I'm hear to talk about the top items you will want to bring on a hiking trip, and keeping things light. To improve the safety, quality and comfort level of your next hiking trip, these items will be useful for both overnight backpacking and day hikes. Optionally, when bringing a tent, hiking light is still a possibility.

1) First recommendation is to obtain a map of the area that you will be hiking. You don't want to become lost, so pick up a map at the visitor center or ranger station or from the Internet. You can also use the map to assist rescuers finding you in the even you get hurt during your hike.

2) Number 2 on the list is to bring a map reading compass along. Learn to use it before your trip because there may be a bit of a learning curve. Once you've learned how to orient the park map and the compass, you will know what direction you are facing, how to easily correct your course and get back on track.

3) Bring with you, a couple of 1 liter water bottles. Two liters is the minimum daily intake but chances are you will require more. It doesn't take long to become dehydrated when hiking. It is a physical activity that promotes perspiration and therefore water loss. It's best to bring with you some form of purifier for your water. It's simple to just take a liquid water treatment with you. Although you can survive a month without food, you will only last a few days without water.

4) It's possible to spend an unexpected night in the woods. Always bring along some extra food with you that you will need to maintain your energy and keep your core temperature up. Even having a few back up whole food bars with you should do the trick, especially if they constitute meal replacement.

5) Temperatures can drop unexpectedly, especially at nightfall. If your clothes get wet for some reason during your hike and if it starts to get cold, you will have wished you brought some extra changes of clothing. Synthetics offer more insulation when they are wet. Synthetics also dry quicker. down sleeping bags or bivouac bags, packed tightly can be a light-weight addition to your gear that can help keep you alive when sleeping under the stars.

6) Bringing a flashlight and fresh batteries is certainly a great idea. You may want to purchase a headlamp so that you can be hands-free. Every once in a while, you will be out a bit later than expected. It is very dangerous trying to follow along a hiking trail in low light.

7) A first aid kit to bring with you hiking is a must have. Be sure to bring along important items in your first aid kit like blister treatment or moleskin. Taking a basic wilderness medicine course would also be a great idea and may just save your life.

8) Bring a lighter and matches in a water tight container. Only light a fire in the wilderness as a means to survive. If another layer of clothing will be sufficient to keep your warm, do not light a fire. Remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires :)

9) An essential tool to bring with you is a folding knife. Be sure that the one you choose has a blade that locks when open. I've seen knives that don't lock take off finger tips.

10) Last but not least, UV protection. When out in the sun for an extended period of time, apply sunblock to all exposed areas. A wide brim hat will help protect your head ad face and perhaps your neck. Also, to protect your eyes, wear sunglasses. You will happy you took these precautions as the sun can be unforgiving at times.

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