Considerations include the length of your hike, the time of year, as well as the destination and the terrain you'll be traveling in.
Hikers should always be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions while hiking in the mountains. Temperatures in the mountains typically fluctuate as weather patterns change. If your hike involves a major change in elevation, you should reasonably expect a change in temperature of 10 degrees or more. Combine this with the fact that most mountain ranges are very wet and the higher elevations can receive up to 90 inches of precipitation a year. If not properly prepared, a sudden storm could result in a great deal of discomfort.
During the summer, days usually start out clear. But as the day heats up, clouds tend to build up, resulting in frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Winter is a great time to be in the mountains, but also represents the most challenging time as well. Although temperatures may be mild in the lower elevations, the higher elevations will experience much colder weather and snow. Winter storms can dump up to two feet of snow at the higher elevations.
Required Gear
- Backpack, daypack or fanny pack
- Base Layer
- Thick fleece or pile jacket
- Rain / wind shells (jacket and pants)
- Supportive footwear for the length and terrain of your hike
- Extra socks
- Extra clothing / layers
- Thermal underwear for cold weather hiking
- Gloves
- Water: full canteen(s), water bottle(s) or hydration pack
- Extra food: high energy snacks
- Map and/or Guide Book
- Compass (with the knowledge how to use it)
- Emergency Space Blanket (smaller than a wallet)
- Waterproof matches / fire starters
- Pocket knife
- Flashlight or headlamp with new batteries
- Whistle (in case you got lost)
- First aid kit
- Personal medications
- Toilet paper (in a plastic bag)
- Money / ID
- Hiking/trekking poles
- GPS (with extra batteries)
- Knee Support
- Bandana
- Disposable contact lenses or non-expensive glasses if you have impaired vision.
- Notebook with pencil
- Camera (film / extra batteries)
- Binoculars
- Cell phone (though likely you won't have coverage in the mountains)
- Feminine products
- Water Filter / Iodine Water Treatment Tablets
- Gaiters
- Bear Spray
- Zip seal plastic bags
- Napkins
Basic First Aid Kit
Some examples of items for your First Aid kit are listed below. Customize your kit according to your personal needs. Be sure you're familiar with everything in your kit and remember to keep items up-to-date and replenished. It's also important to keep your first aid kit in a waterproof container. Finally, we strongly recommend that you take a First Aid class and a CPR class, and make sure that you keep current on these skills.
- Personal medications
- Roll bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Ace bandages
- Butterfly bandages
- Sterile compresses
- Adhesive tape
- Sterile gauze pads
- Antiseptic wipes
- Miscellaneous band aids
- Twine
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Thermometer
- Latex gloves
- Tissues
- Plastic Bags
- Small mirror
- Antibacterial soap / wipes
- Eye drops
- Burn ointment
- Sunburn lotion
- Disinfectant cream
- Decongestant and antihistamine tablets
- Anti-acids
- Antibiotic cream
- Aspirin / ibuprofen
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Diarrhea medication
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Poison Ivy cream / cleansers
- Bee sting kit
- Snake bite kit
- Heat / cold packs
- Personal information / contact person
- First aid manual
Thanks
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