The 10 Essentials

1. Appropriate footwear. For a short day hike that doesn't involve carrying a heavy pack or trekking technical terrain, sneakers are great! For longer hikes, carrying heavier loads, stream crossing, or more technical terrain, hiking boots offer more support.

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2. Map and compass/GPS. A map and compass not only tell you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident. Using a GPS unit or  an app like AllTrails is a good idea, but think about carrying a map and a compass as backup. Ask Connor (or click this link) for information on how to read topographic maps!

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3. Extra water and a way to purify it.  Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well. Consuming too little water will not only make you thirsty, but susceptible to dehydration and hypothermia. Make sure to pack plenty of water for you (and the dogs!). Any water collected from streams should be purified. Connor recommends using a Sawyer Squeeze/Straw. 

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4. Extra food. Any number of things could go wrong and keep you out longer than expected; getting lost, enjoying the time by a stream, an injury, or difficult terrain. Extra food will help keep up energy and morale. Remember to pack out your trash. Don't forget food for the dogs!

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​5. Rain gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to the changing weather and activity levels. Two rules: avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin) and always carry rain gear. Packing clothes in the front pocket of your backpack allows for quick and easy access.

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6. Light. It's a good idea to bring a flashlight/headlamp even if you don't plan on hiking at night. They can be useful when rummaging around the camp site or when trying to find the bathroom at 2am. They also give you light if you're a book reader. Make sure they are charged/batteries are new.

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7. First aid kit.  Bringing a first-aid kit is a must. Connor provides first aid kits in every rental pack. They have basic first-aid supplies including bandages, gauze, scissors, Advil, Benadryl, Q-Tip's, tweezers, and gloves. To improve your first aid skills, ask Connor about getting your Wilderness First Aid certification.

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8. Knife or multi-purpose tool. You can find some pretty cool multi-purpose tools at your local sporting goods stores and online. Multi-purpose tools are great to have while hiking. They are light weight, can be fastened to your waist, and enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repair on malfunctioning gear.

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9. Sunscreen and a hat. Protect your skin from getting a sun burn. You might not think sunscreen is necessary, but we recommend applying and reapplying it to reduce the impact of harmful rays. A hat is a great idea to protect your face and neck.

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10. Daypack/backpack. You'll want something you can carry comfortably that has features designed to keep you hiking smartly. Connor recommends traveling with a backpack on day hikes. You can carry water, sunscreen, first-aid kit, clothing, multi-purpose tool, and food. For overnight trips, carrying a larger backpack is a must. Don't forget the rain cover!

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