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Useful Tips |
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Here we would like to present information that is important to every hiker. If you are just a beginner, you definitely need to know this, if you are an experienced one, read it from time to time, to refresh it in your memory.
What to bring on a hike
Leave No Trace
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Northwest Forest Pass Vendors
Going on a hike you have to be prepared for the unexpected. There are several items that are a "must" and can help you to save not only your day, but even life.
Navigation
Topographic map and compass. Make sure you know how to use them, practice at home if you need to.
We also recommend you study the map of the area you will be visiting before your trip - knowing the area will not
just make it easier for you, but will be very helpful in an unexpected situation.
Food
Delays or weather changes can cause emergencies. In this case you need extra food. Your best choice
will be the one that does not require cooking.
Water
If you are going to a new destination and not sure about water sources, make sure you have plenty of water. It is
especially important on a hot day or a long hike. Do not forget filter or purifier, but remember that boiling water kills Giardia, treatment may not.
Clothes
Always carry extra layer of clothing, including rain gear.
Flashlight
Even going on a day hike you may have to finish your trip in the dark. Make sure your flashlight works before
going on a trip, and take extra batteries. When shopping for your flashlight, look for water-resistant
and a lightweight one.
Matches, Fire starter
Our preference is strike-anywhere matches in a waterproof container with a piece of matchbox to strike on in case of a rainy day.
You will need a fire starter for such day to ignite wet wood.
There are several to choose from: chemically treated fire sticks, magnesium blocks, compressed fuel ((trioxane) 1/4 of one tablet will be enough to start fire in a rainy weather).
Sun Protection
Sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF chapstick. You will need these items not only during your summer trips. Light reflection off of snow can damage your eyes.
Knife
A folding pocketknife can be helpful in different situations. Make sure it is sharp enough before going on the trip.
Insect Repellent
These little creatures can make your trip miserable in no time. To make sure you enjoy your hike use repellent or special clothing. There are two types of repellents available -
natural ones with citronella and chemical containing DEET. DEET (N,N-diethilmeta-toluamide) based repels mosquitoes and flies better then natural ones, but you must use it properly:
- Do not allow children to apply repellent with DEET
- Do not use under clothes or on wounds or irritated skin
- Never over-apply
- After using thoroughly wash your skin and clothes
- Discontinue use if you develop reaction to the DEET based repellent
Wood ticks are common during spring and cases of Lyme disease have been reported in Washington. You can use repellents or get immunized with Lymerix, a new vaccine for Lyme disease that is 79% effective. It is given in three doses over the span of a year.
First-Aid Kit
Your kit should be useful and have supplies that will help you to treat wounds or injuries, relieve
pain, diarrhea and reduce the inflammation. Take with you any special medication you use. Do not just
take the kit with you - know how to use it and what to do if the situation occurs.
Cord
You may need it in different situations and for hanging you food supply for overnight ("bear wire").
Whistle
You will need it when you are lost or have an injury and need help.
Before every trip - do your homework: read reports, as many as you will find, even for the previous year if available. You will have more information to understand the trail and area, and what to expect.
It is obvious that forest will survive without mankind, but mankind will not be able to survive without forest.
More and more people enjoy parks and wilderness areas every year. As a result we are witnessing increasing impact on nature. Nature preservation starts with education and can bring results that are not possible only through restrictions that also increase with every year.
The mission of Leave No Trace (LNT) program is to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation trough education, research, and partnership. The program is managed by LNT Inc., a non-profit organization located in Boulder, Colorado.
Principles of LNT
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rocks, gravel, dry grass or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
In Popular areas
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activities in areas where vegetation is absent.
In Pristine Areas
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
- Deposit solid humad waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Leave What You Find
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or aproach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health,alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, raising young, or winther.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.