| Hiking is a wonderful activity that you can do | | | | than you need as water can get heavy. The best |
| almost anywhere. It is tons of fun and gives you | | | | way to decide on the amount you will carry, is to |
| a great workout while taking you to some of the | | | | plan ahead. Find out where you are going and how |
| most beautiful places on earth. There are a few | | | | long you will be hiking for. The park rangers office |
| things though that can ruin a hiking trip, not being | | | | should be able to tell you if there are water |
| prepared for emergencies (and even expected | | | | sources along the trail (so you will be able to refill |
| occurrences) and carrying too much garbage are | | | | your supply) or if you need to bring everything |
| two of these. | | | | you need with you. If you are traveling with an |
| Hiking backpacks are different from regular | | | | animal, keep in mind that they will need adequate |
| backpacks as they generally have padded | | | | supplies of water as well. |
| shoulder straps and two extra sets of straps, one | | | | Another important supply to have with you is |
| for around your chest and one for around your | | | | food. When you are conserving space (and even |
| stomach. These extra straps take away the | | | | when not) it is important that you have nutritious |
| brunt of the pressure from your shoulders and | | | | food with you. Carrying junk food is not only a |
| back and allow you to carry your gear with the | | | | waste of space, but it will not assist you in your |
| weight more evenly distributed throughout your | | | | hike. Some great ideas for the trip are fruits, |
| upper body. This allows you to carry heavier | | | | nuts, and other sources of protein and complex |
| weights for longer periods of time. While this is | | | | carbohydrates. The best thing you can carry with |
| extremely helpful by not using up unnecessary | | | | you is trail mix. This medley combines nuts for |
| energy, the best way to protect yourself is to | | | | protein, dried fruits such as raisins or pineapple |
| only carry the necessities. For those of you hiking | | | | and chocolate. This combination will allow you to |
| for several days and camping in between, there | | | | stay energized throughout your hike. Another |
| are packs that are structured with metal rods to | | | | suggestion would be exercise and protein bars, |
| protect your back when you have to carry even | | | | though personally I opt for trail mix. |
| more weight. | | | | Lastly, you should have a first aid kit in your pack |
| The most important thing that you can possibly | | | | for minor medical emergencies. It is best to keep |
| have on hand while you are hiking is water. Our | | | | personal items to a minimum to save your |
| body is made up of water and as we sweat, this | | | | energy and your back. But with the correct |
| supply needs to be constantly replenished. Having | | | | supplies in your pack, you will have a great time |
| said that though, you don't want to carry more | | | | out on the trail. |