Equipment
should include good boots that support the ankles, offer good traction,
and a steel shank. Hi/Tec, Vasque, Merrell and Donner are wise choices.
A fanny pack for supplies and a water
carrier, either bottles or a canteen are necessary. These will vary
depending on the length of the hike and on the trail chosen.
Terri Gay, marketing coordinator at Summit Hut, located at 5045
Speedway Blvd. near Rosemont said everything from the newest hiking
shoes, which are made with Kevlar materials(the same material used to
make bullet-proof vests- an abrasion-free material) to hi-tech hydration
systems can be found there.
The 30-year-old plus shop has everything
that is needed for a day-hike or a weeklong hike. Videos, maps and books
are also available. "Nearly all of our employees are hikers. We try to
get out there as much as possible," Gay said.
-Basic items that should go on every hike-whether-one hour or
one month-include: A map of the area, compass, flashlight, sunglasses,
hat, sunscreen, extra food and water, waterproof matches, candles or
fuel tablets, a pocketknife, and a first aid kit.
"Topographical maps are important to the novice hiker
especially," said Dave Jonason, an avid hiker for nearly 20 years.
"Learning to read a map and use a compass are not difficult," he said. "
Jonason recommends two quarts of water for day hikes and a
gallon or more per person for longer hikes. He said Nalgine water
bottles are the "best" and offer a lifetime guarantee. He also suggested
always telling someone where you are going and to "hike higher" in the
summer because of the heat. "Always take it easy when you are a
beginner," he said.
Leave no trace and contact the appropriate ranger station
(phone numbers can be found in the blue government pages in the phone
book) for weather and trail updates.