The Green Hiker

Going out on an afternoon hike? Or maybe a three day walk-about?

What gear do you carry? What is your minimum pack?

Well here’s the list of ten essentials compiled by The White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game as part of their  program:

• Map
• Compass
• Warm Clothing
  • Sweater or Pile Jacket
  • Long Pants (wool or synthetic)
  • Hat (wool)
• Extra Food and Water
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Matches/Firestarters
• First Aid Kit/Repair Kit
• Whistle
• Rain/Wind Jacket & Pants
• Pocket Knife

Ok, confession time. I always carry a pocket knife. I don’t own a whistle. And I’ve never packed warm clothing while hiking in Southwest Florida. In any season.

But this is the list. And if any hike includes mountains, valleys, desert terrain … or where weather spits and spins on a dime, this should be your list.

Let us know what you carry. Your minimum and maximum. And why.

Now Go Outdoors!

If you enjoy the outdoors and live in upstate New York, you may want to start following Alan Wechsler of the Albany Times Union.

His blog covers “all things outdoors in upstate New York and beyond”.

Readers of this blog may particularly enjoy Wechsler’s post Hikers vs. ATVs.

Now Go Outdoors!