Hiking

geeker2 · #1 07-27-2012, 08:39 AM

Kev - I have been told to take one several times.

GPK · #2 07-27-2012, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geeker2

Kev - I have been told to take one several times.

Me too

I live in a fantastic area for hiking, yet I never get the chance to (time restraints). Would love to start though.

hi_im_god · #3 07-27-2012, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPK

Me too

I live in a fantastic area for hiking, yet I never get the chance to (time restraints). Would love to start though.

water (lots of it), layered clothing and/or sunblock, lug soled shoes.

something to eat if you're going out for a few hours.

now you're ready.

GPK · #4 07-27-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hi_im_god

water (lots of it), layered clothing and/or sunblock, lug soled shoes.

something to eat if you're going out for a few hours.

now you're ready.

What are those?

hi_im_god · #5 07-27-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPK

What are those?

ideally hiking boots but anything with a thick and deeply indented sole. you won't need them on flats but up or down hills they give you more stability when you hit sand, bare rock, or (god forbid) snow. ankle support is a big plus. don't go with plain sneakers if you're going any distance. the bottoms of your feet need the thickness of the sole to absorb all the small rocks you'll be stepping on mile after mile after mile.

Danzig · #6 07-27-2012, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hi_im_god

water (lots of it), layered clothing and/or sunblock, lug soled shoes.

something to eat if you're going out for a few hours.

now you're ready.

perhaps a first aid kit as well? and yes, good shoes are needed! break them in first tho, or you'll get blisters. wear a hat.

and let someone know where you're going, and when you should be back. that way, if you don't get back, they know to call for help. never go off the beaten path without letting someone know.
a foil blanket would be useful at certain times of year. a couple water proof matches. flashlight.
lol
don't end up with a 90 lb pack, but there are certain things you should absolutely have. there are plenty of lightweight things made for hiking. get a good pack if you carry one, that puts the weight more on your hips.

hi_im_god · #7 07-27-2012, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig

perhaps a first aid kit as well? and yes, good shoes are needed! break them in first tho, or you'll get blisters. wear a hat.

and let someone know where you're going, and when you should be back. that way, if you don't get back, they know to call for help. never go off the beaten path without letting someone know.
a foil blanket would be useful at certain times of year. a couple water proof matches. flashlight.
lol
don't end up with a 90 lb pack, but there are certain things you should absolutely have. there are plenty of lightweight things made for hiking. get a good pack if you carry one, that puts the weight more on your hips.

the hat is actually a must if you're a follically challanged american like myself. it's also a plus to have the brim when you're facing the sun in the morning or evening. good catch.

there's certainly nothing wrong with carrying all the other stuff but for most short hikes on familiar ground, i leave the daypack in my car and just walk.

if i'm going any distance, i carry as much water as I can in a butt pack just to get that weight on my hips. butt packs are unbelievably dorky looking but anything that takes the weight off my shoulders is a blessing. when i'm done with any long hike, that's where it hurts.

mostly though, i'd recommend anyone who wants to start hiking go as light as they can go and just start walking. you can add all the other stuff later if you're worried about getting lost or injured. stay on a well travelled path until then.

Clip-Clop · #8 07-27-2012, 12:38 PM

Tons of hiking out here. We do not leave our packs in the car ever though, too dangerous.
You live in an amazing area for hiking, when I lived in NJ we used to camp down there every summer, part of the reason I moved to CO.

All good advice listed above. Didn't see mention of a knife though (sorry to poster if I missed that). I would get/bring at least a decent pocket knife.

Danzig · #9 07-27-2012, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clip-Clop

Tons of hiking out here. We do not leave our packs in the car ever though, too dangerous.
You live in an amazing area for hiking, when I lived in NJ we used to camp down there every summer, part of the reason I moved to CO.

All good advice listed above. Didn't see mention of a knife though (sorry to poster if I missed that). I would get/bring at least a decent pocket knife.

i started to say knife, in case you had to cut off your arm...lol
then i got onto another subject, and there went that thought.

but i'm not add, i can carry on a conver.....oh, look a squirrel.