Exploring New Territory with Care
Pocket Survival Kit:
When Hiking, Little Things Make a Big Difference
by JJ Murphy
I've been known to set off for a short hike, and find something interesting and meander all day.
You can enjoy the same freedom, if you plan ahead. This light-weight, ready-to-go checklist includes everything necessary to enjoy a short hike or a longer trek.
I carry the following items in the pockets of my cargo pants, but a fanny pack will work just as well.
- Compass
- Topographic map
- Notebook or paper and pencil (pens freeze)
- Plastic bags
- heavy plastic garbage/leaf size
- "Zip lock" gallon size and pint size - solar still, carry water
- Bandana - head covering, water collecting
- Mirror/Sewing kit - mine is a set
- Folding scissors - mine's on my key chain
- Dental floss - 100 feet at least
- Disposable lighter
- Firestarter - tiny tampon, cotton balls, lint
- Knife - I'm fond of my Swiss Army knife
- Magnifying glass
- First aid kit
- antiseptic wipes
- water purification tablets
- pain killer
- Epsom salts - 4-oz to 32-oz water
- bee sting kit
- sunblock - at least 30 SPF
- bandaids
- antibiotic ointment [in an emergency, smear this on firestarter materials]
- Small flashlight - I'm fond of my mini Maglite
- High energy bar - Larabar works best for me
- Thin gloves
- Plastic MD office w/o powder - to carry water
- Wool and nylon for hand warmers
- Bright color flagging tape - to mark the route
Check the contents weekly and replace whatever you use as soon as you get home.
JJ Murphy is an avid hiker covering 3-10 miles daily on her favorite trails in Harriman, NY. She shares wild recipes, nature education materials, and wilderness survival knowledge at http://www.writerbynature.com - Creative Content for Your Nature Endeavors.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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