How to Comfortably Equip Yourself for a Summer Hike

Story by:

William Hehemann for the U of A Division of Agriculture

First posted on 07-13-2010

Before setting out on an expedition by foot, there are some preliminary measures that will help ensure the hike is safe and comfortable.

It is important to become get familiar with the equipment you will take on your hike, said Mike Klumpp, associate professor 4-H Youth Development with the Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

“Get a good pair of boots and make sure to break them in ahead of time,” Klumpp said.

Before purchasing boots, try them on with the hiking socks to be worn on the trail. Make sure there is space between heel and back of the boot - enough to place both index and middle finger; this will ensure the toes aren’t going to be cramped.

Be sure to test the boots on a trail while wearing a full backpack. Klumpp said this prepares both feet and boots for the varying stresses of weight experienced on an uneven path.

There are two framing options for backpacks, internal and external, Klumpp said. Internal frame backpacks are currently most popular because they carry a load lower and closer to the body, providing with better balance and freedom of movement. However, external frame packs allow more ventilation between the pack and body, Klumpp said.

“Most of your pack’s weight needs to be centered at the core of your back. If there’s too much weight up high, it will throw off your balance,” Klumpp said.

In filling the pack, the key is compacting space, Klumpp said. For example, fill a cooking pot with other smaller necessities to take advantage of every bit of space.

Make sure an emergency item like a rain poncho is at the top of the pack for easy access. Also, in case of rain, keep shirts and necessities tightly wrapped in freezer bags or waterproof stuff sacks.

Once full, a pack’s total weight shouldn’t exceed 40-45 percent of the hiker’s body weight. While not skimping on the essentials of food, clothing and protection from the elements, try to reduce the total number of items to be carried.

Essentials hikers should take to make their treks safer and more pleasant:

♦ Water - Water is the most important essential on the list, Klumpp said. “Here in Arkansas we’ve got the humidity to deal with, so you’ll be sweating out the water you take in.” Carry a minimum of 2 quarts of water on a hike.

♦ A small first-aid kit

♦ Flashlight and batteries - Even for a day-hike, said Klumpp. “You never know what could happen,” he said.

♦ Food - Granola bars are a good option, or small lunch if you plan to be out all day.

♦ A map and compass - “You should have a good understanding of the map and know how to orient the compass with the map,” said Klumpp.

♦ Matches or a fire starter

♦ A pocketknife

♦ Sun protection

♦ A whistle

♦ Toilet paper, and a trowel to dig a hole.

♦ Rain gear - “You should check the weather the morning before you leave, and be aware of any thunderstorms that might crop up,” said Klumpp, who suggests taking a poncho or lightweight rain jacket.