MAP & COMPASS

FOOD / SNACKS

FLASHLIGHT / EXTRA BATTERIES

KNIFE 

LIGHT WEIGHT EMERGENCY BLANKET.

AT LEAST A QUART OF WATER, TWO BOTTLES IF POSSIBLE

SMALL BACKPACK, USE PLASTIC LINER TO KEEP ITEMS DRY.

EXTRA CLOTHING / RAIN JACKET AND PANTS, IN CASE YOU ARE OUT LONGER THAN EXPECTED OR UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER.

NYLON CORD (50 FT TO 100FT ) 

SUNSCREEN

BUG REPELLENT

FIRST AID KIT (keep bandages and other items fresh.) Inspect at beginning of each season.

WATERPROOF MATCHES / CANDLE / FIRE STARTER

CAMERA – BINOCULARS

BEFORE YOU GO AND OTHER SAFETY TIPS

Hike with group if possible.

Leave information on where you plan to be and when you plan to return. Stick to your plan.

If you are new to hiking, consider attending an organized, led hike, first.

Learn how to use your map and compass. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE SOME DAY.

Keep a constant lookout for branches, "pig stickers" on your path. Also watch for loose rocks on the trail and at stream crossings.

Be vigilant for the designated "Trail Blazes / markers." (yellow diamonds or triangles for example.) If you seem to have lost your way, return to where you last saw one. Looking behind occasionally you should also see Blazes for the return trip. Let the younger people in your group find these trail markers. It is good training for them.