Some might think hiking is a thing anyone can do, on their own, without any pre preparation. In some cases this might be true, like a hike in a local city park or a trail in a greenbelt. While these are great places to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, many venture out into the woods far from home thinking these environments are the same.
When I first started hiking I had no idea the environments were different or what to do when it came to preparation. I didn’t know park rangers weren't around the corner to provide assistance if things got hairy!
Even though I was initially unskilled, I have successfully navigated the wilderness. I was a bit intimidated at first when seeing others on the trail. People wore fancy packs, carried poles, and dressed in specific kinds of clothing. Seeing this, I began researching gear and its use. There was little need for expensive gear at first, but as I became more skilled I started purchasing some items.
For any hike I go on, I make sure to bring extra food and water. Also, having a way to purify water is essential, you never know what might happen and you always want to be prepared. Iodine tablets are great for purifying running water. It is also a good idea to have fire starting equipment, such as a bit of paper and waterproof matches in case you need to stay warm. Toilet paper is a must, just in case nature calls. For hikes with elevation gain (uphill travel) and loss, hiking poles help for climbing up hills and stabilization on the way down. Make sure to have sunscreen when hiking high altitudes and open areas, even on cloudy days UV rays can burn the skin. Having a legit daypack is also helpful, they are designed to fit to your body snuggly while carrying your gear securely. Something else that is very helpful is having a GPS application on your phone and knowing how to use it. 2 of my favorites are caltopo and Backcountry Navigator. Having a gps app is especially important when I hike solo. And, to support app use I bring an external battery charger to ensure my phone keeps a strong charge. That way, if I get lost my phone will stay charged, and my gps will continue to map my route and navigate me out of where I am. The last thing that I make sure to have is a first aid kit that includes ibuprofen and wrap in case I am injured and in pain.
Hiking is an amazing adventure, a great way to get out and enjoy nature, but it is really important to be prepared. So far I have not been caught in a situation that I am not prepared for.
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