Hiking

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Well before:

• Plan to go with others, not alone – your companion can get help if you get hurt
• Start breaking in new shoes, boots, clothes, etc.
• Take a first aid course
• Take an orienteering course
• Plan to wear clothing to protect against poison ivy, etc., e.g., long pants, long-sleeved shirt, long socks

Shortly before:

• Ensure your name and phone number are on all items which are susceptible to being lost or stolen
• Listen to radio and/or watch TV for:
  • Traffic conditions
  • Weather forecast – so you can wear appropriate clothing and take appropriate gear, e.g., umbrella
• Apply lotion (e.g., barrier cream) to protect against poison ivy
• Talk to rangers, etc. about local hazards, e.g.:
  • Wildlife
  • Spiders

Items to take:

• Pocket knife
• First aid kit including:
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Bandages
  • Gauze
  • Tourniquet
• Snake bite kit
• Sunscreen/sunblock
• Hat (e.g., one with cloth flap(s) and/or a wide brim – to protect your head and neck from sun exposure
• Indicator of sun intensity (some can be stuck onto your skin)
• Extra socks (cotton and wool)
• Identification – in case you become sick or injured
• Medical information – in case you become sick or injured
• Camera and film
• Pedometer

Wear:

• Clean wool socks – for cushioning) over light cotton socks – to absorb perspiration – dirty socks may cause blisters
• High leather boots/shoes – to protect and support your ankles

During:

Regularly:

• Make noise occasionally (e.g., shout, hit trees with stick, wear a bell) – so you don’t surprise bears, especially a mother with cubs)

If you notice any soreness on one of your feet:

• Stop right away

If the sore spot is red:

• Tape a patch of moleskin over the spot with adhesive tape
• Change your socks

If you get a blister:

• Wash the area with soap and water
• Sterilize a needle or pin in a match flame
• Pierce the blister at an edge and let it drain
• Cover the area with a patch of sterile adhesive gauze

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