Hiking Hints

Footware:

Boots must be comfortable. Avoid trying to break in new boots on a hiking adventure. When you buy, try on many different boots to find the one that fits best and never let price alone be your guide. Ill-fitting boots can spoil your day and result in injury.

To minimize blisters, wear a double set of socks. There are special thin inner socks meant to reduce chafing. The outer socks should be a thick wool, even in summer. Wool will cushion your foot and help keep your foot from sliding inside your boot.

It's best to avoid gym or running shoes on the trail. They do not support the ankle on rough, rocky ground and may stretch and go soft if soaked.

Gaiters:

Gaiters seal the space between your boots and your pants. They are excellent on brushy trails, in the rain, on scree slopes or in snow. They keep stones, leaves, snow and water from falling into your boots.

First Aid Kit:

There are good light-weight commercial first aid kits specifically designed for hiking. Add moleskin to the kit. It's a soft adhesive cloth that sticks well to skin and can prevent blisters on the heel or toes. It can be cut to any size required.

Clothing:

Consider wearing fleece undershirts and jackets. One annoyance on the trail is the cold and clammy feel of sweaty clothing. Fleece garments have the advantage of being warm, lightweight and quick drying. Use a very lightweight fleece undershirt in all weather. Add a light or medium fleece jacket depending on the temperature. Top it off with a rain and wind proof outer shell. In very cold weather, you may need an extra layer of fleece.

As the weather warms, remove layers until you feel comfortable. Long sleeves are handy in buggy weather or in the cold.

If you wear shorts, take a pair of long pants in your pack. Too much sun, wind or cold or too many insects can make shorts very uncomfortable. Nylon pants dry quickly but have little warmth in cold weather. Add wind-proof rain pants and you can be comfortable in snow and cold. Of course, rain pants are great in a heavy downpour or when you are walking through wet brush.

Wide-brim hats work well to keep the sun away from your face. A strap or drawstring will keep the hat on your head in a strong wind above timberline.

Sunglasses:

Sunglasses with UV protection are necessary above timberline in the summer and essential on snow on a bright day in the winter. Sunlight at high elevations is glaring and can make your eyes very tired from constant squinting. In the winter and spring, the glare from snow on a sunny day can cause snow blindness.