From the Ground Up
The first recorded use of the word hike was spelled “hyke” in 1809, meaning to “walk vigorously.” Now, hiking is so much more than that, it has become a well-known hobby across the globe, and for some people an entire lifestyle. There are rules and principles to be followed, apps to find your next adventure and plenty of gear options to choose from… sometimes basic reminders are beneficial, so I am going to go over hiking - from the ground up.
What are the 10 essentials?
The 10 essentials is a list built for hiking (or any exploration type activity) to ensure you are prepared and safe. These are items you should always be carrying. Below you can find each essential as well as my recommendations, keep in mind this is what I use and have had success with, there are plenty of outdoor stores and websites (and amazon of course) to find anything you are looking for.
Navigation
Light
Headlamp and/or flashlight
Sun Protection
Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Protective clothing, Chapstick
Fire
Build your own fire starter kit or buy pre-made fire starters
Most first aid kits have emergency blankets that can be used as well
Extra Food
Physical exersize = HUNGRY!
Bring an extra granola bar or sandwich
Extra Water
Stay hydrated!
Keep an electrolyte pack in first aid kit
Extra Clothing
Having extra clothes is under-rated. Always over dress, you can take layers off!
Leave a change of socks, shoes and short in the car
What is leave no trace?
Leave No Trace is a set of principles created to inform people on how to be respectful while experiencing the beauty of nature and wildlife, Whether or not these are things you already do, it is so important to keep yourself informed and reminded. I highly recommend checking out their website as well.
LEAVE NO TRACE SEVEN PRINCIPLES
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org
Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Next Hike
Weather
ALWAYS check the weather before hiking and do it frequently! Planning a hike in advance expecting nice weather is never a guarantee, especially in the Pacific Northwest, being unprepared for heat, rain, or even snow can turn a possibly perfect day of hiking into a complete nightmare.
Elevation
This is something that is often overlooked, but sometimes that short 3-mile hike to a really great view has a 2,000 feet elevation gain – which is not a fun surprise. Hikes with higher elevation need more preparation, whether that be more food, water, breaks or even time spent prior training for the excursion.
Distance - meaning mileage + drive time
There is a big difference between a 4-mile hike and a 12-mile hike, this also means more preparation! Those longer hikes require extra food, water, and good hiking boots. A big factor when choosing a hike is the distance from your location, sometimes a 3 am wake up call for a 5-hour drive sounds great! Other times, not so much. Always plan for your drive, especially if you are wanting to make it for sunrise or sunset.
Reviews
Alltrails is an amazing reference for finding recent reviews, when I am checking reviews, I always look for weather conditions, another hiker’s opinion on the difficulty and if the road getting to the trailhead is rough (someone will always say it, which is great!). Another resource I have found for getting reviews is Facebook groups, if you have a hike planned or even want recommendations there are so many kind and helpful people willing to give advice.
What is Hiking for me?
One of the best and most influential decisions I have made for myself is choosing to prioritize what I truly love. Hiking has given me a sense of purpose, to explore and experience what nature has to offer, this has brought so much positivity into my life. I have put focus on my overall health by making this such an important part of me, I feel energized and excited about being active and having a body that is able to take me to find waterfalls, mountains, and lakes. Hiking has been an outlet for my creativity, I have learned to love capturing my adventures through photography, then being able to share and be apart of a community full of inspiration and motivation to do get outside. Hiking might just be a really long walk for some, but I recommend letting it become apart of you. What is hiking for you? (Or what do you want it to become)
