How to prepare for a full day of hiking
By Trent Jonas
A day hike doesn't sound like it would require much preparation, but there are a few important things to take note of, plan for, and pack with you before you head out to the trails. If you plan to spend more than just a couple of hours out hiking, especially if you are unfamiliar with the trail, make sure you've checked everything off your checklist. From taking a peek at the weather to properly packing your backpack, here are a few tips to get you ready for your trek.
Check the weather
Before you hit the trail for the day, you’ll need to know what kinds of conditions you’ll be dealing with. Take note of the forecast, and dress and pack accordingly. Prepare for unexpected changes: Bring a light, waterproof jacket in case of unexpected rain or cool weather.
Know where you're going
Heading out for an all-day hike usually means you’re going to go some distance, and if you’re leaving a familiar environment or heading into the wilderness, it’s best to have a good idea of where you’re going and what kind of terrain you’ll be hiking before you go. Bring along a GPS unit or a smartphone with an app like Gaia GPS to help you keep track of where you are on the trail. But never rely solely on electronics to get you by, always bring along a map (ideally a topo map) and a compass in case your electronics run out of charge or fail in some way.
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