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Hiking equipment: Difference between revisions
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*[[Compass]] - roughly knowing which way is North can already make a huge difference | *[[Compass]] - roughly knowing which way is North can already make a huge difference | ||
*[[First aid kit]] | *[[First aid kit]] | ||
* | *Matches and/or a lighter and possibly a flint or magnifying glass (always work, even when wet) | ||
*Tinder - plus knowledge how to start a fire. In emergencies, a [[campfire]] can be one of the biggest life savers (warmth and signalling) and it is not as easy to make as some might think. A fire also keeps up the spirits, which can also be a life saver. | *Tinder - plus knowledge how to start a fire. In emergencies, a [[campfire]] can be one of the biggest life savers (warmth and signalling) and it is not as easy to make as some might think. A fire also keeps up the spirits, which can also be a life saver. | ||
* | *Candles - for light but also a useful aid to start a fire | ||
* | *Water flask, plus water if needed | ||
*[[Water purification]] - tablets and/or filter | *[[Water purification]] - tablets and/or filter | ||
*[[Food]] - preferably with a low water content to keep the weight down (if water is readily available on the spot) | *[[Food]] - preferably with a low water content to keep the weight down (if water is readily available on the spot) | ||
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*[[Sleeping pad|Mat]] - even a small thin one can make a difference in emergencies | *[[Sleeping pad|Mat]] - even a small thin one can make a difference in emergencies | ||
*[[Sleeping bag]] (and/or liner) | *[[Sleeping bag]] (and/or liner) | ||
*Clothes - best worn in layers, so one can easily adapt to changing circumstances. So two thin sweaters make more sense than one thick one. Also, on overnight trips, keep one set of clothes dry for evenings and nights (eg a | *Clothes - best worn in layers, so one can easily adapt to changing circumstances. So two thin sweaters make more sense than one thick one. Also, on overnight trips, keep one set of clothes dry for evenings and nights (eg a jogging suit) and put the dayclothes back on before you start walking, even if they are wet. You will thank yourself for that during the next evening. | ||
*A warm [[hat]] or cap - even when no cold weather is expected. Per weight and volume, this is the best insulator because a lot of body heat escapes through the head ("If your feet are cold, put on a hat"). | *A warm [[hat]] or cap - even when no cold weather is expected. Per weight and volume, this is the best insulator because a lot of body heat escapes through the head ("If your feet are cold, put on a hat"). | ||
*[[Big handkerchief]] - for various purposes, such as a rough water filter, a thin scarf or a [[bandana]] to keep the sweat out of one's eyes (should be big enough for that purpose). | *[[Big handkerchief]] - for various purposes, such as a rough water filter, a thin scarf or a [[bandana]] to keep the sweat out of one's eyes (should be big enough for that purpose). | ||
* | *Rain jacket or [[parka]] - preferably either one that fits over the backpack or accompanied by a separate pack liner | ||
*[[Boots]] - worn in boots, that is! Often heavy boots with soles with a thick profile and high heels are recommended to avoid twisted ankles after a misstep, which is one of the worst things that can happen to a solo hiker. However, heavy boots put a lot of weight where it is least desirable and are thus exhausting. A less popular alternative philosophy is to use light [[trainers]] with thin soles so one can feel the ground one walks on and avoid making missteps in the first place. | *[[Boots]] - worn in boots, that is! Often heavy boots with soles with a thick profile and high heels are recommended to avoid twisted ankles after a misstep, which is one of the worst things that can happen to a solo hiker. However, heavy boots put a lot of weight where it is least desirable and are thus exhausting. A less popular alternative philosophy is to use light [[trainers]] with thin soles so one can feel the ground one walks on and avoid making missteps in the first place. | ||
*[[Socks]] - as with boots, special attention should be given to socks (eg, no irritating ridge above the toes). Footwear is obviously essential for long distance walking. | *[[Socks]] - as with boots, special attention should be given to socks (eg, no irritating ridge above the toes). Footwear is obviously essential for long distance walking. | ||
*[[Toilet paper]] or [[paper napkins]] - also handy as kindling | *[[Toilet paper]] or [[paper napkins]] - also handy as kindling | ||
*[[Sun cream]] and [[sun glasses]] - may be essential for those who are easily sunburnt, eg fair skinned people who rarely go outside. Especially on snow, water or (to a lesser degree) sand. The reflection of snow can lead to | *[[Sun cream]] and [[sun glasses]] - may be essential for those who are easily sunburnt, eg fair skinned people who rarely go outside. Especially on snow, water or (to a lesser degree) sand. The reflection of snow can lead to snow blindness. | ||
== Worth considering == | == Worth considering == | ||
*[[Tent]] and/or | *[[Tent]] and/or ground sheet - the sheet (plus a rope) can be a simple substitute for a tent. | ||
*[[Bivvy bag]] or [[space blanket]] - a simple substitute for both a tent and a sleeping bag, mostly to keep out wind and rain. | *[[Bivvy bag]] or [[space blanket]] - a simple substitute for both a tent and a sleeping bag, mostly to keep out wind and rain. | ||
*[[Hammock]] - especially popular in the tropics, to stay away from most creepy crawlies | *[[Hammock]] - especially popular in the tropics, to stay away from most creepy crawlies | ||
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*[[Twine|String]] - for all sorts of purposes, such as a clothes line | *[[Twine|String]] - for all sorts of purposes, such as a clothes line | ||
*[[Rope]] - various lengths and girths, for various purposes, eg [[Parachute cord]]. Maybe also (copper) wire. | *[[Rope]] - various lengths and girths, for various purposes, eg [[Parachute cord]]. Maybe also (copper) wire. | ||
*[[Fishing line]] and | *[[Fishing line]] and fishing hooks - extremely light weight, but potentially a life saver. The fishing line is also very versatile (eg for repairing boots) | ||
*[[Machete]] - may be frowned upon or even confiscated in National Parks, but can be essential when one wishes or needs to go off the beaten track, where one may encounter thick vegetation. Also very handy for construction and collecting firewood. Can also double as a spade. | *[[Machete]] - may be frowned upon or even confiscated in National Parks, but can be essential when one wishes or needs to go off the beaten track, where one may encounter thick vegetation. Also very handy for construction and collecting firewood. Can also double as a spade. | ||
*[[Cooking pot]] or [[billycan|billy]] | *[[Cooking pot]] or [[billycan|billy]] | ||
*[[Stove]] and fuel - can be as simple as an | *[[Stove]] and fuel - can be as simple as an Esbit cooker. Esbit blocks are also good firestarters, albeit not too environmentally friendly. | ||
*Spoon and possibly other eating utensils | *Spoon and possibly other eating utensils | ||
*[[Rain pants]] | *[[Rain pants]] | ||
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*[[Flip flop]]s or [[sandals]] - for the evenings or night visits to the toilet (or what ever passes for that) | *[[Flip flop]]s or [[sandals]] - for the evenings or night visits to the toilet (or what ever passes for that) | ||
*[[Towel]] - can double as a scarf or head dress (against the cold) | *[[Towel]] - can double as a scarf or head dress (against the cold) | ||
* | *Soap and [[shampoo]] - can be frowned upon in National Parks. Preferably bio-degradable. Use sparingly and away from lakes and rivers. | ||
*[[Sewing kit]], possibly with a scalpel | *[[Sewing kit]], possibly with a scalpel | ||
*[[Heliograph]] - a mirror with a hole in it for signalling airplanes. Requires knowledge of how to use it. | *[[Heliograph]] - a mirror with a hole in it for signalling airplanes. Requires knowledge of how to use it. | ||
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*[[Condom]]s - one condom can hold about a liter of water (although a condom without spermicide would be preferable for this purpose) | *[[Condom]]s - one condom can hold about a liter of water (although a condom without spermicide would be preferable for this purpose) | ||
*[[Radio]] - eg to listen to weather reports | *[[Radio]] - eg to listen to weather reports | ||
* | *Tweezers (if not already in pocket knife) - for removing thorns and such. | ||
*[[Spade]] - for various purposes, eg to dig a cathole. | *[[Spade]] - for various purposes, eg to dig a cathole. | ||
*[[Snacks]] - preferably of the healthy kind, as emergency 'power food'. | *[[Snacks]] - preferably of the healthy kind, as emergency 'power food'. | ||
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== Special interests == | == Special interests == | ||
* | *Binoculars - not only for [[birder]]s | ||
*Camera plus spare batteries and film/memory card | *Camera plus spare batteries and film/memory card | ||
*[[Gaiters]] | *[[Gaiters]] | ||
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== See also == | == See also == | ||
*[[Ten Essentials]], according to The Mountaineers of Seattle, Washington, USA. | *[[Ten Essentials]], according to The Mountaineers of Seattle, Washington, USA. | ||
* | *Survival kit | ||
*[[Mini survival kits]] | *[[Mini survival kits]] | ||
*[[Hiking]] | *[[Hiking]] | ||
