Pt 1 Day Hike Essentials

Let’s say you’ve got the the good fortune to get out to Yellowstone and you’re planning on doing a dayhike. You’re planning on doing a solid 12 miles, and we do mean SOLID.Know what you’re gonna bring?

Most of the stuff you’re going to need, for a dayhike like this, is the ‘just in case’ stuff. Let’s start with the pack.

You don’t want a behemoth on your back because it is simply going to slow you down. At the same time, if you do get stuck out there for a night, you want have what you need to survive. Look for a pack with a capacity around 24-32 liters. (Think Dueter Spectro 28). With the back system that will keep you dry as well as a superb suspension system that will take weight well, the spectro line is a solid line to take with you out and about. But the key to keeping it simple is knowing what gear you have and all the ways you can use it.

Clearly, you need to know where you’re going. If if you plan on sticking to  a well marked trail it is ALWAYS a good idea to take navigation tools with you. A map of the area along with a compass or gps will keep you in the game. Knowledge of how to use the compass is also essential, ask us about our navigation clinics. Oh yeah, and do you have some kind of communication device like a whistle?

Dealing with the light. A headlamp with extra batteries is pretty essential. A lot of times the hike may just take longer and you don’t get back to your car until the sun is gone. Also, make sure you’ve got a hat and sunglasses or something to protect you from that big burning light source we call the sun. You want to be able to see and enjoy what you just hiked for, don’t you?

Plus, unless you have a steel gut with an “on/off” valve you may have to do an emergency pit stop, a trowel and a bit of toilet paper is always good insurance. Nobody wants to see your ‘leave behind pieces’ next to the trail……. or stained on the seat of your pants!

For a typical three season hike, it is pretty important that you have the essential clothing and insulation. Even if it is warm during the day, it may get colder the closer it gets to evening/night especially if you’re at any sort of altitude.

Here is what we’ve got: dry bag+Insulation top+light weight wind jacket+lightweight rain shell+gloves(if you’re fingers get cold, you can’t start a fire), and perhaps a Balaclava, because you can use it for so much more—Why not take an emergency bivy sack? Adventure medical kits makes a great one….

So here’s a list of 10 essentials…

Map, compass, Flashlight/headlamp, extrafood&water, extra clothes, sun protection, first aid kit, firestarter, matches, knife. (why not bring some cord, water purification tablets, blister kits, whistle, signal mirror, lighter)

Though we’d love to debate all day why we’d take the a Petzl headlamp over a blackdiamond, or why tablets are better than drops, you’ve really got to figure out what works best for YOU. But then, why would you hoard all that information for yourself. Nobody new is going to learn and get our more if it wasn’t passed on. What are the things you’d bring for this kind of hike?

~ by apexoutdoorgear on July 12, 2010.