name some essential gear for hiking

G

Gary007

Joined
May 17, 2002
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I need more exercise…. Hiking is always fun.

Name some essential hiking gear.

Right now I’ve got a Tilley hat, I’ve got a Maxpedition Fatboy, a few pocket knives, also a GPS. That’s about it.

I’m lacking hiking boots, and lacking a fixed blade. Infact what is the minimum length fixed blade you need for light chopping?

What else should one take into the forest? Not talking deep woods survival stuff, just a few hours walking around.
 
I like my Nike ACG hiking boots, they offer support for me (I'm a big fella), they breathe well, and they're durable (my Airwalk hikers were even better). I use a branch I found and cut down for my walking stick, although I do buy walking sticks and make my own, I'll post some pics later on. I use cargo shorts or cargo pants usually, some light weight breathable socks, maybe a small pack with a bottle of Gatorade and water in it for long hikes, a good folder, usually my EDC. I used to hike in the mtns, but now I pretty much stick to low lying flatland areas. Just a light breathable t shirt or polo shirt, and a light ballcap. Usually carry my cellphone for emergencies, and if it is a long hike, I have a change of clothes in the truck, I can usually find a shower nearby if I've gotten a little stinky. I don't day hike in places where I could end up in a survival situation. Maybe this should be moved to Woods Survival if you are looking for the end all hiking package! I've heard that Merrells and Timberland are good for hiking, as long as the terrain isn't muddy/slippery, I think your basic pair of tennis shoes/sneakers are okay.
 
Get yourself some type of hydration system either or at least a couple of nalgenes. I usually day hike with two bladders one with water the other with gatorade. Typically, most people I've gone with (usally guys from work)usually underestimate the amount of water they consume.


Also, a good walking stick would recommend something that collapses so if you don't need it for certain sections you can tuck it into the Fatboy.
 
Just because it stays in my car, if I thought I needed a fixed blade, I would take my CRKT Crawford fixed Falcon with me, but I would say a good 3 and half inch fixed would be okay, tucked under your shirt.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
I use a branch I found and cut down for my walking stick, although I do buy walking sticks and make my own, I'll post some pics later on. .
Click to expand...

yeah, I would like to see those pics. I'm interested in making my own walking stick. Infact I tried it once, but did not end up like I wanted it. Where do you buy yours?
 
From an old man who supports himself and his wife by making walking sticks and other woodcarvings. Most of his are really elaborate, so I don't usually use them. My sticks are generally just devoid of bark, with a few symbols carved in them, but I am learning. This guys usual price is around 80 bucks, but I've been offered 3 times that from people. Poor old guy is dying of cancer, my friend gave me one of his canes made by this guy, and I met him, nice guy, my friend buys a lot of his canes, because A they're really neat, and B, he's throwing some money this guys way. This guy doesn't take handouts, he would be mortified if someone just gave him some money, for nothing in return. I've thought about learning from him, but he is on deaths doorstep every day. I'm actually waiting on a stick from him, I have to call up my buddy and we'll go up there later this month.
 
Don't forget camera!
Boots are obviously top priority - don't skimp.
Raingear.
Field guide? To me that's extra junk, but some people keep one handy.
Maps! Lighter weight than GPS, and the batteries don't run dead.
Water bottles.
Daypack.

Or look up the Twelve Essentials, a list of things to always have with you when outdoors. Here's the list as I recall from a WEA course years ago:
* Matches
* Fire starter
* Flashlight
* Water
* Map
* Compass
* Sunglasses
* Knife
* First aid kit
* Sunscreen
* Extra Food
* Extra clothing

Obviously adjust the list for your climate and geography; emergency shelter while on a Summer hike in Arkasas isn't the same as emergency shelter while backcountry skiing in Colorado...

Have Fun!
-Bob
 
thanks Bob, looks like I will be putting a few more items in my Fat Boy. Thanks for the suggestions!

Bob W said:
Don't forget camera!
Boots are obviously top priority - don't skimp.
Raingear.
Field guide? To me that's extra junk, but some people keep one handy.
Maps! Lighter weight than GPS, and the batteries don't run dead.
Water bottles.
Daypack.

Or look up the Twelve Essentials, a list of things to always have with you when outdoors. Here's the list as I recall from a WEA course years ago:
* Matches
* Fire starter
* Flashlight
* Water
* Map
* Compass
* Sunglasses
* Knife
* First aid kit
* Sunscreen
* Extra Food
* Extra clothing

Obviously adjust the list for your climate and geography; emergency shelter while on a Summer hike in Arkasas isn't the same as emergency shelter while backcountry skiing in Colorado...

Have Fun!
-Bob
Click to expand...
 
sounds like a great hobby, wish I had the talent to make hiking sticks. Sorry to hear he's dying of cancer. Post some pics when you can.

silenthunterstudios said:
From an old man who supports himself and his wife by making walking sticks and other woodcarvings. Most of his are really elaborate, so I don't usually use them. My sticks are generally just devoid of bark, with a few symbols carved in them, but I am learning. This guys usual price is around 80 bucks, but I've been offered 3 times that from people. Poor old guy is dying of cancer, my friend gave me one of his canes made by this guy, and I met him, nice guy, my friend buys a lot of his canes, because A they're really neat, and B, he's throwing some money this guys way. This guy doesn't take handouts, he would be mortified if someone just gave him some money, for nothing in return. I've thought about learning from him, but he is on deaths doorstep every day. I'm actually waiting on a stick from him, I have to call up my buddy and we'll go up there later this month.
Click to expand...
 
For hiking i would prefer to go with a proper back pack rather than the Fatboy. A proper backpack will give you more even support. Once you load up the other hiking stuff the Fatboy is going to get quite heavy. And a few hours walking with it is gonna hurt your shoulder.

Also get a headlamp. I like the petzl tikka. Quite small and bright enough for walking. For a fixed blade you don't really need a big chopper. Just a nice 4-5 inches should be alright. If you want a slightly bigger survival blade get something like the Swamp Rat Camp Tramp. This will get through everything from camp tasks to lighl chopping. A smaller blade like the Howling Rat is also good if you don't want a big chopper. For hiking you don't really need a big chopper. In an emergency you can always break branches for fire by stepping on it.

If you are smart and stick to well known trails there is no reason you should need that many survival things other than a few basic first aid things.
 
Where are you hiking? A cut trail or through undergrowth? What time of year are you hiking? A hot summer day or a cold winters day? I like the idea of a hydration pack, but you have to make sure you don't carry too much crap. I agree that a backpack is easier to carry, but all you need for a days hike is your cellphone, a hiking staff for support if nothing else, a good folder (should be your daily EDC), a bottle of water or Gatorade/water mix (think about it, do you need to cart around 5 liters of water for a 3 hour hike?), and some good gear. I used to have a bottle sling, it was a manufactured pack for your water bottle. It didn't keep your water cool, it was just a place for the bottle.

If you are hiking for an entire day, fill a backpack up with the items listed above. I think you should always carry a compass for areas you are unfamiliar with, and should always be prepared for whatever type of weather you may encounter. Dress in layers in the fall and winter and early spring, and dress so that you will get air movement under your clothes in the hot weather. If you are on a long trip, pack a light lunch and some toilet paper, you don't want to overeat on the trail, and you don't want to wipe you a** with poison ivy.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Where are you hiking? A cut trail or through undergrowth? What time of year are you hiking? A hot summer day or a cold winters day?
Click to expand...

Santa Cruz mountains, here in California. PogoNip to be exact. Infact here are some pics if you're interested.

I always stay on designated trails, I'm not up on making my own. Probably will be a warmish day, or overcast and coolish.

After reading all the responses, I don't think I need much gear at all.
 
Easy rule. Don't take too much, don't take too little. Rule number 2, take the exact right amount. I think that rule one is Don't talk about Fight Club... :D.
 
Even for casual hiking I take along a Pocket Medic Kit and Pocket Survival Pack from Adventure Medical. Both of them will fit in a single cargo pocket, but they cover most first aid and survival essentials surprisingly well.

I also like to take along a Tacoma Mountain Rescue Shelter from [ur=http://www.rei.com/]REI[/url]. It takes up very little room or weight, but can provide effective shelter in an emergency.

Hydration packs are a great way to carry water comfortably (I have a CamelBak ThermoPak 2L), but hanging a bottle from your belt works fine too. Just make sure you take along more than you expect to need.

I never go anywhere without a good knife and flashlight.

Other than that, dress appropriately for the temperatures and terrain, make sure you have adequate sun coverage, and you should be plenty well equipped.

--Bob Q
 
It mostly boils down to just a couple of things;

1. First aid.

2. Fire.

3. Shelter in emergency

4. Water, and some means of purrifing.

Number one can be a small first aid kit with some bandaids, a couple guaze compresses, and some neosporin, two clean bandanas, a couple Ibuprophen or Tylenol for pain. A bottle of sterile eye drops, and some sting-eze. And a short course from local Red Cross on basic first aid.

Number two can be some matches in a waterproof container, a new in plastic wrapper Bic lighter, or Doans fire starter. An empty 35mm film can with some fatwood or cotton balls and vasiline would do.

Number three is easy-anything waterproof to rig up in case you are anchored with a broken leg or something. My choice is a disposable 9 foot by 12 foot plastic tarp from the paint dept. of Walmart. Its the size of a small paperback novel, ( whatever you do don't open it exept in emergency, you'll never get it that small again,) and only weighs a couple onces. It's a clear plastic that can make a great emergency leanto type of shelter. Add a space blanket and you'll be fine. Get the space blanket in the brightest color you can.

The rest is small items that should be in your pockets when you head out-Swiss Army knife with saw, a good loud whistle, some string, a pocket flashlight of some sort, and some bright pink survaiors tape. You use the tape to mark your way back if you are unsure of backtracking yourself.

Don't wiegh yourself down with all kinds of stuff. Your pack should not be more than 3 to five pounds.

Last, a water bottle or two and some purrification tablets.

LET SOMEONE YOU TRUST KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, AND DON'T CHANGE YOUR PLANS UNLESS YOU CALL THEM ON YOUR FRESHLY CHARGED CELL PHONE!

Enjoy.
 
I wear Altama jungle boots. I keep my essential gear in a Camelbak MULE that holds 3 liters. I carry a Leatherman SuperTool 200 on my belt, fire starter (lighter/matches) and some 1st aid in my pockets, and a compass attched to a belt loop on my jeans, connected with an idiot cord. In my pack I carry a poncho, which weighs more than I'd like it to but it doubles as shelter. I have a bigger 1st aid kit in there too, along with more fire starting materials and stuff. I carry some ropes and duct tape and other basic stuff.
 
Hey that's a conincidence - reading this thread I was thinking back to the times that a day hike has gone bad and I've been stuck out longger than I thought and had to do an emergency bivouac.......and one of them was in the Santa Cruz mountains (when I was in California in the late '80's). Even that close to civilisation in a relatively tame area it's possible to get bushwhacked if you don't know the area well. I remember spending a very cold night huddled in my jacket with no fire.

So I would take enough to survive a night out in the cold in relative comfort. PLenty of water, space blanket, matches or lighter, large SAK/Multi-tool, head torch, fruit, powerbars (or the like), basic first aid kit, map, compass and whistle.


I always take a daypack filled with essentials and plenty of water.
 
Gary007 said:
lacking a fixed blade. Infact what is the minimum length fixed blade you need for light chopping?
Click to expand...

Batoning is more useful and can be done with a small folder. Carry as big a knife as you want. Bigger is more useful but heavier and may be less legal. The main reason to carry a Bowie knife is to defend yourself from wild animals like badger and wildcat. Wolves and bear are a different story.

Gear:

Socks: Good socks and cheap boots are better for your feet than good boots and cheap socks. Sad but true.:( so have BOTH good socks and boots and bring spare socks incase your feet get wet.

Trash bags (emergency shelter, blanket, poncho, etc.)

Compass, more to remind you to “keep your bearings” than to get un-lost.

At least an extra liter of water. This does NOT mean “I think I need three liters, so I’ll take three liters and only use two.” It DOES mean “I think I need three liters, so I’ll take FOUR liters” Yes, water is heavy, but it gets lighter as you drink it, so drink up!

Nalgene has some great bottles and even better water bags. I have a three liter bag.

Cell phone

Contact info - i.e. “If you find me unconscious 1)call my mom 2)I’m allergic to sulfa drugs* 3)I am a diabetic

*If you have no allergies you should include that too so the Doc’s don’t need to wait for med records.

TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN TO START WORRYING!

Duct tape (make sure it sticks [and holds] to skin)

First aid kit. Bandaids can wait til you get home, I’m talking about serious blood stopping. A military combat dress is great but a few 4x4 gauge sponges (with duct tape) works.

Whistle. The 2003 fires by San Diego would have been much smaller if some idiot had used a whistle instead of a flare

Para Cord

Wet Wipes/wet ones: use to clean your hands and stuff and as toilet paper.
 
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