Equipment
If you’re headed out for a morning trail run, you may not need to carry more than a bottle of water and a light snack or energy gel. But, if you plan to spend a full day or multiple days on the trail, consider packing the following items.
WATER AND FOOD
When day-hiking, plan to carry all the water you will need for the entire day—typically 1 to 2 quarts, depending on the weather (you may need more on a hot, humid summer day) and the difficulty of the trail. Do not count on drawing water from streams and springs unless you have confirmed that they are flowing. And be sure to filter or treat all water taken from natural sources.
When hiking in cold weather, keep in mind that you should bring a stove or other heat source to make a warm drink in case you get wet and chilled. It’s also a good idea to carry energy bars that can deliver quick fuel to increase your energy level.
MAP AND COMPASS
Even experienced hikers can become disoriented in the outdoors, especially at the end of a long, tiring hike. And in some places, such as designated wilderness areas, trails may not be marked with signs. Whenever possible you should carry a map to aid in your navigation. I realize that more people are using electronic devices to navigate, but it’s still good to have a non-digital compass and a paper map because electronics can lose power. Before you set out on your trip, learn the basics of reading a map and matching contour lines and other map features to your surroundings while traveling in the environment. You can give yourself some peace of mind by learning to use a compass and to properly orient your map.
Agencies responsible for trails in an area can generally provide you with the most accurate map available. USGS 7.5-minute maps also offer good detail, but you should be aware that you might need several maps to cover the entire area of a route.
Often you can download and print maps from websites, and software companies even provide high-quality topographic maps that you can customize and download to a device or print at home. Outdoor gear shops also provide excellent maps for particular trails, such as the Appalachian Trail. These sometimes include helpful features such as elevation profiles that give you an idea of the type of terrain you’ll encounter along the way. Many maps also have waterproof coatings, which can extend the life of your map in wet weather.
Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers are popular because they make land navigation easier. But, like any tool, a GPS receiver is only helpful if you take time to learn how to use it and realize its limitations. First, remember that batteries can fail, so you should not rely solely on a GPS receiver—always carry a map and compass.
More and more hikers are now using smartphones to navigate the backcountry, and you can find excellent software with detailed, preloaded topo maps for your phone. One good idea is to use software that allows you to use maps and navigate without a satellite signal, because Georgia has deep ravines and thick tree canopy that can block a signal.
FIRST-AID KIT
You can put together your own first-aid kit or purchase one from a gear store. Modern kits come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different types of trips and various group sizes. No matter what type of kit you carry, be sure to understand how to use its components, and always carry any manual provided with a kit. It’s tough to take a crash course in an emergency situation.
For low-risk hikes lasting a day or less, a basic kit is fine. A basic kit should include:
Manual
Bandages, including gauze and medical tape. Moleskin is very handy for treating hot spots and even preventing blisters. Tincture of benzoin will help moleskin adhere to skin better.
Antiseptic to clean wounds
Drugs, including something to reduce fever (like acetaminophen), something to reduce inflammation (like ibuprofen), electrolyte tablets to overcome dehydration, and antacid tablets
Prescription medicines
Cutting tools, like scissors or a razor
Hydrocortisone cream for skin irritations
Tweezers
Duct tape
The amount of bandages and drugs will depend on the size of the group. Many preassembled kits indicate the number of people a kit will serve over a certain amount of time. Note that these numbers may be inflated, meaning the kits include twice as much stuff as you’d actually need. But some buffer is built in so you will have enough supplies to handle the unexpected.
For longer trips that go well out of range of medical attention, a more sophisticated kit is needed. The big question is whether the kit can deal with at least one major injury or laceration. An advanced kit should include:
Large bandages to stop bleeding
Extra bandages
Drugs to treat burns and skin irritations, and possibly prescription drugs for serious pain
Tools to immobilize limbs, such as a splint and sling
INSECT REPELLENT
The most effective insect repellents include Deet, though you can choose products with higher or lower levels depending on your skin sensitivity. You might also consider repellents containing Picaridin. Natural alternatives, such as repellents with certain plant oils, can also work, but you might need to apply them more often.
SOURCE OF FIRE
In an emergency situation, a fire can provide warmth, serve as a signal to rescuers, and improve your state of mind. Carry waterproof matches or some other fire source, plus small candles, to help ignite kindling.
KNIFE OR MULTITOOL
Whether you need to construct a shelter or repair a piece of gear, a knife or multitool can be a critical piece of gear. You probably don’t need a massive tool with everything except the kitchen sink, but a locking blade, screwdriver, and tweezers (if there isn’t already a pair in your first-aid kit) are good implements to have.
WHISTLE
Should you become injured or separated from your hiking partners, a whistle is a great help in attracting attention. Its sound will generally be much louder and travel farther than the sound of your voice. There are many lightweight, durable plastic emergency whistles on the market, and first-aid kits often include one. Plus, many backpacks now have small whistles integrated into the sternum strap.
TREKKING POLES
Over the course of a long journey, trekking poles help to distribute your weight and reduce the accumulated pressure and weight put on your legs and knees. They are especially helpful in reducing fatigue on steep descents. Also, trekking poles stabilize your body during stream crossings. If you use them, be sure to adjust and use them while maintaining good posture.
GAITERS
Southern trails can get pretty muddy after a good, hard rain, and a pair of low-profile gaiters can help keep moisture, mud, and trail debris from sneaking into your shoes or boots.
SANDALS OR WATER SHOES
Slip on some sandals or water shoes for stream crossings to keep your hiking shoes or boots dry. They are also good to wear around camp because they allow swollen feet to breathe and recover.
CELL PHONE
I don’t really hear much debate anymore over whether cell phones belong on the trail, especially since people are using them as navigation devices. But if you carry a phone, don’t get a false sense of security, thinking that you can just call someone to bail you out of a jam. Rather, consider your phone a last resort for communication, not something to rely on. There’s always the possibility that the battery will die, so you might consider packing a portable charger (or an extra battery) if you pack a phone. Also, remember that you won’t be able to get a signal on many trails. If you pack