Hiking Tips

Things to bring

Backpack

Bathroom Break – There are usually no bathrooms on any hike. Best to go 1/2 hour before you get there. Or there's one every 50 feet (in the woods). There's no food vendors either so pack a good lunch and bring some snacks. Hiking will make you hungry.

Water – The standard recommended amount is 2 liters or 64 oz. Most first time hikers think they can get away with less, but hiking can be hard work and you can get really thirsty especially if the weather is hot. It’s always better to have too much than too little. The best way to carry this is with a couple of Nalgene bottles which you can get at places like EMS, REI and City Sports.

Extra Socks – Again your feet can also perspire and at the top of the mountain, it can be refreshing to have a nice change of socks. You could also plop your foot in a puddle and at least you can get out of a pair of wet socks.

Hiking boots – Boots with good ankle support lessens your chance of twisting an ankle. A stiff boot also makes it easier to hike as you can balance the middle of your foot on the tip of a rock, something that can’t be easily done with sneakers. Boots are also better than sneakers as they protect your toe more when you end up kicking a rock or two. EMS & REI also have lifetime warranties so if they don't fit, bring them back or exchange them anytime. Bottom line, BRING BOOTS! Makes the hike easier, faster and more enjoyable.

Clothing – DO NOT wear cotton, cotton can take up to 8 hours to dry once it gets wet and it will make you colder especially if it’s windy at the top. No jeans either. Wear technical clothes with fibers like polyester, dri-fit, coolmax, etc that are available at sports/outdoor places like REI, EMS, City Sports, etc.

Layers – Bring extra clothing in case the weather turns or it gets cold. Hats and gloves can be carried in your pack. Typically there’s a 3 degree drop in temperature for every 1000 feet of elevation. It can also be windy at the top so take wind chill into account.

Leave no trace – General hiking etiquette is to leave nothing behind. There are no trash cans anywhere on the trail. Everything you pack in, you should pack out so no littering. No one likes to see someone else’s litter. It’s even suggested that you should pack more out than you packed in.

General Tips

Trim your toenails. Lessens the chance of toenails getting bruised inside your boot.

Bring a change of clothes along with a bag of other items like sneakers to change out of once the hike is over. It’s nice wearing sneakers or other shoes back from a long hike instead of hiking boots.

Bring extra water or drinks/food for the hike afterwards. This way you can load up on water after the hike even if you do run out on the trail. You can also toss other items that you won’t be needing on the hike inside the bag like sunscreen, bug repellant, etc.

Be prepared – You should have a general idea of where you’re going or stick to people that do or have a map. It’s easy to get lost if you’re not paying attention. At all trail intersections, you should wait until there’s a decent sized group with you before moving ahead. Four is a good minimum number, if one person is injured, one can stay with that person while two other can go for help. You could be charged for your rescue if it is deemed reckless and that amount can be as high as $3500 or more.  

Optional Items

These are just stuff to bring either for just in case or just for fun.

First aid kit - If you get one at the store, just take it out and stick it in a plastic bag, no use carrying the whole box with you. 

Whistle - So people can hear you easily if you get lost. Just don't get lost and you won't have to use it.

GPS - Global Positioning System. So you'll know exactly where you are. If you have a topographical map you can figure out where you are somewhat by the elevation and of course it gives your exact position so you'll know how far it is to the car or to the top.

Headlamp - In case you don't make it all the way down by nightfall or get lost...

Space blanket - Again in case you get lost and are out there at night when it can get very cold. Again, stick with someone and don't go off alone. 

Cellular phone - These typically don't work while you're on the trail, but once at the top, you'll sometimes get a signal. Not something to count on. 

Cooking Stove - In case you'd like a hot meal at the top or just want to make some hot chocolate on the trail.