at specialty outdoors stores, travel bookstores and a number of on-line outlets. Use care when you select a map off the rack. Many maps sold to tourists are okay for civic sightseeing, but don’t show the backcountry in the kind of detail we hikers require.<\/p>\r\n Maps in trail guidebooks and from local and regional park authorities vary in quality from great to abysmal. Funky hand-drawn maps or poor-quality reproductions are indicators that you should purchase additional maps of the region in which you intend to hike.<\/p>\r\n Forest Service maps are available at ranger stations and various commercial outlets for a small fee. They’re general maps, showing roads, rivers, and trails. The Forest Service usually keeps its maps fairly up-to-date.<\/p>\r\n Topographic maps show terrain (elevations, waterways, vegetation and improvements) in great detail.<\/p>\r\n Okay, I admit it, I do love the Compass in my iphone.<\/p>\r\n 3. Water<\/strong> \u201cDrink before you’re thirsty” should be the hiker’s mantra. Bring plenty of water for your hike, plus some extra. And drink it! As ridiculous as it sounds, The Trailmaster has observed many hikers who remember to pack water, but don’t take the time to drink it.<\/p>\r\n Try to bring your entire water supply for the day with you so that you don’t have to rely on trailside streams. It’s still possible in some locales to drink from a very select number of backcountry creeks and springs without ill effect, but each individual water source should be carefully scrutinized.<\/p>\r\n With a few exceptions, I reluctantly advise: Don’t drink untreated water. Many hikers assume water is pure, and then, 48 hours later, get a queasy feeling that tells them their assumption was wrong. Even clear-looking waters may harbor the organism Giardia lamblia, one of the causes of “traveler’s diarrhea.” Treat any backcountry drinking water with purification tablets and\/or a quality filter.<\/p>\r\n 4. Extra Food Snack regularly and avoid a big lunch. Exertion afterward sets up a competition between your stomach and your legs and your legs lose, leading to weakness and indigestion.<\/p>\r\n 5. Extra Clothes<\/strong> If you start out on a warm sunny morning, dress accordingly (t-shirt, shorts), but bring along a long-sleeved button-down shirt, pullover and a pair of lightweight pants. Vice versa, of course, if it\u2019s cold. The extra shirt is especially nice when stopping or sitting down to rest on the trail. It\u2019s surprising how chilly you can get when you stop moving, particularly when you\u2019re in dry weather, windy places, or at high altitude.<\/p>\r\n Extra clothes also come in handy after an unexpected fall into a creek or on a wet, muddy trail. Depending on the climate, dry clothes might be the key to saving an otherwise lousy hike. Larger injuries are less common on the trail, and for those, I suggest you consult a more comprehensive first-aid manual.<\/p>\r\n 7. Pocket knife<\/strong><\/p>\r\n From slicing salami to cutting an ace bandage to rigging emergency shelter, a pocket knife is an indispensable tool on any hike. Knives really run the gamut of price, utility and style, and you can find yourself paying as little as five or as much as $70 for one of these gadgets. Almost any pocket knife will do on a day hike, as long as you keep these criteria in mind: your knife must be clean, sturdy, and sharp.<\/p>\r\n Keep your knife sharp by using a sharpening stone. You can find these at most hardware stores. Sharpening a knife is not rocket science; learn how to maintain a sharp blade and keep this vital hiker tool in tiptop shape.<\/p>\r\n 8. Sun Protection<\/strong> It\u2019s important to be extra sun-savvy when hiking in high altitudes, long stretches of un-shaded or reflective terrain(on sand dunes or near water, for example), and when the sun is at its most intense\u2014roughly between the hours of 10 and 2.<\/p>\r\n 9. Flashlight<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Although you may have no intention to stick around on the trail past sunset, it\u2019s still a good idea to carry a flashlight or headlamp every time you head out for a hike. It\u2019s easy to underestimate just how long a particular hike might take, and you might find yourself scrambling down the mountain as dusk approaches. Without a light source, you\u2019re far more likely to lose your way, take a fall, or worse, panic.<\/p>\r\n Many seasoned hikers have stories about getting stuck on the trail after dark. And most will tell you that packing a flashlight is a classic case of \u201cbetter safe than sorry.\u201d<\/p>\r\n![\"One](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Lost_Coast_Map_120.jpg\" "\\"Hiking")
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2. Compass<\/strong><\/p>\r\n![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/51QJNK1GTFL._SS500_-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Compass")
<\/a>A compass and map go hand in hand. Once you figure out how to use them together, you\u2019ll find yourself hiking around the backcountry with increased confidence. Add (but do not substitute) a GPS unit to your hiker navigation system.
Some of the features to look for in a good compass:
\u2022 One that registers 0 to 360 degrees with two-degree increments
\u2022 Liquid filled to protect the magnetic needle and reduce fluctuation
\u2022 Adjustable declination to be able to adjust for the difference between magnetic north and true north
\u2022 A base plate that can be used as a straight-edge for determining distances on maps
\u2022 A pop-up mirror for making sightings<\/p>\r\n![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/bottles_kanteenclassic-115x150.jpg\" "\\"Klean")
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Don\u2019t be shy about bringing more than you think you might eat. Your hunger\u2014or the day\u2019s plans\u2014may surprise you, and you\u2019ll want to be prepared.<\/p>\r\n![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/tj.happytreck-229x300-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Trail")
<\/a>On a day hike, weight is rarely an issue, so you can pack whatever you wish. Remember to pack out what you pack in. The day you hike is not the day to diet. Calorie counters rejoice: There’s a lot of calorie burning on a hike and quite an energy cost. You’ll need all your strength, particularly on steep grades. Energy bars, Gorp, or trail mix, with fruit, nuts, raisins, and M&M’s are good high-octane fuels. A sandwich, fruit and cookies make a good lunch. A continental spread featuring sourdough bread, a fine cheese and a splash of chardonnay is also nice.<\/p>\r\n![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/p6833581reg-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Source:")
<\/a>Wherever you travel, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll encounter some old-timer who loves the old adage, \u201cIf you don\u2019t like the weather in (pick a region), then wait five minutes.\u201d It almost doesn\u2019t matter where you\u2019re hiking, the weather often changes quickly and with little warning. The trick is to be prepared.<\/p>\r\n
6. First-Aid Kit<\/strong>![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/FirstAidBag-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Hiker's")
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While you don\u2019t need to lug along your entire medicine cabinet, there are a few essential items that will make any trip much safer and more comfortable. It\u2019s important to be prepared for a range of mishaps: blisters, cuts, scrapes, sprained ankles, among other things.
\u2022 A small assortment of adhesive bandages in various sizes.
\u2022 Antiseptic towelettes
\u2022 Antibiotic ointment
\u2022 Sterile dressing a small roll of adhesive tape for larger cuts
\u2022 Antihistamine and ibuprofen tablets for allergies and aches
\u2022 Anti-diarrheal tablets (not a necessity, but if you need them will make your trip a whole lot more pleasant)
\u2022 Moleskin, for blisters
\u2022 Ace bandage\u2014really helpful in the event of a sprained ankle
\u2022 A couple of safety pins. These can help with the oddest of medical and non-medical mishaps\u2014a torn t-shirt, a broken zipper, you name it.
\u2022 Some hikers swear by homeopathic products such as Rescue Remedy cream, tincture or tablets, and arnica for aches and bruises.<\/p>\r\n![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/vm_55201_sol_a01.jpg\" "\\"Swiss")
<\/a>Few know basic wilderness preparedness as well as the Boy Scouts\u2014and The Official Boy Scout Handbook offers guidelines for caring for your knife that are worth noting:
\u2022 Keep your knife clean, dry and sharp at all times
\u2022 Never use it on things that will dull or break it
\u2022 Keep it off the ground. Moisture and dirt will ruin it.
\u2022 Wipe the blade clean after using it
\u2022 Treat the joints to an occasional drop of machine oil so that the blades will keep opening easily.<\/p>\r\n![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/m_sp_80lotion-161x300.jpg\" "\\"Source:")
<\/a>No matter where you live, or what season it is, hikers need to take precautions against the hazards of the sun\u2019s rays. Overexposure can leave you fatigued, dehydrated, and painfully burned. A combination of a hat, sunglasses, sunblock and the right clothing can keep you properly protected from the dangers of too much sun.<\/p>\r\n
![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/41-h9-sBi-L._SL500_AA300_-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Headlamp,")
<\/a>It\u2019s easy to bring one with you. A light can be inexpensive, lightweight, and\u2014if you bring along a set of extra batteries\u2014pretty reliable. Headlamps are now more popular than ever. They\u2019re just as good (or better) than regular flashlights, and they have the added benefit of allowing hands-free illumination.<\/p>\r\n![\"Another](\"https:\/\/www.thetrailmaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/829-204T_500-e1293782410733-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Waterproof")
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