Time to Check Those Packs!
Each spring I find myself in a closet repeating the annual ritual of obsessively checking my backpacks for fraying, tearing and zipper wear in the secret hopes that I will need to purchase a replacement. This would of course require me to upgrade to the latest and greatest the season has to offer. It’s not that they are bad in anyway; my packs have served me well for several seasons now and show no signs of giving in to trail stress.
Because, you know, the grass is always greener on the other side. The season’s latest pack may have a front pouch that is shifted half an inch to the left or to the right, putting it in exactly the perfect spot for your particular reach. Or maybe, just maybe, the new pack on the REI website has a strap that is slightly wider and helps with better weight distribution. There is always that slight difference that can make a pack the flavor of the season…the irreplaceable one…at least until next season. I use two different packs for day hikes, which doubles my need for the latest and greatest, but from the looks of this year’s inspection they will last for some time.
My first pack is just a run of the mill standard backpack that has two rear compartments and a smaller front pocket. This is the pack I use for shorter hikes or hikes in which I’m just goofing off mostly.
The rear compartment is nice for day hikes because it has 3 slots in which my water bottles can fit perfectly. The pockets are also insulated, meaning I can slip in a beer or any other adult beverage without it getting too warm. Also, this rear area has a netted pocket that is perfect for storing my lunch or other snacks or energy bars.
The secondary compartment is a bit smaller but can hold quite a bit, and the front pocket, although clunky, is spacious as well and has smaller storage pockets in it. There are two side pockets externally; one is designed specifically for a bottle while the other pocket holds a map, GPS, phone, or other small items I may need to reach without taking my pack off.
The biggest drawbacks to this pack are that the straps are not suited for heavier loads, and although I pack light I do load up on water when hiking in the heat of mid to late summer. The other big drawback is that lacks back ventilation, making my back look like I had just stepped out of the shower even on cool spring or fall hikes.
The other day pack in my arsenal is an Osprey Manta 20 Hydration Pack. There are two models of this pack, and I opted for the 100oz hydration version since this pack is more of my long distance, covering some ground pack.
The hip strap gives great support especially given the amount of weight I carry in water for a longer hike (typically around a gallon, or almost four liters), first aid, spare clothing and/or raingear, other equipment, food, etc. The shoulder straps are ventilated, and the back is a mesh suspension system that wicks moisture and gives very good ventilation, greatly reducing the swamp back feel. The shoulder straps and back suspension make it very stable in all types of terrain and distributes weight well enough to make it feel as if it isn’t really there.
The bladder is located in its own zippered pocket and the hydraulics system is great. The bite value fastens to the pack magnetically via the chest strap without any effort and is easy to use while on the move. In the back there is a meshed stretch pocket for easy storage. The rain cover is an excellent touch, and you can fit a lot into this pack if you are well organized.
The drawbacks with this one are that the cover on the water bladder sometimes jars loose and can be hard to seal; I have mine in a small plastic bag to prevent leakage. There are holders for a lamp or helmet, which I use for hanging a water bottle and flashlight, especially on late afternoon/evening hikes. The zipper pulls are fragile and break easily, but the zipper itself and the pack material are very durable. Also, I pack light so there is plenty of space in it for me. If you do not, you may need something bigger. But, if you’re reading this, you already know how to plan for your hike, right?
So, as I mentioned earlier, my packs are great, but there is that new Osprey Rev 18 pack out there…
Because, you know, the grass is always greener on the other side. The season’s latest pack may have a front pouch that is shifted half an inch to the left or to the right, putting it in exactly the perfect spot for your particular reach. Or maybe, just maybe, the new pack on the REI website has a strap that is slightly wider and helps with better weight distribution. There is always that slight difference that can make a pack the flavor of the season…the irreplaceable one…at least until next season. I use two different packs for day hikes, which doubles my need for the latest and greatest, but from the looks of this year’s inspection they will last for some time.
My first pack is just a run of the mill standard backpack that has two rear compartments and a smaller front pocket. This is the pack I use for shorter hikes or hikes in which I’m just goofing off mostly.
The rear compartment is nice for day hikes because it has 3 slots in which my water bottles can fit perfectly. The pockets are also insulated, meaning I can slip in a beer or any other adult beverage without it getting too warm. Also, this rear area has a netted pocket that is perfect for storing my lunch or other snacks or energy bars.
The secondary compartment is a bit smaller but can hold quite a bit, and the front pocket, although clunky, is spacious as well and has smaller storage pockets in it. There are two side pockets externally; one is designed specifically for a bottle while the other pocket holds a map, GPS, phone, or other small items I may need to reach without taking my pack off.
The biggest drawbacks to this pack are that the straps are not suited for heavier loads, and although I pack light I do load up on water when hiking in the heat of mid to late summer. The other big drawback is that lacks back ventilation, making my back look like I had just stepped out of the shower even on cool spring or fall hikes.
The other day pack in my arsenal is an Osprey Manta 20 Hydration Pack. There are two models of this pack, and I opted for the 100oz hydration version since this pack is more of my long distance, covering some ground pack.
The hip strap gives great support especially given the amount of weight I carry in water for a longer hike (typically around a gallon, or almost four liters), first aid, spare clothing and/or raingear, other equipment, food, etc. The shoulder straps are ventilated, and the back is a mesh suspension system that wicks moisture and gives very good ventilation, greatly reducing the swamp back feel. The shoulder straps and back suspension make it very stable in all types of terrain and distributes weight well enough to make it feel as if it isn’t really there.
The bladder is located in its own zippered pocket and the hydraulics system is great. The bite value fastens to the pack magnetically via the chest strap without any effort and is easy to use while on the move. In the back there is a meshed stretch pocket for easy storage. The rain cover is an excellent touch, and you can fit a lot into this pack if you are well organized.
The drawbacks with this one are that the cover on the water bladder sometimes jars loose and can be hard to seal; I have mine in a small plastic bag to prevent leakage. There are holders for a lamp or helmet, which I use for hanging a water bottle and flashlight, especially on late afternoon/evening hikes. The zipper pulls are fragile and break easily, but the zipper itself and the pack material are very durable. Also, I pack light so there is plenty of space in it for me. If you do not, you may need something bigger. But, if you’re reading this, you already know how to plan for your hike, right?
So, as I mentioned earlier, my packs are great, but there is that new Osprey Rev 18 pack out there…
Trail Foraging 101
It is almost certain that you will never return from any backpacking or hiking outing suffering from the effects of starvation. Some hunger pangs maybe, but nothing that a smoothie soon after leaving the trailhead can’t cure. This does not mean that you should take the food in your pack lightly, nor should you venture out without being prepared to do a little foraging.
We have all had our “oh no” moments on the trail. A pack can be reorganized and suddenly your food canister ends up misplaced and forgotten, or your pack ends up in the water or worse, under the scrutiny of a hungry bear. Or perhaps after 3 days of dehydrated bacon and eggs for breakfast, you simply want a change of pace. Foraging not only can save you, but it can enhance your trail experience and even lighten your pack a bit, making it a good skill to have in your pocket should the need or want arise. Really, it is...given that it is highly unlikely that you hike with a botanist.
I’ll keep it short and simple as usual. Does it take a while to learn what plants, flowers, berries, etc. are edible? Yes, it does. But, let’s go with these two main points:
But what if you are stuck on the trail, hungry, and opted for your Xbox instead of doing your edible plant homework? I’ve got you covered. There are many tried and tested steps in determining how to identify and edible plant, no matter how unproven a botanist you are. Note though that these should only be used in an emergency, or under the watchful eye of an experienced forager.
Again, please note that those last 7 steps should only be performed if absolutely necessary or if you are accompanied by a forager that knows what they are doing. Following those steps will make things safer, but are not 100% foolproof. Stick with the first three steps that I gave you earlier on for a safe, rewarding, foraging experience…but tuck those last 7 steps away…just in case.
This will get you started down the road of foraging. Foraging can be rewarding, and although I have only done it a few times myself, I have grown to love the craft and am working learning as much as I can about it.
We have all had our “oh no” moments on the trail. A pack can be reorganized and suddenly your food canister ends up misplaced and forgotten, or your pack ends up in the water or worse, under the scrutiny of a hungry bear. Or perhaps after 3 days of dehydrated bacon and eggs for breakfast, you simply want a change of pace. Foraging not only can save you, but it can enhance your trail experience and even lighten your pack a bit, making it a good skill to have in your pocket should the need or want arise. Really, it is...given that it is highly unlikely that you hike with a botanist.
I’ll keep it short and simple as usual. Does it take a while to learn what plants, flowers, berries, etc. are edible? Yes, it does. But, let’s go with these two main points:
- Keep it simple. Locate resources that can give you a regionalized or localized identification list of edible wild plants in the area(s) you will be hiking. There is no point in knowing what edible apples in Texas look like if you are backpacking in Vermont. Some great sources to start with are local nature conservancies, horticulture groups, and a state’s natural resources unit.
- Reference cards. Using your newly acquired information, make laminate cards for quick reference. Focus only on plants that will be in their harvesting season when you will be on the trail. Even if you happen across a local edible plant identification book, this will take up space and weight. Transfer this information to those same laminate cards.
- Attend a foraging class or meetup group, or find a mentor. Learning to forage from someone that knows what they are do is the best way to hone your foraging skills.
But what if you are stuck on the trail, hungry, and opted for your Xbox instead of doing your edible plant homework? I’ve got you covered. There are many tried and tested steps in determining how to identify and edible plant, no matter how unproven a botanist you are. Note though that these should only be used in an emergency, or under the watchful eye of an experienced forager.
- Examine a plant in sections…one part at a time. Stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, and even roots should be looked at.
- Take a whiff of each section. If it smells like crap, it probably is. Discard and move on.
- Place a sample of each of the plant sections, one at a time, on your inner elbow or your wrist for a minute of two. If you feel any discomfort (burning, itching, stinging, etc.), it is most likely not edible.
- Boil a small portion of the plant if possible. If not possible, simply clean and prepare it for eating as best as you can.
- Take a piece of the plant and touch it to your lips…DO NOT BITE OR PUT INTO YOUR MOUTH! Wait about 15 minutes…if no discomfort is encountered move on to the next step.
- Now you can take a small bite and chew it. But, do not swallow it. Hold it in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. If you detect a bitterness or soapiness, spit it out.
- If you get this far, take a small bite and swallow it. Wait a couple of hours and note how you feel. If you feel fine, repeat the above steps with the next part of the plant.
Again, please note that those last 7 steps should only be performed if absolutely necessary or if you are accompanied by a forager that knows what they are doing. Following those steps will make things safer, but are not 100% foolproof. Stick with the first three steps that I gave you earlier on for a safe, rewarding, foraging experience…but tuck those last 7 steps away…just in case.
This will get you started down the road of foraging. Foraging can be rewarding, and although I have only done it a few times myself, I have grown to love the craft and am working learning as much as I can about it.
Fall Hiking Checklist
When hitting the trails during the fall season, there are a number of changes that need to be made in both preparation and packed gear to maintain a high level of comfort and safety on your hike. In following the below steps, you will be able to enjoy all the sights and sounds of fall without worry.
1. Wear blaze orange. In most states, fall also brings about hunting season. Many states allow for hunting on public lands during certain game seasons, and these hunting zones can abut or cross many trail areas. Although some trails are closed for safety reasons, many will remain open. Dressing in some blaze orange attire will allow you to enjoy your hike without drawing unwanted attention when moving about densely brushed or forested areas. In my home state of Wisconsin, most ranger stations and DNR recreational centers have blaze orange vests that you can check out.
2. Don’t skimp on the water. A common mistake that I often hear is that hikers become dehydrated while fall hiking. The cooler temperatures seem to lull some hikers into a false sense of water security. A fall hike will require just as much water as a summer hike, as the dryer air and brisk winds can dehydrate you just as fast as the summer heat can.
3. Bring rain gear and an empty black plastic garbage bag. The empty garbage bag can serve a number of purposes, including serving as a backup poncho, wrapping your pack in the event water starts to leak into your gear, or keeping a sustained wound dry.
4. Bring a hard shell and soft shell jacket. Hard shell jackets tend to be water resistant to a point, and make a great outer layer of protection in damp or rain conditions. Soft shell jackets tend to be warmer, and will usually be worn under a hard shell jacket in adverse conditions.
5. Add carbs to your pack. The lower fall temperatures will make it harder for your body to maintain heat, which will make it necessary to keep your body fueled more often. Bring along a nut friendly trail mix, with some dried fruit and chocolate mixed in.
6. Bring fire making materials. Whether it be for a pit stop to warm up, or if caught in the rain and are facing hypothermia, or even if injured or stuck spending the night outdoors, having these materials can prove to be lifesavers. A small set of waterproof matches, a lighter, some try tinder, and a flint will all work in most conditions.
7. Check your first aid kit. This should be an automatic checklist item. It should always be fully stocked and have nothing in it that is within 30 days of the labeled expiration date.
8. Watch your footing. Wet leaves, mud patches, and frost can add to your footing challenges out of the trail. Wear shoes or boots that best suit the trail conditions, but yet are versatile enough to get you home safely if conditions change unexpectedly. I always bring a set of shoe claws along with…think snow chains for boots/shoes; just slip them on if things get slick.
9. Watch for changing weather and earlier sunsets. Knowing the general weather patterns and 36 hour forecast are both helpful here.
10. Enjoy!
1. Wear blaze orange. In most states, fall also brings about hunting season. Many states allow for hunting on public lands during certain game seasons, and these hunting zones can abut or cross many trail areas. Although some trails are closed for safety reasons, many will remain open. Dressing in some blaze orange attire will allow you to enjoy your hike without drawing unwanted attention when moving about densely brushed or forested areas. In my home state of Wisconsin, most ranger stations and DNR recreational centers have blaze orange vests that you can check out.
2. Don’t skimp on the water. A common mistake that I often hear is that hikers become dehydrated while fall hiking. The cooler temperatures seem to lull some hikers into a false sense of water security. A fall hike will require just as much water as a summer hike, as the dryer air and brisk winds can dehydrate you just as fast as the summer heat can.
3. Bring rain gear and an empty black plastic garbage bag. The empty garbage bag can serve a number of purposes, including serving as a backup poncho, wrapping your pack in the event water starts to leak into your gear, or keeping a sustained wound dry.
4. Bring a hard shell and soft shell jacket. Hard shell jackets tend to be water resistant to a point, and make a great outer layer of protection in damp or rain conditions. Soft shell jackets tend to be warmer, and will usually be worn under a hard shell jacket in adverse conditions.
5. Add carbs to your pack. The lower fall temperatures will make it harder for your body to maintain heat, which will make it necessary to keep your body fueled more often. Bring along a nut friendly trail mix, with some dried fruit and chocolate mixed in.
6. Bring fire making materials. Whether it be for a pit stop to warm up, or if caught in the rain and are facing hypothermia, or even if injured or stuck spending the night outdoors, having these materials can prove to be lifesavers. A small set of waterproof matches, a lighter, some try tinder, and a flint will all work in most conditions.
7. Check your first aid kit. This should be an automatic checklist item. It should always be fully stocked and have nothing in it that is within 30 days of the labeled expiration date.
8. Watch your footing. Wet leaves, mud patches, and frost can add to your footing challenges out of the trail. Wear shoes or boots that best suit the trail conditions, but yet are versatile enough to get you home safely if conditions change unexpectedly. I always bring a set of shoe claws along with…think snow chains for boots/shoes; just slip them on if things get slick.
9. Watch for changing weather and earlier sunsets. Knowing the general weather patterns and 36 hour forecast are both helpful here.
10. Enjoy!
Five Things I Must Have In My Pack
Rating: * to ****
Every hiker has their own pre-hike, in-hike and post-hike routines, which of course includes a number of must have items that each hiker feels that they have to have. After giving this some thought, I came up with my own top 5 list of items that I must always have in my pack. The below list are the items that I feel have the widest range of uses in most any situation, from a day hike turned into an injury fest or overnighter, to a multiday backpacking adventure gone awry.
1. Knife with a 4” to 5” perforated blade. A knife of this size can be used for anything, including paring, fileting, chopping, sawing, digging or cutting. A knife with a small compartment in the handle for a fishing line, some matches, and small compass are a bonus. I just thought of another use…pounding using the handle (though I would recommend against wrapping your hand around the end of the knife to do this. The knife blade can be used as a signal as well by reflecting light off of the blade.
2. Large 30 gallon black plastic garbage bag. This item has many uses primarily for the first two things that you must do when in the wild and unforeseen circumstances arise: protection from the elements and securing a water source. Protection from rain? Cut a hole for your head in the bottom of the bag or eye/nose slits. You will look like a demented ghost, but you will be dry and warm. You can also use the bag to sleep on or use as a cover. For water, dig a cylindrical hole the size of your bag, with a deeper hole at the bottom for a cup or water bottle. As dew condenses, it will drain down the bag and into your cup. Another trick is to tie the bag to a branch as a balloon. Water will condense inside the balloon for your drinking pleasure.
3. Stainless steel water bottle, preferably with a steel cap and wrapped in duct tape and some reflective tape. This is a bulletproof way to handle your water needs when stuck out on the trail. Plastic caps have strength limitations…they can fracture if dropped and you cannot boil water with the cap on if you are using a plastic cap, which may be a necessity in cold weather situations. With the steel cap, boiling water for cooking or sanitizing is a snap in all situations. The bottle can be used for water collection as well, as I outlined in item 2. The duct tape around it can be utilized for, well, anything, and the reflective tape gives you an easy to handle signal source.
4. Water purifying straw. I have debated between using a water purifying straw and water tablets for a while now. For longer trips I would take both, but as a general rule of thumb the ease of use and ability to use it quickly with limited exposure (which could be vital in harsh weather), the purification straw wins out. You can always boil water in your water bottle, then use the straw to drink from the bottle for added protection.
5. Flint set. Waterproof matches or a lighter are good, but are limited in windy or overly sodden conditions. Waterproof matches can fully lose their ability to strike when wet after a while (think water resistant and not waterproof). A good flint set will get a warm fire going pretty quickly in most any conditions. They are small, light, and best of all, can be used when wet without losing any effectiveness.
Those are my five cannot do without items that must always be in my pack. These items will keep you warm, dry, make it easier to give first aid, and help with any stomach pangs you may endure. I did not include a first aid kit, as this is something everyone should have around them at all times without saying. Also, you may notice that outside of my mentioning of a mini compass, I have no mention of a compass or map, as I again I would assume that you would strike out with these items and not just randomly park your car, and run into the woods yelling “weeeeeee!” at the top of your lungs. These items are my personal hiking Swiss army knife, as I feel that with these items along for the ride, I can do anything that needs to be done in the field.
1. Knife with a 4” to 5” perforated blade. A knife of this size can be used for anything, including paring, fileting, chopping, sawing, digging or cutting. A knife with a small compartment in the handle for a fishing line, some matches, and small compass are a bonus. I just thought of another use…pounding using the handle (though I would recommend against wrapping your hand around the end of the knife to do this. The knife blade can be used as a signal as well by reflecting light off of the blade.
2. Large 30 gallon black plastic garbage bag. This item has many uses primarily for the first two things that you must do when in the wild and unforeseen circumstances arise: protection from the elements and securing a water source. Protection from rain? Cut a hole for your head in the bottom of the bag or eye/nose slits. You will look like a demented ghost, but you will be dry and warm. You can also use the bag to sleep on or use as a cover. For water, dig a cylindrical hole the size of your bag, with a deeper hole at the bottom for a cup or water bottle. As dew condenses, it will drain down the bag and into your cup. Another trick is to tie the bag to a branch as a balloon. Water will condense inside the balloon for your drinking pleasure.
3. Stainless steel water bottle, preferably with a steel cap and wrapped in duct tape and some reflective tape. This is a bulletproof way to handle your water needs when stuck out on the trail. Plastic caps have strength limitations…they can fracture if dropped and you cannot boil water with the cap on if you are using a plastic cap, which may be a necessity in cold weather situations. With the steel cap, boiling water for cooking or sanitizing is a snap in all situations. The bottle can be used for water collection as well, as I outlined in item 2. The duct tape around it can be utilized for, well, anything, and the reflective tape gives you an easy to handle signal source.
4. Water purifying straw. I have debated between using a water purifying straw and water tablets for a while now. For longer trips I would take both, but as a general rule of thumb the ease of use and ability to use it quickly with limited exposure (which could be vital in harsh weather), the purification straw wins out. You can always boil water in your water bottle, then use the straw to drink from the bottle for added protection.
5. Flint set. Waterproof matches or a lighter are good, but are limited in windy or overly sodden conditions. Waterproof matches can fully lose their ability to strike when wet after a while (think water resistant and not waterproof). A good flint set will get a warm fire going pretty quickly in most any conditions. They are small, light, and best of all, can be used when wet without losing any effectiveness.
Those are my five cannot do without items that must always be in my pack. These items will keep you warm, dry, make it easier to give first aid, and help with any stomach pangs you may endure. I did not include a first aid kit, as this is something everyone should have around them at all times without saying. Also, you may notice that outside of my mentioning of a mini compass, I have no mention of a compass or map, as I again I would assume that you would strike out with these items and not just randomly park your car, and run into the woods yelling “weeeeeee!” at the top of your lungs. These items are my personal hiking Swiss army knife, as I feel that with these items along for the ride, I can do anything that needs to be done in the field.
Spring Hiking Season Means Checking Your Gear Rating: *
The spring hiking season is upon us, many of us are ready for the snow and ice to melt and are eager to begin exploring on foot again. As the temperatures warm and the daylight grows, now is a great time to do a check of your gear. This applies to all of you out there; from the half a mile on a paved path hiker to the days in the woods living out of a backpack.
The following checklist is a good way to get started, and it applies to all of you out there. As always, please feel free to adjust this list according to your direct needs.
1. Footwear. A good hiker's equipment always starts with the shoes. Make sure that the shoes or boots you are using are waterproofed and the insoles are supportive to your feet. An important, and overlooked aspect of footwear is that they have mileage limits...most hiking shoes and boots are good for about 400-500 miles. Check your laces for fraying and other signs of wear and tear. It would be a good idea to add a spare set of laces to your hiking gear.
2. Lineup your hiking buddy(s). As much as we do not like to think of the dangers of the trail, they are always there. Twisting an ankle on a trail alone with nobody in sight is an unsettling thought. The movie "127 hours" also shows the importance if heading out there with a buddy. If for some reason you cannot find a hiking buddy, I would strongly suggest sticking to trails with higher levels of traffic.
3. Check the battery life of your cell phone and GPS. A GPS is a must have if you have any intention of leaving a marked trail, as is the cell phone in case of an emergency. Making sure that the batteries in both devices are up to snuff is always near the top of my list. As added protection, consider adding to your inventory an emergency universal USB/cell charger (such as the Dynamo Hand-Crank USB Charger). They can be had for under $10, and could prove to be lifesaving.
4.Check your pack. Regardless of if you are going for an hour long nature hike or a weekend of backpacking through the wilderness, have a good, rugged, dry pack is always at a premium. Check the straps for signs of fraying, as well as examining the pack in its entirety for holes. Padding on the pack straps wears out after a while. The best way that I find to check this is to fill my pack, sling it onto my back, and wear it for an hour or two. If you feel any discomfort, look into changing out the pads or straps on your pack. Zippers are on oft neglected, but extremely important aspect to check on your pack. If the zipper does not move smoothly, or lacks any resistance, consider replacing the zipper of the pack.
5. Clothing. Put it all on, making sure that the clothing you will wear while hiking all fits properly. Clothing that is just a bit looser or tighter can make a big difference in maintaining body temperature. Discard or patch clothing that is ripped or torn (I would suggest discarding, but I know that replacing clothing can be tough these days).
6. Outerwear inspection. Check the waterproof integrity of your parka's and raincoats, and re-waterproof if needed. A way I like to test this is with a spray bottle; if the water you spray on the parka or raincoat does not bead, you need to waterproof it again. Check caps, hats, and gloves for holes are thinning areas of fabric and replace where necessary. Make sure that any jackets, coats, parkas, raincoats, etc fits over the clothing you will wear while hiking.
7. First Aid/snake bit kits. Make sure these are fully stocked, and add any items that are specific to your health needs.
8. Check miscellaneous items. This includes batteries and any other battery powered devices you may bring along, such as flashlights and radios. If you wear glasses, consider adding a glasses repair kit to your inventory. Check stock on waterproof matches, water purification filters, hand wipes, or any other items you normally take on your hiking excursions.
The following checklist is a good way to get started, and it applies to all of you out there. As always, please feel free to adjust this list according to your direct needs.
1. Footwear. A good hiker's equipment always starts with the shoes. Make sure that the shoes or boots you are using are waterproofed and the insoles are supportive to your feet. An important, and overlooked aspect of footwear is that they have mileage limits...most hiking shoes and boots are good for about 400-500 miles. Check your laces for fraying and other signs of wear and tear. It would be a good idea to add a spare set of laces to your hiking gear.
2. Lineup your hiking buddy(s). As much as we do not like to think of the dangers of the trail, they are always there. Twisting an ankle on a trail alone with nobody in sight is an unsettling thought. The movie "127 hours" also shows the importance if heading out there with a buddy. If for some reason you cannot find a hiking buddy, I would strongly suggest sticking to trails with higher levels of traffic.
3. Check the battery life of your cell phone and GPS. A GPS is a must have if you have any intention of leaving a marked trail, as is the cell phone in case of an emergency. Making sure that the batteries in both devices are up to snuff is always near the top of my list. As added protection, consider adding to your inventory an emergency universal USB/cell charger (such as the Dynamo Hand-Crank USB Charger). They can be had for under $10, and could prove to be lifesaving.
4.Check your pack. Regardless of if you are going for an hour long nature hike or a weekend of backpacking through the wilderness, have a good, rugged, dry pack is always at a premium. Check the straps for signs of fraying, as well as examining the pack in its entirety for holes. Padding on the pack straps wears out after a while. The best way that I find to check this is to fill my pack, sling it onto my back, and wear it for an hour or two. If you feel any discomfort, look into changing out the pads or straps on your pack. Zippers are on oft neglected, but extremely important aspect to check on your pack. If the zipper does not move smoothly, or lacks any resistance, consider replacing the zipper of the pack.
5. Clothing. Put it all on, making sure that the clothing you will wear while hiking all fits properly. Clothing that is just a bit looser or tighter can make a big difference in maintaining body temperature. Discard or patch clothing that is ripped or torn (I would suggest discarding, but I know that replacing clothing can be tough these days).
6. Outerwear inspection. Check the waterproof integrity of your parka's and raincoats, and re-waterproof if needed. A way I like to test this is with a spray bottle; if the water you spray on the parka or raincoat does not bead, you need to waterproof it again. Check caps, hats, and gloves for holes are thinning areas of fabric and replace where necessary. Make sure that any jackets, coats, parkas, raincoats, etc fits over the clothing you will wear while hiking.
7. First Aid/snake bit kits. Make sure these are fully stocked, and add any items that are specific to your health needs.
8. Check miscellaneous items. This includes batteries and any other battery powered devices you may bring along, such as flashlights and radios. If you wear glasses, consider adding a glasses repair kit to your inventory. Check stock on waterproof matches, water purification filters, hand wipes, or any other items you normally take on your hiking excursions.