|
Here's
the essential clothing and gear you need — even for a day hike — in
the Northeast's mountains in the spring, summer, or fall. Remember also to
always check the weather and prepare for the worst conditions; make plans
with your group's abilities in mind; and plan an alternate route in case
of bad weather, injury, illness, or slower than expected travel time.
Clothing
Be sure to wear
or bring the following:
- Wool
sweater or synthetic pile jacket.
- Hat.
- Gloves
or mittens.
- Bandanna
or handkerchief.
- Long
pants (avoid cotton).
- Wind
and rain gear (jacket and pants).
- Extra
socks (a welcome treat for the feet at mid-hike, or if you
inadvertently step in a stream. They also double as mittens).
- Sturdy
boots (a must).
Polypropylene
or wool underwear is recommended. Polypropylene acts as insulation and it
keeps you dry by transporting moisture from perspiration away from your
skin. Polypro and wool retain their ability to insulate even when wet.
Food and Gear
- First-aid
kit.
- Waterproof
matches.
- Whistle.
- Knife.
- Guidebook,
trail map, and compass.
- High-energy
snacks.
- Two
to four quarts (per person) of water.
- Flashlight
or headlamp with fresh batteries.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect
repellent.
- Plastic
trash bags serve many functions: Use them as pack liners to keep your
gear dry, for carrying out trash, as a makeshift rain poncho, or to
fashion an emergency bivouac sac (pull one on like pants; pull the
other on like a shirt and cut a hole for your face so you can
breathe).
- Consider
carrying a sleeping bag in case you are forced to sleep out overnight.
If you're traveling in a group, carry at least one sleeping bag. It is
an emergency tool that can keep an injured hiker warm until help
arrives. Hypothermia is
more of a threat when you sit immobilized because of injury.
(Note:
This information was taken from AMC materials)
|