Hiking Guide Lines
Bring the 10 essentials on every hike:
Map, Compass, Sun Glasses and Sunscreen, Food,
Water, Clothing to match the weather, Headlamp or Flashlight, First Aid Kit,
Fire Starter or Matches, Knife.
I would also carry a hat, gloves and an emergency space blanket.
Whenever you stop, check the area before moving on. You may be leaving something behind.
Always check your pack to ensure that all pockets are closed, check your friend’s pack.
Eat all day, because you need fuel. Never go more than 2 hours without eating. Bring food that you will eat.
Drink water all day, if you run out have a way to get more with a filters or Iodine tabs.
I like to keep food and water easily accessible; I don't want to have to dig in my pack for a snack or a drink.
Pay attention to the weather, your friends, the route, and your body. Speak up if you suspect something is wrong.
Know the dangers for your environment: Ignorance can get you dead.
For the mountains it is weather, hypothermia, and gravity, in the dessert it is heat and water, on a glacier its crevasses, snow, ice, gravity, and weather.
Know how to safely interact with your environment. If it requires special tools or skills, get training and practice.
I say it is better to carry it and not use it, than to need it and not have it.
Carry a repair kit, because ship happens, things break, and it's nice when you are prepared.
Keep your gear clean and in working order. Have you checked the expiration dates of the items in your First Aid kit?
Know how to use your gear. It will save time when you need it.
Carry a half section of a foam pad, it will provide you and a friend a clean warm spot to sit. Warning, the wind will try and steal it.
Respect Mother Nature, you are visitors in her living room.
Above class 3, bring a helmet. I like my helmet.
Learn how to read a map, use a compass. Discuss the route before and during the hike.
A GPS is an aid to your map and compass, it should not be your primary means of navigating.
Proper clothing and layering are how to keep comfortable over the expected temperatures range, low to high temperature forecasted.
Check the current weather and the forecast for where you are going. It is possible to commit suicide by not checking the weather.
I like to be self-sufficient; I have everything I need in my pack. So should you.
Never panic, think.
Trust your gut instinct, if it is trying to tell you something, listen.
Take scheduled breaks to eat and rehydrate (10 min after every hour of hiking). Accidents are waiting for you to be tired, careless or in a hurry.
If you have a medical condition, bring your medicine and tell someone.
If you have knee problems, use treking poles. I like to use two poles.
Take care of your feet. Boots should be well fitting, waterproof/water resistant, and good insoles (I change my insoles every hiking season). Carry and extra pair of socks and change your socks if your feet get wet. Know how and when to take care of a blister.