When planning what gear to take with you on a hike, one of the objectives is to carry only what you'll need and thus minimize the weight you'll be carrying. This principle is particularly important for long, rigorous hikes. For shorter family hikes, the weight factor is not quite so critical. Following are some essential items that you should bring with you on any hike. - Rain gear: It's important to be prepared for inclement weather. A good rain jacket or poncho is a hiking essential (figure A). A waterproof (not simply water-resistant) jacket will keep you dry, but it may also trap body heat during heavy activity. Higher-quality breathable rain jackets allow heat and moisture to escape, and they may also feature zippered side vents. A good hat is also recommended to keep rain or sun off your face.
Tip: Keep a change of clothes for you and your kids in the car in case you need to change into clean, dry clothes following an eventful hike. - Sunglasses: Good sunglasses are important for glare-free vision as well as for protection against harmful UV rays.
- Sunscreen: Remember that you're vulnerable to UV radiation even on overcast days and during cool-weather months -- not just on sunny summer days.
- Drinking water: Being without adequate amounts of drinking water is one of the top hazards for hikers. Each person should be responsible for carrying along his or her own water container. For short hikes, bring along at least a quart of water per person. For longer hikes, you'll need one gallon per person per day. Outfitters sell high-quality leak-resistant water bottles. Another option is the Camelbak or similar backpack-style hydration system.
- Food: You and your kids will burn a lot of energy while hiking, and that means that hunger will set in sooner than it would under ordinary circumstances. Trail mix and fruit (fresh or dried) make great trail snacks. To keep it dry and protect against spoilage, carry food in a sealed package, plastic container or ziplock bag.
- Waterproof/windproof matches: These are an important safety item in the event that you need to build a fire for warmth. Waterproof matches, or a waterproof carrier, will ensure they're ready to use if you have need for them.
- Pocket knife or multitool: A lightweight tool that can find a number of uses when hiking or camping, a multitool (figure B) or a Swiss Army-style knife offers a variety of uses. In addition to a knife blade, these multipurpose tools may include screwdrivers, can opener, bottle openers, pliers, scissors, tweezers, etc.
- First-aid kit: Though it's not necessary to carry a pharmacy with you on a short hike, do bring a basic first-aid kit (figure C) that can handle basic cuts or scrapes. Standard contents include adhesive bandages, gauze, waterproof tape, antibacterial ointment and moleskin to treat or prevent blisters.
- Whistle: An important safety item for each family member, a whistle will allow you to signal for help or find one another if you get separated. Three short blows is the standard call for help. Two blows means "I hear you."
- Map and compass: Even on a short trip, it's advisable to bring a map and a good-quality compass (figure D) to help keep you oriented. Proper use of a compass is outlined in the segment that follows from this episode of DIY Family Outdoors.
Obviously there are other optional items that you can carry along to enhance your trip (binoculars, plant and wildlife guides, etc.), but the list above is a guideline for the main essentials. Check with your local outfitter or outdoor shop. They can advise you further, and they often provide, free of charge, handy checklists for hiking or camping excursions.
RESOURCES :
The Sierra Club Family Outdoors Guide
Model: 0871564424
Author: Marlyn Doan
Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Bicycling, Water Sports, and Winter Activities With Children
Sierra Club Books
Parents' Guide to Hiking & Camping: A Trailside Guide
Model: 0393316521
Author: Alice Cary
Volume from The Trailside Guide Series from W.W. Norton and Company.
W. W. Norton & Company
Backpacker's Handbook, 2nd Edition
Model: 0070653151
Author: Chris Townsend
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
Best Hikes With Children series
Author: various authors
Book series on hiking with children. Individual titles are by region.
For example, Best Hikes With Children in Western Washington, Best Hikes With Children in Colorado, Best Hikes With Children: San Francisco's South Bay, etc.
Mountaineers Books
Website: www.mountaineersbooks.org/
Patagonia
Patagonia is a company dedicated to environmentally conscious design of high-quality technical outdoor clothing and gear. Since 1985, the company has donated 10 percent of it's annual profits (or 1 percent of sales, whichever is greater) to hundreds of grassroots environmental groups.
Web site: www.patagonia.com
or
patagonia site-map
REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)
A comprehensive site with equipment and clothing for camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, paddling, fly fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
REI
Sumner, WA 98352-0001
Website: www.rei.com
Eastern Mountain Sports
Eastern Mountain Sports, an outdoor store, was featured in DIY Family Outdoors, episode 101.
Eastern Mountain Sports
Peterborough, NH 03458
Phone: 603-924-7231
Website: www.emsonline.com
Outside magazine
Magazine covering outdoor activities including adventure travel, hiking, backpacking, camping and the environment.
Backpacker magazine
Magazine covering outdoor recreation, hiking, backpacking, camping, equipment, etc.
Backpacking Tips (A Falcon Guide)
Model: 1560446617
Author: Bill Schneider (Editor), Russ Schneider (Editor)
Falcon Publishing Company
Website: www.falcon.com/
Hiking With Kids (A Falcon Guide)
Model: 1560448164
Author: Robin Tawny
Falcon Publishing Company
Website: www.falcon.com/
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