HikeArizona.COM

The 10 Essentials of Hiking
Fact Sheet

1. Map and Compass. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have
to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an
accident. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain-
especially in bad weather where you can't see the landmarks. Either one without the
other is significantly less useful.

2. Whistle. Purchase a whistle with exceptional loudness. To be used to aid in rescue.

3. Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body's muscles and
organs simply can't perform as well: you'll be susceptible to hypothermia and
altitude sickness, not to mention raging thirst.

4. Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a
lengthy detour, getting lost, enjoying time by a stream, an injury, or difficult terrain.
A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.

5. Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right.
Especially above treeline, bring along extra layers. Two rules: Avoid cotton (it keeps
moisture close to your skin) and always carry a hat.

6. Firestarter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an
encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get
lost.

7. First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters. Double
your effectiveness with knowledge: take a basic first aid class with the American Red
Cross or a Wilderness First Aid class, offered by many hiking organizations.

8. Knife or multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages,
remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repairs on
malfunctioning gear-not to mention cut cheese and open cans.

9. Flashlight and extra batteries. For finding your way in the dark and signaling for
help.

10. Sun screen and sun glasses. Especially above treeline when there is a skin-
scorching combination of sun and snow, you'll need sunglasses to prevent
snowblindness, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

SuperstitionGuy wrote:And the first mention of parachute cord on this thread! Amazing.....

hikeaz wrote:by hikeaz » Feb 27 2012 5:12 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNbLNP6h5zQ

kingsnake wrote:Btw, why clear bags, and not white, or green, or whatever?

Grasshopper wrote:

hikeaz wrote:by hikeaz » Feb 27 2012 5:12 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNbLNP6h5zQ

Thanks Kurt for posting. It's definitely one well done video and worth the 36 minutes to view a few times. Important essential items like: the 50-60 gallon clear trash bags, a saw blade, parachute 550 cord, signal mirror, Vaseline soaked cotton balls in aluminum foil, and a quality steel/spark rod fire starter I had not really consider the importance of until now. Yesterday I did pull my ten year old storm-proof matches and picked one at random that did surprisingly light-up. One thing I will never forget from my previously mentioned unexpected day hiking overnight, was the unmeasurable importance of having a warming/comforting fire throughout that long and sleepless 40 degree night.

azbackpackr wrote:I personally can't go anywhere, not even to the post office to pick up my mail, without some sort of lip balm.

azbackpackr wrote: I have been thinking about trying to get away from the menthol addiction, though, and trying out a different type.

autumnstars wrote:I had always tried to carry a brightly-colored bag, so it could double for signaling, but a good point with the clear.

writelots wrote:I used to carry a rat sack, until the ravens rendered it obsolete.

chumley wrote:

azbackpackr wrote:I personally can't go anywhere, not even to the post office to pick up my mail, without some sort of lip balm.

I just found the best lip balm! Not sure why they have to add the mint flavor, I think it would be great with just the hop oils!
http://www.sierranevadagiftshop.com/sie ... -balm.html
PS. I am not affiliated with snbc, nor am I endorsing, nor trying to sell their stuff.

PLC92084 wrote:Morbid curiosity compels me to ask... Just how, exactly, did they do it!?

azbackpackr wrote:The only thing I am wondering is what would impel anyone to carry a sack of rats? I mean, I know Wendy is a bit, shall we say, eclectic, but why bring rats to the Grand Canyon when there are already plenty of perfectly good rats available there? What's the matter with the Canyon rats? You're some kind of snob, have to bring your very own special rats?