Give me some hiking tips

[Midnyte_Sun]

I'm going hiking in 3 weeks near the Grand Canyon over rough terrain. I've never gone hiking this long before. It's about an 8 mile hike to the Indian reservation, and I'm not familiar with the desert climate.

What kind of things should I pack? I obviously have to pack water, but how much? I'm going with 2 other of my friends and they also have no experience in hiking.

 

[Gotham Knight]

I wish I could help you, but I'm in the same boat as you. I've never gone hiking.

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

I've hiked a little bit, about a mile here or there. The terrain was mostly flat, I've had to climb a few boulders and big hills, but nothing like this. It sounded like a good idea in the winter when I was freezing my @ss off. Now that it's summer, I'm sort of realizing how crazy it is to hike in 100+ degree weather in the middle of a desert with no real roads.

 

[Bunker]

Bring a couple big water bottles for each person, sun screen, Soloman trail running shoes. Fin.

Oh yeah, load the water with ice cubes or just freeze it beforehand so it stays cold in the heat.

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

Soloman trail running shoes...Cool, I gotta look these up.

 

[Mace Bloodstone]

Don't pet the rattlesnakes!

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

Don't pet the rattlesnakes....check.

 

[Duke]

It's also a good idea to carry a compass & small med kit.

 

[Erzengel]

Don't have sex. It will inevitably cause you to be murdered by some sort of deranged, unstoppable psychopath.

 

[Duke]

Don't have sex. It will inevitably cause you to be murdered by some sort of deranged, unstoppable psychopath.

Yep. They're liable to run into Jason Voorhies out there. t:

 

[Ultra Lantern]

Yep. They're liable to run into Jason Voorhies out there. t:

Watch out for the dark elves.They come out at night.

 

[twylight]

Tip: Reschedule your hiking trip to the early spring or fall/winter. Especially if you're taking people who've never been hiking before. So far this is one of the driest spring/early summers we've had to date.

Other than that take lots of water. It depends on the length of time you'll be hiking for for the rest of these suggestions: I'd go with about three Nalgene water bottles full. Freeze two the night before pack the other one with ice and water. Make sure you have really good hiking boots with support, wear long pants, long sleeves and wide brimmed hats. Sunscreen if you opt for short sleeves. Moisture wicking underclothing is always advisable if you're going to be hiking for any long length of time. Small first aid kit, trail map, compass if you're going to be off the trails, sunglasses, food (bars, sandwiches, etc your choice), some snacks...

This site might help a bit too.


ETA: If you're going to be hiking in the National Park, talk to a ranger beforehand and ask them about the conditions of where you're going to be hiking.

 

[Ultra Lantern]

Watch out for Jason Voorhees and the dark elves.

 

[Paroxysm]

I'm going hiking in 3 weeks near the Grand Canyon over rough terrain. I've never gone hiking this long before. It's about an 8 mile hike to the Indian reservation, and I'm not familiar with the desert climate.

What kind of things should I pack? I obviously have to pack water, but how much? I'm going with 2 other of my friends and they also have no experience in hiking.

Bring a knife.

Just in case.

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

Don't have sex. It will inevitably cause you to be murdered by some sort of deranged, unstoppable psychopath.

Watch out for deranged locals...check.

Watch out for the dark elves.They come out at night.

We will be hiking at the crack of dawn, just in case....check.

Bring a knife. Just in case

Ai, me NOIFE..check.

 

[Scourge2099]

Bring a compass.

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

Tip: Reschedule your hiking trip to the early spring or fall/winter. Especially if you're taking people who've never been hiking before. So far this is one of the driest spring/early summers we've had to date.

Too late, I've already booked everything; everybody will be taking off work. Plus we agreed we all wanted to do this so we have to go through with it.

Other than that take lots of water. It depends on the length of time you'll be hiking for for the rest of these suggestions: I'd go with about three Nalgene water bottles full. Freeze two the night before pack the other one with ice and water. Make sure you have really good hiking boots with support, wear long pants, long sleeves and wide brimmed hats. Sunscreen if you opt for short sleeves. Moisture wicking underclothing is always advisable if you're going to be hiking for any long length of time. Small first aid kit, trail map, compass if you're going to be off the trails, sunglasses, food (bars, sandwiches, etc your choice), some snacks...

This site might help a bit too.

I bought a first aid kit, I have an old back pack and a map. I'll buy 3 of those water bottles like you said, I hope to freeze two, but that depends if the hotel we are staying at has fridges in the rooms. I'll have one of us bring breakfast bars and once we get to the Indian reservation, we'll take a break before descending down into our next destination.

This is the first time I'm hearing of moisture wicking underwear, I'll have to look into this; I want to be as comfortable as possible for the hikes. We won't be going off the beaten trail, but I will bring a compass just in case.

ETA: If you're going to be hiking in the National Park, talk to a ranger beforehand and ask them about the conditions of where you're going to be hiking.

It's in an Indian reservation, but after we're done with that place, we're going to head back to Flagstaff to our hotel, and then we'll decide where we're going to next. Another more accessible park would be a nice change of pace.

Thank you!

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

Bring a compass.

Always will need one of those. Thank you.

 

[Scourge2099]

Just remember it always points north.

 

[super scar]

Shark repellent spray (always).
http://www.addasnap.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=197&g2_serialNumber=1

 

[Aesop Rocks]

put a bed down so when you die, you can go back to spawn.

 

[Bill]

I would, of course, pack water. Also, pack the means to treat water you may have access to along the way. I would pack as though you are having an overnight(even if you are not), and I would pack some warm clothing. Stay away from cotton, stick to synthetics. Let park employees and relatives know where you're going and an estimated time you'll be back. Also leave an imprint of your shoe in foil and pictures of each of you in case you get lost. It may sound a bit silly, but it helps S & R find you in case you get lost. Definitely have a map and compass(and/or gps), and the knowledge to use them. Even though it is a short hike, fortune favors the prepared. Know the weather and plan and pack accordingly.

The site that was referenced earlier gives good tips on the various areas of the park. This page from the same site is also good to help with packing lists and other safety tips. Have fun!

 

[Llama_Shepherd]

Don't eat the yellow snow.

 

[Bruce Banner]

Everything twylight has said about the gear I would go with.


I have never hiked in a desert climate so I can't really say how it will be. I have done the Applachian Trail.

For me I would wear boots or shoes that will keep you from rolling your ankle.

 

[AndThePickles]

Wear moisture-wicking, thick socks to avoid blisters. Since you'll be hiking, I strongly recommend hiking boots that go higher than your ankle so you have support and don't twist an ankle. Buy inserts for the boots for extra support for your arches. Break your boots in BEFORE you go hiking!

I personally have a pair of Vasque boots that have lasted FOREVER. It's a pricey but very rugged/reliable brand for hiking gear.