Be Prepared Before Hitting the Trail

Equipment

Being well-prepared for a hiking or a multi-day backpacking trip means bringing appropriate equipment—and sometimes, bringing extras. You don’t have to go hog-wild, but you do need to bring quality gear to keep you healthy, happy and safe on your adventure.  

• Backpack: they come in all shapes and sizes. Get fitted by camping specialists at an outdoor store to ensure even weight distribution; i.e., no back pains.
• Shelter/Sleeping bags: Three-season tents should be good for most occasions. Sleeping bags are all about personal preference. Again, ask a camping specialist for suggestions that suit your needs.
• With kids: use Kelty Kid Carriers, or other child carrier packs, to tote tiny tots.
• Trail food: granola bars, bulk foods (nuts, trail mix), cookies, candy bars.
• Broken-in hiking boots or good trail runners with ankle support.
• Extra pair of dry socks.
• Clothes for layering: hat, pants, shorts (convertibles are great for hiking), thermal underwear, sweater or lightweight fleece pullover.
• Water purification tablets.
• Pocket knife or multi-tool.
• A flashlight (or two) and extra batteries.
• Freeze-dried meals.
• Stove (and fuel!).

Caving Specific

If your family is planning on a wild caving adventure, remember: Tell someone where you’re going, and what time you’ll return. Here are some other suggestions and a list of important caving gear:

• A mother goes on a hike with her young child on her back.
• Gerry Thomasen

• Bring three light sources—in case one goes out.
• Use hardhats with attached headlights, to keep your hands free.
• Gloves.
• Light rain jacket.
• Dress in layers—it will get cold down there!
• Knee pads—for crawling: available at gardening stores at low cost.
• Small backpack with snacks and water.
• Proceed slowly and watch your footing for holes.

Handy Gadgets

Coghlan’s 5-in-1 Survival Aid: includes whistle, compass, waterproof matchbox, fire-starter flint and lanyard string to wear around neck. $2.50

KATADYN® Micropur™ Purification Tablets: purifies water from giardia and cryptosporidium bacteria and viruses. About $9.99 for a pack of 20 tablets.