Planning
The essentials hikers actually need to make a trip go well.
Gear (keep it simple)
- Reliable footwear + blister kit
- Layers (temperature swings happen)
- Rain protection
- Light + battery backup
- Water capacity + filtration
- Navigation: offline map or GPX track + compass basics
If you want a printable checklist later, I can add a one-page PDF to the Resources section.
Water + timing
Most blown-up hikes happen because of water assumptions or late starts. Plan your day around your slowest pace, not your best pace.
Rule of thumb: Start earlier than you think you need to, and treat water sources as “maybe” until confirmed.
- Carry a little more water on hot days
- Know your bailout points
- Tell someone your route + return time
Navigation habits that prevent problems
- Check your map at every trail junction (even obvious ones)
- When blazes disappear, stop — don’t “wander to see”
- Keep your phone in airplane mode; use offline maps
- Mark your car location and key waypoints
Add specific local notes here as you learn the most common “oops” areas on your favorite sections.