What should I bring/wear for a hiking trip?

J

Josephine

New member
Next week, I'm going with my friends for a one day hiking trip. Now, I've lived in the North Georgia Mountains my entire life, and if you can believe it, I've never actually gone on a hike. Haha.

We're hiking at Raven Cliff Falls in White County, Georgia. It's most likely going to be really sunny and in the high 80's and low 90's.

What should I bring with me and what should I wear?

My dad says I should wear jeans because of snakes and poison ivy and have a First-Aid Kit (along with water and food, of course). What else?
 
You should avoid wearing jeans on a hiking trip. Instead wear pants that are specially made for these kinds of trips. If necessary, depending on the weather, you can also buy water resistant pants that will protect you from getting wet. Carrying a pair of shorts is always a good idea, but make sure that you wear them in areas which are not infested with mosquitoes.

Your shoes should be cushioned with high ankles as this will help to prevent blisters or getting attacked by ticks and leeches. In addition, the cushioning in the shoes will ease the stress out of your feet when you are traversing rough terrain. Also make sure you wear socks that can absorb the sweat from your feet.
 
As far as pants go, jeans should be fine, but you might be more comfortable if you wear khaki pants. And don't forget a belt.
I'd say on the feet good hiking boots. You don't have to go out and get a $300 dollar pair of boots for a one day hike, but tennis shoes might make you a little under dressed. Also, wool socks are your friend.
With shirts I'd say 100% cotton. And long sleeves would be better... If need be you can roll the sleeves up. Also definitely wear some type of hat.
Also, as other people have said, you don't want to over-prepare, but I'd put a small survival kit in your back pack just in case. Look around online and you should be able to find ways to make them yourself, instead of buying one. http://www.scribd.com/doc/3011764/Make-3-Survival-Kits-1-from-an-Altoids-Tin
Hopefully you won't need it, but it's one of those things that if you need it, you really NEED it.
Also, bring lots and lots of water, as others have said. Instead of water bottles, I'd suggest at least one or two canteens if you don't already have them. They hold more water, and if you get a "proper" (military issue) canteen, then it is a lot tougher. And if possible, get some water purification tablets. They are small, light, and relatively cheap. And very handy.
Food shouldn't be a huge problem, but a few energy bars in your backpack would be helpful if you get really hungry. Maybe a bag a trail mix as well. Also a bag for trash.

Besides that, a first aid kit (like your dad says) and lots of sunscreen and bug repellent. And have fun!
 
Hiking boots (and socks)

deet (bad-a$$ mosquito repellent) and sunscreen
hat
I would recommend even long-sleeve shirt (yes, it is hot but protection is important), especially of Coolmax fabrix or similar for breathability -

water - a lot (carry in backpack)

a small snack (energy bars are great as they do not take much space);

tissues

a plastic bag for garbage (a Supermarket bag will do)

I also like taking along some baby wipes, sandals and a dress for later - feels very nice to change into something after the hike; I usually leave those in the car.

Maybe, a camera - you will see beautiful places.

Jeans will work I think - it's not that important; you do not need waterproof clothes in such heat.
 
You're only going out for the day. - Overloading with 'precautions' will only make you miserable with the weight.
A water bottle is the main thing. - You can refill it in streams. - Because you're going to need a lot more than one bottle if it's hot and sunny.

Maybe I should suggest what possibly really isn't necessary:
An Elephant Gun. - In case you encounter Big Foot.
Binoculars.
Knife.
A net over your face. - In case a swarm of mosquitoes happens.
A stretcher. - In case you break both your legs.
Oh! Most certainly bring sunglasses.
A 5 lb pry bar. - In case one or both of your feet get stuck under a rock.
A fishing rod. - In case you get lost for days and days.
A candle and a lighter. - In case winter comes and still haven't found your way out yet.
There's lots of bark on the trees. - So you won't starve.
If there's a section you have to cross barren of trees ...don't leave the tree area before loading up on bark. - You can use the stretcher to carry it in. - Unless of course 'you' are in the stretcher.
In 'that case' maybe one of your friends will allow you to put a bit of bark for yourself on his or her stretcher. - That is, of course, if he or she is not occupying their stretchers.

But. In any case ...have a good time.
I hope you live through it! lol
 
You should wear a short sleave shirt or tank top, i dont know that i would wear jeans if it is going to be warm out but that is up to you, you want to wear hiking boots, and bring sweets. Hope I helped.
 
jeans, boots or tennishoes, bugoff spray, cell phone, backpack for extra stuff
 
Bring a whistle. If you get separated / lost, the whistle noise will carry for more than a mile with relatively little effort on your point. Yelling won't carry as far and requires a lot more effort on your part, plus you'll go hoarse.
 
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