The weather is warming up and many of us will be heading out to enjoy our favorite outdoor activities.  Being prepared for a quick hike or a full weekend adventure is important and before you arrive you leave making sure you have everything packed and accounted for is key.  Your gear checklist is all checked off but did you check everything you need? Here is a list of things that I make sure to do before heading out.  

1. Hydrate

Making sure you start your adventure hydrated will keep you feeling better. Having a hydration deficit will mean you are always trying to get back to baseline and will most likely never get ahead. The more water you have in your system before a hike the less you will have to carry on your hike. Drinking a liter or two of water while you get things ready and even driving to the trail will help keep you feeling better later in the hike.

2 . Eat a Full Breakfast

Just like a car, your system needs fuel to get down the trail. Having a full fuel tank before hitting the trail will help you have an enjoyable hike. Also, make sure you eat something you know will be handled well by your body. It is never fun to have to stop for an unexpected break headed towards your planned activity or somewhere during the early parts of it. 

3. Check and Double Check Your Gear

Make sure that you have your compass, map, emergency kit, first aid kit, and any other important gear that may save your life or someone else’s is important. Also knowing what you are taking on your hike is key. Just because your pack has a bunch of stuff in it does not mean it is full of things that you need. Having a checklist is a handy way to keep yourself organized before a hike.

4. Make Sure Your Footwear Matches Your Activity

Some people prefer to change into their boots or trail shoes at the trailhead. Not a problem unless you go to get them and they are not in your vehicle. Make sure you have what you need but also make sure what you have works best for the chosen activity. You most likely would not want water shoes for a 6 hike or a pair of hiking boots for a kayak down the river.  While they would work they would not be as comfortable as the footwear you left at home would have been. Just remember happy feet make a happy camper. 

5. Charge Up Those Batteries

When hiking it is always important to make sure that all the batteries in your devices you take are either new or fully charged. You never know when you might need to break out that flashlight or cell phone to make a call. Carrying an extra set of batteries and charging cables for your devices will add some weight to your pack but you never know if you might need that extra charge to keep you safe.

6. Leave a Note or Send a Message

Letting others know where you are going and when you will be back when you do any outdoor activity is one of the easiest ways to stay safe. When I leave a note or send a message I always add the following information:

  • The trailhead/parking lot your vehicle will be parked.
  • Year, make, model, and color of the vehicle you parked at the trailhead. This may be friends and not yours so it never hurts to take a photo of the vehicle
  • License Plate Number. Similar to above if you are bad at remembering numbers like I am send a photo. 
  • The time you expect to get back to your vehicle or the time frame you think it might take you to hike your hike.
  • The name of the trail you plan on hiking or where you started.
  • The number of people in your party.
  • Description of what you and others in your party are wearing.
  • Any other pertinent or important information you think might help. 
See also  Did you know about these camping "hacks"?

7. Check the Weather

Before ever leaving for the trailhead or any outdoor sport you should always check the local weather. Having an idea of what is going on all day can help you wear the proper clothing and take the proper gear for your adventure. It can help in making a decision to continue or postpone to a later date. Keeping an eye on the weather while outdoors is also important to keep yourself and others safe and out of trouble.

8. Have a Plan

Choose a location and which trail or trails you will be hiking. Knowing the distances will help you judge how long your hike is going to be. Also, have a bad weather plan in case you have to turn around or hunker down for a period of time while a storm passes. This can also be said for kayaking, skiing, and many other sports. It is ok to turn around for the sake of safety.  No one ever said well we should have turned back while sitting in a warm location after a decision to turn back vs the comment being said by the Search and Rescue (SAR) person resuing you. 

9. Pack a Healthy Energy-Packed Lunch and Snacks

Packing lunch and snacks are just important as eating a good breakfast before going. Even if you are only going out for a short hike or paddle before lunch it never hurts to have a few extra snacks on hand just in case. You never know when the hungry monster will show up or when you might get stuck and end up out there longer than you had planned. 

10. Take a Poo

Yes, I just went there. It never hurts to empty the waste tanks before hitting the trail. It is not always fun to find a hiding place on a busy trail when nature calls. You will also have a lighter load to carry down the trail.

While this list is mostly about hiking it can be modified slightly in many ways to accommodate any adventure. Also, make sure to do what works with your body and your gear. What might work great for others might not work at all for some.  As always stay safe, leave no trace, and tread lightly.

 

Popular Posts