Longer Distance Day Hiking Basics
Must haves:
- Body Glide to reduce chaffing
- Trekking poles
- A comfortable backpack that meets your needs
- A water reservoir that meets your needs
- Calories
- Electrolyte mix
- Gloves to reduce blisters
- Duct tape on your feet where you would normally blister
- A Steri Pen as back up if you don’t have support
- Pain killer
- A positive attitude
- A few friends
If hiking during the night:
- Everything above
- A headlamp that you are comfortable with
- Backup batteries
Gear we have used and would recommend:
- Keen Trail Runners or
- Vibram Five Finger Spyridons (for the minimalist)
- Osprey Manta 25/30 pack or
- Mountain Hardwear Fluid packs or
- CamelBak Ridge Runner pack
- Klean Kanteen for electrolyte mix – 27 or 40 0z
- Outdoor Products Trekking poles – inexpensive and functional
- Teko Socks if you wear shoes
- PrincetonTec Headlamps
- Mountain Hardwear offers the most durable selection of pants, shirts, and outerwear. We have found non-cotton clothing works best as it limits chaffing.
Preparation:
- Know your route
- Know your limits
- Let someone else know where you are
- Carry a mobile device
- Hike with a friend
- Practice Leave No Trace Trail Ethics
- Plan your water supply and use a SteriPen as a back up
Please provide your feedback and thoughts
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