| Taking a hike means expecting the unexpected, so | | | | Ultimately, you will get hungry; so carry some food |
| it's best to be prepared for some of the more | | | | with you when you go hiking. |
| common things that can occur on a daylong or | | | | Your boots are critical. When choosing hiking |
| weeks-long trek. There are some very useful items | | | | equipment, remember that every pound of weight in |
| that you should always take with you any time you | | | | your boots is equivalent to adding five pounds on |
| go hiking. | | | | your back. When you put too much weight on one |
| Obviously, you want to take a backpack. It contains | | | | part of your body, another part is sure to complain. |
| EVERYTHING - the things you need to survive in the | | | | The boots you wear depend on the kind of trail you |
| wilderness. Most people remember to take a | | | | are hiking. Many trails can be hiked with just a pair of |
| backpack, but it is surprising how many forget to | | | | sneakers on, but others can only be handled with |
| think about taking some kind of rain cover. You may | | | | serious and heavy hiking boots. Make your choice |
| think that you just won't go hiking if it is raining, but | | | | appropriately. |
| you should consider the fact that, many times, a | | | | If you plan to hike in the rain, you should get a pair |
| sunny day can turn rainy in an instant. Also, going for | | | | of gaiters. They prevent water from running down |
| a hike on a rainy day will get you used to hiking in | | | | your legs and into your boots. If you've spent any |
| rain that is likely to occur when you take longer | | | | time waterproofing your boots just to find all your |
| treks. Get a raincoat and include it in your day-hiking | | | | efforts have gone to waste because you didn't seal |
| equipment. | | | | around the space where your legs go in, you'll |
| You may think that you'll only be gone a few hours, | | | | appreciate adding gaiters to your hiking equipment. |
| so why carry the weight of food, but it is always a | | | | You should wear two pairs of socks. Having and |
| good idea to have some food with you on a hike. | | | | outer wool sock and an inner sock made of |
| You never know when a 2-hour hike will last longer | | | | polypropylene is a good combination. This method is |
| than that. You might find an interesting trail and find | | | | effective in draining moisture from your feet, and |
| yourself walking around in the woods for many hours. | | | | every hiker should use it. |