| Before heading off on the trails of the Great | | | | hike without one of these. You need to at least |
| Smoky Mountains, be sure you have all you need. | | | | have bandages, aspirin, antiseptic, an antihistamine, |
| In addition to a hiking buddy and people at home | | | | sunblock, insect repellent, gauze, iodine tablets, and |
| who know where you are and what your plans | | | | duct tape. Consult with a wilderness expert or |
| are, you need to carefully pack for the trip. While | | | | doctor before your trip to make sure you have |
| there are lots of things that it is very important | | | | everything you need and are prepared to handle |
| to remember, these are the five items that you | | | | any number of crises. |
| cannot hike without, regardless of your hiking | | | | 4. Rain gear/jacket |
| experience. Load them up, and go safely! | | | | All year round, don't forget a jacket. While it may |
| 1. Proper hiking boots | | | | be warm when you set out on your hike, after |
| Without hiking boots well suited to your feet and | | | | dark it can get cold. If it rains, you will want |
| hiking style, you risk ruining your entire trip. If you | | | | protection. Depending on your hiking plans, you |
| are doing just short, day hikes without a | | | | may only need a plastic emergency poncho, |
| backpack, lighter weight shoes are acceptable. | | | | although this provides little to no warmth. Bringing |
| These are typically made from fabric and | | | | a jacket, even just a shell or waterproof |
| split-grain leather, breathe well and offer the least | | | | windbreaker, is a great idea for any hiker or |
| amount of support of all the hiking boots available. | | | | anyone heading out into the woods. |
| If you are planning on hiking with a backpack for | | | | 5. Backpack |
| a couple days or less, consider stiffer, mid-weight | | | | You'll need something to carry everything you |
| boots. These are the most versatile, and can | | | | need, won't you? Even if you aren't planning on |
| definitely make a shorter hike easier than the | | | | taking a hike longer than a few hours, you'll be |
| lightweight boots. If you are planning to hike with | | | | taking at least water, first aid gear and a jacket, |
| a heavy pack or for a long period of time, get | | | | so a small bag will work fine, preferably |
| the heavyweight boot with the most support. | | | | waterproof. If you are taking a longer hike, |
| Keep waterproofing and insulation in mind no | | | | consult with the salespeople at your local outdoor |
| matter what kind of boot you are considering. | | | | gear store as to how much stuff you will be |
| 2. Water | | | | taking with and the best way to pack it. Stick to |
| While rather obvious, there is nothing more | | | | internal frame backpacks-modern technology |
| important for your health on a hiking trip than | | | | ensures that these new frames direct the weight |
| water. No matter what kind of hike you are | | | | at your hips, where you should carry most of it. |
| planning, your body needs water the entire time. | | | | Never go into the wild unprepared. You cannot |
| Staying hydrated will ensure that you stay | | | | predict the future, nor can you be sure of what |
| comfortable and healthy, and (with food) you will | | | | you will come across, no matter how much |
| be able to complete your planned route. Think | | | | planning you do. Start with this essential items and |
| carefully about how much water you need to | | | | expand to ensure that you have the best and |
| bring with you as it relates to your body, the | | | | safest trip possible. |
| terrain and the length of your hike. It is advisable | | | | Learn more about Smoky Mountain outdoor fun |
| to consult a doctor or outdoor expert on this. | | | | at the largest website specializing in Gatlinburg |
| 3. First Aid Kit | | | | cabins, just click through to the blog. |
| No matter what anyone says, do not go on a | | | | |