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alt="images" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="#fb3_img_img_37fbce51-c7f6-5703-96e5-2773c6c75890.jpg"/> Pocketknife and/or a multitool: Never hike without one.
Sunscreen: Note the expiration date on the tube or bottle.
Water: As emphasized more than once in this book, bring more than you think you’ll drink. Depending on your destination, you may want to bring a water bottle and iodine or filter for purifying water in the wilderness in case you run out.
Whistle: This little gadget will be your best friend in an emergency.
First-Aid Kit
In addition to the items above, those below may appear overwhelming for a day hike. But any paramedic will tell you that the products listed here, in alphabetical order, are just the basics. The reality of hiking is that you can be out for a week of backpacking and acquire only a mosquito bite—or you can hike for an hour, slip, and suffer a bleeding abrasion or broken bone. Fortunately, these items collapse into a very small space. You may also purchase convenient prepackaged kits at your pharmacy or online.
Ace bandages or Spenco joint wraps
Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)
Athletic tape
Band-Aids
Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)
Blister kit (such as Moleskin or Spenco 2nd Skin)
Butterfly-closure bandages
Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (for people known to have severe allergic reactions to such things as bee stings; usually available by prescription only)
Gauze (one roll and a half dozen 4-x-4-inch pads)
Hydrogen peroxide or iodine
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Note: Consider your intended terrain and the number of hikers in your party before you exclude any article cited in the previous list. A botanical-garden stroll may not inspire you to carry a complete kit, but anything beyond that warrants precaution. When hiking alone, you should always be prepared for a medical need. And if you’re part of a twosome or hiking with a group, one or more people in your party should be equipped with first-aid material.
General Safety
The following tips may have the familiar ring of Mom’s voice as you take note of them:
Always let someone know where you’ll be hiking and how long you expect to be gone. It’s a good idea to give that person a copy of your route, particularly if you’re headed into any isolated area. Let that person know when you return.
Always sign in and out of any trail registers provided. Don’t hesitate to comment on the trail condition if space is provided; that’s your opportunity to alert others to any problems you encounter.
Never count on a cell phone for your safety. Reception may be spotty or nonexistent on the trail, even on an urban walk—especially if it’s surrounded by towering trees.
Always carry food and water, even for a short hike. And bring more water than you think you will need. (I cannot say that often enough!)
Ask questions. State forest and park employees are on hand to help. It’s a lot easier to solicit advice before a problem occurs, and it will help you avoid a mishap away from civilization when it’s too late to amend an error.
Stay on designated trails. Even on the most clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider in which direction to head. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps to the point where you went astray. Using a map, a compass, and this book, and keeping in mind what you have passed thus far, reorient yourself and trust your judgment on which way to continue. If you become absolutely unsure of how to continue, return to your vehicle the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea how to return to the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults, and always the best option for children.
Always carry a whistle, another precaution that cannot be overemphasized. It may be a lifesaver if you do become lost or get hurt.
Be especially careful when crossing streams. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, ford the stream instead: use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life.
Be careful at overlooks. While these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops and be absolutely sure of your footing; a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.
Look up! Standing dead trees and storm-damaged living ones pose a significant hazard to hikers. These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. Be mindful of this when walking beneath trees, and when choosing a spot to rest or enjoy your snack.
Know hypothermia symptoms. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this stealthy killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even in the summer, especially when the hiker is wearing lightweight cotton clothing. If symptoms present themselves, get to shelter, hot liquids, and dry clothes ASAP.
Likewise, know the symptoms of heat exhaustion (hyperthermia). Lightheadedness and loss of energy are the first two indicators. If you feel these symptoms, find some shade, drink your water, remove
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