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3 May 2007

Thirteen things for hiking


Thirteen Things you need for Hiking
This is hiking Claire Style! I am in no way an expert and can regularly be found crying about the pain at the bottom of a small hillock.

  1. Hiking coat, a good coat is essential! something that is light weight and breathable,that you can wear over plenty of layers. That way you can strip as you go, people hike nude (not me though).
  2. Waterproof pants, not in case you wet yourself. You will be thankful for waterproof trousers, it means you can sit on a wet rock and not have a wet arse.
  3. Boots, Try on quite a few pairs of boots before purchasing and don't forget to try them on with hiking socks. Your feet will swell in warm weather so they need room to breathe. Wearing them around the house before you go on your first hike is highly recommended.
  4. Map, even if you know the area well it always a good idea to have a map with you. The weather may have damaged paths or routes and you might need to figure out an alternative route (I can't read a map well).
  5. Special socks, Spend an extra few pounds (dollars) on good socks! They will save you from blisters.
  6. Water Bottle. A good size water bottle about litre should do for a short hike, more for a longer one. Don't drink too much though, or you will get a stitch. Remember the more water you drink, the more you will need to wee.
  7. Food. I like to take a small flask of soup, sandwiches and pasta. Eat a little bit often, but try not to eat too much before a big climb (you may throw it up).
  8. Bag. Something lightweight and with comfy straps, only carry what you need.
  9. Coffee. OK maybe its just me but i NEED coffee when hiking, as i am not at my best in the morning.
  10. Camera, an absolute must have! Thank god for my mate Aly and her camera, otherwise there would of been no hiking pictures. Now i finally have my own, whipppeee!
  11. Sweets. I find that sweets are yet another essential, firstly for car journey and then as a pain distraction when combating big hill! A nice boiled sweet like a humbug is perfect.
  12. Hat, to protect you from mighty wind! a hood doesn't cut the mustard.
  13. Beer in the pub after Hike! ESSENTIAL!

    Extras, walking pole,change of clothes and shoes!

    To see my Hikes so far this year, click here Hikes

28 comments:

  1. As a fellow hiker I agree wholeheartedly with your list, well, except for the coffee. :)

    I would also add a compass.

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  2. Im not a hiker (yet) but thats a cool list..

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  3. I've a friend who thought hikers who took GPS with them were going a bit too far. Then he got caught in the fog on the top of a hill with a map that showed steep cliffs in two directions. Then he was very very glad his new mobile phone had GPS.

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  4. I'm not a hiker, but I'd love to try it. It sounds you go on your way well prepared!

    My TT lists the 13 goals of a witch with my thoughts and comments.

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  5. I need to do more hiking, but oh wait I live in Florida "Land of Flatness". :)

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  6. Tee hee. Waterproof pants!

    So what does the lovely Claire do when she needs to, as she so delicately put it, wee? Inquiring minds...

    Happy TT, darling! I'm glad to see you blogging again; I've missed you!

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  7. Oops, sorry, I didn't mean to leave my link twice in your Thursday Thirteen thingy!

    I love hiking! I'm going to click that hikes link now to read about your hikes!

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  8. would love to go hiking with you - great list & well-prepared. Coffee is an absolute - hiking or no. I'd only add this: "where are the marshmallows (in case we camp overnight)?"
    :)

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  9. It sounds like you do some major hiking. I'm lucky if I remember to bring water and a camera, but my hikes are usually only for a couple hours.

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  10. great list! when i lived in utah, too many hikers got lost in the cold mountains. we'd have added a blanket to the list. i love hiking! happy tt!

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  11. Great list. I've never been on a hike that I needed special socks for before, but a camera is always at the top of my list. :-)

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  12. Wow, I am impressed with that list. DH would love to get me to go hiking with him. One of these days!

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  13. Hiking is a very big thing here, my husband especially loves it.

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  14. Great lists to take note of. I'll be sure to bring my camera of course and not to forget lotsa water.

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  15. great list Claire, and for certain long or out of the way hikes, I would have to second the GPS vote as well. Always have it with me.. :)

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  16. Should I ever actually take up walking, it is a good list.

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  17. Yes coffee is a must. I can't live without my first cup in the morning.

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  18. I love hiking...I haven't done it in a while though. I agree on many of your staples...a good pair of boots and I think breaking them in before the hike is MANDATORY, not recommended. I always bring food, but stuff like GORP(Good ol' raisins and peanuts)...and granola, etc. I like food I can pop in my mouth while I am walking.

    But the coffee...really? I find all the energy and excitement I need when I hit that peak!

    I am excited to get back to hiking.

    My TT is up...and it's lonely...come visit!

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  19. I've never been hiking, but if I do ever go, I'll keep this list in mind. Happy TT!

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  20. Sounds great, if I was up to hiking. I do remember my brother taking his son and a friend hiking in the TN mountains. He told the boy to be sure and have boots that would stay dry - he got wet the first day - almost ruined the trip!

    Check out my TT.

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  21. Very important safety tips here!

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  22. Great list makes me want to convince my hub to start hiking at Red Rock Canyon.

    Happy TT

    Be well and enjoy the day

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  23. If ever I should take up hiking I know where to come for a good checklist.

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  24. What do y'all do with no restrooms? Pasta sounds like great hiking food.

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  25. I've just discovered you from Blog-Op! Congrats on guest blogging over there.

    I am not a hiker but I would like to attempt a few hikes. Your list is helpful!

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