What (else) do I need when I go hiking?

[thatsright]

I will be doing some hiking in Yosemite park and trying to get everything I think I'll need. I will be doing all photography and stying at a hotel in valley. So I don't need any camping gear really. So far I have:

-Merrell Hiking Books & socks
-Camel Pack
-Sombrero type sun hat
-First Aid kit w/ matches
-Bear bell
-Trail mix
-Sunscreen / Bugspray
-Head Lamp
-Loose fittng, comfortable clothes

I thought of bringing a good swiss army type knife, but worried I will get pulled off the plane at the gate to 'say hi' to Mr TSA man and the State police. Someone also suggested getting bear repellent. Its a spray on foam with pepper spray. Expensive and with the bear bell I think I'll be all set. Keeping in mind I'm not camping or doing too serious hiking (no half dome summit hike), what else can you think of to bring when I'm out in the field?

 

[clamum]

Maybe get a knife but find one when you get to your destination, at Wal-Mart or something.

Fill your backpack up with alcohol is my suggestion, looks like you have a good list there.

 

[0roo0roo]

fresh boots.
blisters build character.

led headlamp?

keep knife in luggage.
map
compass
whistle
emergency foil blanket


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClCmO42_tQ0

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

If you bring a leatherman/knife, put it in your luggage. They don't care about stuff in the cargo hold as long as it's not a bomb. I brought a machete back from the Dominican Republic in my luggage.

 

[Capt Caveman]

If you're not doing serious hiking or carrying a lot of equipment:

Comfortable sturdy footwear
Water
If there's any water crossing, extra pair of socks
In case of rain, possibly a waterproof shell
Map & Compass or GPS
Headlamp
Leatherman

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

If you're only going for a dayhike, you don't need much. The trails you go on will be pretty well used as well.

If you plan on going to more national parks within the year, get an annual national parks pass for about $80. Really starts paying for itself if you visit big popular national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, etc.

I would get some form of multi-tool knife and put it in checked luggage.

I wouldn't be too worried about bears. I don't know anyone who uses a bear bell, but it you want I would get some bear spray, basically mace but for bears. I have no idea what that spray on foam is that you're talking about.

Hiking boots? You'll be going relatively light and fast. Unless you have really weak ankles, a good pair of lightweight, fast drying trailrunners will be all you need. I really hate wearing hiking boots.

Compass is a good idea, although truth be told I've never needed to use it for day hikes and I've always found the standard park map that you get at the entrance station to be more than sufficient for day hikes. No need for topos or anything like that.

Rainwear, insulated outerwear, waterproof bag for camera, depending on weather, location, and time of day you're hiking.

 

[FLWRHART]

A fabric softner sheet to carry sticking out your pocket. It is supposed to keep the mosquitos away

 

[OdiN]

I really doubt you'll have to worry about bears while hiking in Yosemite.

It is an awesome place though - I am sure you will enjoy it.

The Half Dome hike is awesome. I'd do it if you could. It will take a whole day - not necessarily in time but it will wear you out if you aren't used to that type of hike.

Here is one of my favorite photos that I've taken over the years:

Linky

 

[CatchPhrase]

segway

 

[tailes151]

Heh, I got a bear bell while in Alaska and the ranger asked me if I always wore dinner bells while hiking.

 

[theeedude]

condoms

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: CatchPhrase
segway

+1

 

[gamepad]

Laptop with wireless internet. ATOT needs to see frequent updates.

 

[manlymatt83]

Ask dream2hike

 

[NoShangriLa]

How long is the hike?

Fruit is great at replenishing electrolytes.
Salt pills for hot weather.
I wouldn't worry about bears unless you hang around garbage dumps, or try to get close while they are feeding, or too close to a cub.
Extra socks
Toilet Paper is an important hiker commodity.

A pair of well fitting runner/walking shoes is much better than hiking boots on day hikes. Light well fitting hiking shoes can handle a few weeks of hiking, and heavy boots is reserve for months long hiking.

PS. Bring along a map, compass, flagging tape, let someone know where you heading off and always check in, and travel in pair where ever you go.

<--- 5 years treeplanter, and have been on search/rescue missions for missing hikers & treeplanters. Flagging tape is the best thing to mark your path (out of bound) and as indicator for searchers if you are missing.

 

[Excelsior]

Bring more water than you think you'll need.

 

[bobsmith1492]

How long are you hiking? 8 months through the Appalachian Trail? 5 mile walk along a river? There's some difference there.

 

[daveshel]

Conditioning.

 

[Kelvrick]

Wow, you're not even doing the half-dome hike and you're worrying? You'll be fine in what you would bring to take pictures in a park. Oh well, we all have to start somewhere.

In addition to your list, maybe a snake bite kit if you're paranoid and actually going into fields. Bring a nice pack to carry all your stuff, good ones will be water reservoir compatible.

What kind of camera are you bringing. Have a nice circular polarizer? Have a nice light tripod? Or maybe you want a monopod that will double as a walking stick. Bring more water then you think you'd need. I prefer a good multitool over a swiss army knife in the field. I currently carry around the skeletool from leatherman.

 

[Erock]

Rain gear and a compass

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: tailes151
Heh, I got a bear bell while in Alaska and the ranger asked me if I always wore dinner bells while hiking.

:laugh:

 

[oynaz]

Don't carry too much weight. Hiking newbies always put too much stuff in their backpacks.

 

[Analog]

cell phone.

 

[KoolDrew]

Beef Jerky to snack on.

 

[Patt]

I always keep a pack of matches, even just in my dayhike gear just-in-case ... you never know. Plus as others have called for, bring a knife, obviously not carry-on for a flight, but very useful.