Gear up for summer hikes

Tag : Synthetic Blanket

Gear up for summer hikes

By Pamela Dickman
Loveland Reporter-Herald Don Davis packs different gear to foray into the mountainsdepending on where and when he plans to recreate.
Survival kits are personal, seasonal and geographic, said Davis,Larimer County Search and Rescue manager and owner of aLoveland-based survival skills school.
The basics, for summering in Colorado, are equipment to provideshelter, fire, signals if lost, food and water. The rest, he said,are the gravy.
And, oh yeah, watch the weight in your pack so it is not too heavy.

What to wear (and what not to wear). Long pants and long-sleeved shirts made ofnylon or another synthetic material are best. Dont wear cotton,said Davis, noting that it stays wet and cold a long time. Bluejeans are one of the worst things to wear.

Boots. A pair of hiking boots with tread and full ankle support are keyto maintaining your footing on the trail.

Hat. A full-brimmed hat that will protect you from the sun isrecommended. A baseball cap protects your face but not your neck,ears and other areas that can burn. Sunglasses are another protection for your eyes, which can burn, causing painand temporary blindness.

Sunscreen and bug spray. Carry and use both. Apply before you head out hiking and reapplyevery couple hours.

Water. Drink a lot of water on the drive up, then make sure to carry atleast two liters of water during a day hike. For longer hikes carrymore. It also helps to carry equipment to purify mountain water orsnow in case you are lost. A container in which to boil water (a small pan or even an empty soup can) or water purifying tablets are options.

Fire. You may need a fire to keep yourself warm, boil water or signalrescuers. Carry matches, a lighter, a fire-starting kit and a smallbag of tinder. But before you spark a flame, make sure it is safeto prevent sparking a forest fire as well.

Rain poncho. Expensive rain gear, waterproof pants or even a plastic poncho alldo the trick to keep you dry and warm if a storm were to strike.

Signals. If you are lost, several items can help you signal for help. A whistle, a signal mirror and fire are options.

Blanket. Lightweight space or emergency blankets are do not take up muchspace but will keep you warm. Some have a bright outer color thatsearchers may see from a distance.

Folding saw. This can help cut branches or boughs.

First aid kit. Always carry bandages, antiseptic, tick remover and other medicalsupplies. A lot can fit in a small kit.

Cutting tool. Always carry a knife or Leatherman tool.

Compass and map. Make sure to take a compass and map and know how to use them.Portable global positioning system devices are nice, and verypopular, but should not replace the old-fashioned map and compassbecause they can break or batteries can die.

Cellular phone. OK, so it may not work in some areas of the mountains and shouldnot be solely relied upon, but in some areas you could make anemergency call or text message from a cellular phone, alertingrescuers to your need and helping them pinpoint your location.

Light. Flashlights, a headlamp or light sticks can help if you findyourself in the mountains after dark and can be used to signal forhelp.

Toilet paper. You never know when nature will call, and wiping with a leaf canhave consequences (poison ivy or other itchy after-effects). Alsocarry a small shovel to bury your waste.

Food. Carry enough food to feed yourself for the day and extra in caseyou are stuck overnight. Its whatever you like, said Davis.Dont change your diet.

Signal tape. Can help you mark the trail and avoid getting lost.

Shelter. Always carry something to make yourself shelter if need be. Daviscarries a tarp and parachute cord, which fold up small but caneasily be rigged as shelter from the elements.