A Scouts 5 Essentials for Day Hiking

Growing up a scout and spending every spare afternoon and weekend backpacking it is no big task to head into the woods for a  hike.  However, when my wife asked me to teach her "outdoor stuff"  I thought I would take an opportunity to take things back to the basics. Usually I would head right into weekend long backpacking trips, but considering that my wife grew up "camping" in a cabin with electricity and running water taking it back to the basics was probably the best place to start.  One thing I know about my wife is that when she wants to do something she wants to do it big.  Our conversation started while drinking coffee together one morning when she told me, very matter of fact, that we should hike the Appalachian Trail.  Considering this came from the same person who asked me "do you punch a black bear or a grizzly bear to scare it?" I thought it was best to start out slow with some light day hiking.

Getting ready for a hike

  So here are five Essentials for a day hike:

1. A Map - The first thing you will want to put into your day bag is a map of the area or trail if it is available.  Some places will not have maps available due to the high usage of the area.  It may be that sign post have been erected that will point you in the right direction.  Other areas might employ a method known as trail blazing.  In this method small symbols are used to mark the direction of the trail generally these are color coded if there is more than one trail.  They are easy to miss and generally used in areas where there is high traffic but the trails are mostly natural material.  If a map is unavailable than be sure to familiarize yourself with the trail you are using before beginning.  If your still in doubt use your phone and take a picture of the map at the beginning of the trail head.
2.  Water - Water is easy to overlook if you are taking a jaunt into the woods.  If you have plastic bottles fill them and take them with you.  Another good idea is to take water purification tablets.  This will ensure that if you run out of water then you can make stream water safe to drink.  Humans can survive up to three weeks without food but only three to four days without water. Why deprive yourself on your hike?  Water makes for a safe hike and will make it much more enjoyable.
3.  Rain gear - You may already know what the weather is going to be, but better safe than sorry.  Nothing ruins a hike more than rain.  Take at the very least a raincoat.  The weather is a fickle thing and the weather reports are more often wrong than right.  I highly recommend taking a rain coat as well as suggest rain pants if you have them.  the coat will keep you mostly dry but the water dripping of that will soak your lower half in record time if you don't' have pants.  Most rain gear now a day's are easy to store, they make them fold neatly into a pocket with a reversible zipper.  Umbrellas are bulky and can get old if you are carrying them.  
4. First aid kit - You should never go far from home without one. I personally keep one in my car and Ashley's car.  This is a "just in case" safety measure. These don't have to be big and just a few basic supplies will go a long way. I generally use an old band-aid tin or you can even fit a small first aid kit in an Altoids tin.  These are small,light weight and can generally carry everything you need.
5. Snacks -This directly relates to how far you are hiking.   If you are like me I like a little snack now and then when I am hiking.  Something easy to open and eat.  It is nice to have a little pick me up during the hike. The longer you are hiking the more you will want to bring.  If you are out all day say 10+ miles plan on bringing lunch and at least two other snacks.  Trail mix and Nutri grain bars are easy to eat and not a lot of weight. Just be sure to pack out your trash. 

With these five essentials a day hike can be a very fun experience.

Oh and if you do run across a bear (black or grizzly) on your hiking adventure don't punch it in the nose.  It generally isn't a good idea to punch any kind of bear.

Happy Hiking

-Travis