Preparing For Your Adventure & Peaking Pika Pack...

• An inclusive and adventurous attitude
• Choose a location to explore

Where you decide to adventure will determine what goes in your pack and on your body. What is the terrain/elevation like? What is the weather forecast for that specific geographical location? 

Need some inspiration? YouTube is a great resource to check out potential hikes. Hikers of all skill levels, shapes, and sizes post videos of their hikes. I live in Washington state, so I often use the Washington Trail Association as a reliable and invaluable hiking resource, especially the Trip Reports tool. In addition, many apps will help you find an excellent spot and feel well informed. 

• The 10 Essentials of hiking

The original 10 Essentials list was developed in the 1930s by The Mountaineers. Depending on your activity or where you're heading exactly, they will vary slightly. Still, overall, experts agree these items are consistently helpful and will likely save your life during an emergency situation.

🛑 Tell Someone Where You'll Be Going/Check-In With Them Along The Way If Possible

🛑 Know Your Limits

🛑 Understand how each of these items works, practice using them and keep backup batteries 🔋

The 10 Essentials
-Navigation(Map/Compass/GPS (🔋))

-Hydration

-Nutrition

-Rain Gear and Insulation

-Fire Starter

-First Aid Kit

-Knife/Multitool

-Illumination/Headlamp (🔋)

-Sun Protection

-Shelter

❇️ I also find duct tape to be super helpful in repairing snapped boot laces and gear and makeshift first aid items, such as crafting a tourniquet. I cut long strips and wrap them around objects in my pack (lighters, trekking poles, water bottles, etc.) or keep a whole role depending on the space/weight available.

Other things to consider:

-Research. Knowledge is everything when it comes to general survival; the more you know, the better off you'll be. For instance, I know my limits, and in my experience and at this point in my physical fitness, I'm sensitive to prolonged exposure to heat, so I have made it a point to prepare for this actuality. I did some research on human body temperature. As a result, I better understand why my body is reacting to my environment in the way it is, what signals it's giving me, and how to respond. As a result, I am more prepared and calm when listening to my body and giving it what it requires before things escalate. Take some time to research the mental and physical effects of hiking on the body; it's incredible!

-Take A First Aid Class

-Cooling Towels

-Instant Ice Packs

-Filtration & Purifying Waterbottle/Life Straw

-Hydration Electrolyte Multiplier Packets

-Camera

-Mace/Pepper Spray

-Air Horn

-Extra Socks

-Moleskin 

-Hiking Buddy