Things You'll Need:
- Cargo Pants
- Children's T-shirts
- Flannel Shirts (men)
- Fleece Jackets
- Glove Liners
- Heavy Duty And Lightweight Long Underwear
- Hiking Hats
- Hiking Shoes
- Hiking Socks
- Waterproof Rain Gears
- Wool Mens' Sweaters
- Local Guidebooks
- Sunscreen
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Step 1
Educate yourself about the area you'll be visiting. What are day and nighttime temperatures? Is the area prone to storms?
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Step 2
Question people who have been to the area before. Read local guidebooks.
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Step 3
Wear clothing in layers. Multiple layers trap more warm air than a single heavy garment.
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Step 4
Avoid cotton fabrics, which become cold and clingy when wet, and dry slowly.
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Step 5
Hike in loose-fitting pants and a shirt in normal, warm conditions. Secured cuffs and leg openings will help protect against ticks. Keep a long-underwear top or fleece jacket handy to put on when you stop.
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Step 6
Change out of damp, sweaty clothing when you stop hiking. Dry clothes prevent heat loss from evaporation.
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Step 7
Bring quality, waterproof, breathable rain gear, even when rain is not in the forecast. Wetness causes a loss of body heat and leaves you vulnerable to hypothermia.
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Step 8
Wear a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Remember that a cap doesn't do anything for your neck.
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Step 9
Carry an extra pair of socks, and consider using liner socks. Wet feet blister easily.
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Step 10
Put your feet in a good pair of hiking boots. (See "How to Buy Hiking Boots.")









Comments
jsscouter said
on 4/16/2009 Great advice for backpackers. Only thing I did not see was water and hiking poles. I would recommend at least a 32oz bottle which is easy to clip on a belt or carry in a pack. Hiking poles are great if you have bad knees or know that you will be traveling up and down hills. Hiking poles help provide support.