What should I bring on a hike?

Question

I'm going on my first hike and I don't know if I should wear shorts or long pants, and what I should bring along in my backpack. Any hikers out there...please provide suggestions. Thanks!

Answer 1

I would wear shorts, a tank top, and hiking boots and bring some water and maybe a couple cereal bars in case you get hungry. Bring a pocket knife, a flashlight, and maybe some extra deodorent!

:)

Have fun!

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Answer 2

I would go with shorts in summer.  A tank top or t-shirt would be good as well.  Wear shoes with lots of grip on the bottoms.  Bring a bottle (or more, depending on how long this hike is) of water and a few snacks (trail mix or a few cereal bars) in case you get hungry.  Depending on where you're hiking, determine whether or not you'll need bug spray, sunblock, etc.  Bring some bandaids and those alcohol pads in case you get cut.  Some extra clothes, if this is an overnight hike or something like that, or if you're probably going to have to get past mud pits, rivers, and the like.

Answer 3

lots of water, square meal if you can, hiking/walking stick, if its on a trail shorts should be fine but if its unmarked or something pants should be wore. bug spray and sun tan lotion. first aid kit. a cell phone that will have a signal everywhere you are for emergencies.

Answer 4

there are many different lists of "10 essentials" that vary somewhat

first - pants:

hot and good trail - shorts are fine

may be wet, cold, windy, brushy trail, bugs, etc. - long pants might be better

the long pants with zip off legs work for some

I usually start out with one on and carry the other to change into if needed

LIST

water (usually carry some method to treat water and a metal container that can be used to heat the water)

matches/lighter/firestarter

knife - sturdy but doesn't have to be too big

first aid kit

flashlight

compass and map

poncho or small tarp

food

some small rope or cord

knowledge that someone knows where I am and when I'll be back

I usually carry a complete change of clothes from skin out but I always carry extra socks

I also usually carry a small stove (alcohol or canister)

I always remember the envy on some other hikers one cold day at Laurel Falls in GSMNP. We stopped at the falls for lunch. I filled a pot from the stream. While my daughter and I ate our sandwiches, the water reached a boil so we followed the sandwiches with hot soup and finished off with hot chocolate and coffee.

Answer 5

it depends on how long the hike is.  Always wear good solid and waterproof boots. Bring water, a pint per mile is usualy plenty.  If its more than just a day hike, then a lot of equipment but i don't think your doing that. Also, you may want trail mix, bug spray or anythink else to make your hike more comfortable.

Answer 6

Carry water (more than you think you'll need) and Kleenex, for sure. If your shoes are not 100% broken-in, carry a few Band-Aids. Wear socks. Have a hat (baseball cap is fine) with you. Wear sunscreen.

Shorts or pants depends on temperature and terrain. If you're in cool weather, someplace with scritchy underbrush, or tick country, you want long pants.

Don't forget to ask whoever's organizing the hike if they have any recommendations for newbies.