What should you take with you when you go hiking

What you should consider carrying when you go hiking

Water: you should always carry water with you when you hike. If you get stuck out in the wilderness, overnight, you will certainly need to have water with you. Also, check with the park rangers to see if there is potable water along your route and ask them what their suggestion is for how much water to carry based on the conditions of the trail plus the weather.

Hanbo: Now a Hanbo is a 36 inch walking stick which allows you the ability to fend off, not only would-be attackers, but also wildlife if necessary. There are sources on the Internet that allow you to get training for this type of weapon. In addition, to being a great self defense weapon you can also function in a survival mode. I would have more information about multiple uses of a 36-inch walking stick. Now you might prefer a slightly longer walking stick, such as a 5-foot or a six-foot walking staff, and again there is training that you can find on the Internet.

First aid kit: Always carry a small first aid kit when you go hiking. This kit should include Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, tweezers, aspirin, or the like. You never know when you're going to need a first aid kit and most assuredly when you're hiking you're bound to have some "ouch".

Cell phone: always take a cell phone or some other means of communication in case something happens while you're hiking. You could fall and hurt yourself or even have medical issues that could be life threatening. You don't want to be out of touch when you have a medical emergency so therefore always take a cell phone with you or even a small CB radio.

Knife: always carry some type of knife with you. I have discussed the issue of whether it is a folding knife or a sheath knife. It really doesn't matter to me, at this point, but you do need to carry one for your self-defense and also as a survival tool.

Defender: This is a small plastic, non-lethal, self-defense weapon that is light to carry but if you have to protect yourself then this tool is invaluable. You can find out about it at this page. They also have a neck holster to fit the defenders which make it easy to hike with and yet quick to deploy.

Fire starter: If you have to spend the night, unexpectedly, you may want to build a small warming fire or a fire that can draw attention so you can be rescued. A small fire starter Kit is about the size of a pill bottle therefore easy to carry.

Whistle: always carry an emergency whistle so you can draw attention to yourself in case you need to be rescued. If you actually try to yell, in a few hours, you would lose your voice and that is that. Make sure that each person in the group carries a whistle as well, especially children.

Emergency blanket: Finally, if you should have to spend the night unexpectedly, an emergency foil blanket can go a long way to saving your life.

In closing, this is a small list of things you need to carry for a day hike and I'm sure this list could grow easily. I would consider this at least the bare minimum of items to carry and they would not be a burden for you or your family to do so.

By Master Peter Brusso
8-4-11