The Three Things I Never Hike Without
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I am a hiker. I love being out on the mountain, in fresh air, exploring together with my dogs. Now, I am by no means an experienced hiker. But I am a hiker, and I am always learning how to be a better one. Over the past year of learning, I’ve refined my “must haves” each time I go out. So without further ado, here are my Big Three every time I hike:
1. First Aid Kit
This probably goes without saying, but I never hike without a first aid kit. It never used to be a priority – don’t do anything wild and crazy, and you won’t need it, right? Maybe not, but the older I get, the more I like to be prepared. My first aid kit isn’t anything revolutionary, and in fact is probably insufficient for more strenuous or more perilous hikes. More experienced, advanced hikers often customize their own first aid kits. But even a small first aid kit carries some basic essentials that you will be glad to have in a pinch.
Starsky and I had a scary experience the first time we attempted a 13er. Even in the summer, it is cold when you hike that high in elevation. And because you have to start hiking so early in the morning to avoid thunderstorms, it’s cold at the trailhead too. We didn’t make it above 13,000 feet – we actually only made it about 50 yards or so in before Starsky slipped and fell into a small creek while getting a drink. Because the water was so shockingly cold, his muscles seized up and he was unable to climb out of the water. He was only wearing a regular flat collar, so we had to pull him out using that. Ouch.
Luckily, Starsky was absolutely fine, although a little stiff for a few days. But that experience taught me that a harness for my dog is not optional when hiking; it’s mandatory. God forbid the river was deeper, or I had to lift him out of a small chasm – a flat collar isn’t going to cut it. Pulling him up by just his flat collar would be undue stress on his neck and could potentially strangle him. I love Ruffwear products because they are well-built and stand the test of time. I bought him the Ruffwear Webmaster a few days later – although there are a ton of great harnesses, the Webmaster is my favorite. It is thick, sturdy, and supportive. Most important to me, it has a handle on the back – invaluable when my old man needs a little boost or if he gets into trouble like that again.
3. Forsake Hiking Boots
Ok, a little less doomsday here! I would be remiss if I left out my favorite hiking boots – Forsakes. I went to college with the founders of Forsake, wrote about them for the school paper, and backed both their Kickstarter campaigns back in the day. I’ve been a brand loyalist since the beginning and I have no intentions of going anywhere!
There are two reasons Forsakes are my go-to boots for hiking: the traction and fit are great and they are beyond comfortable while still being functional, and they are designed to be a good-looking, versatile boot. I wear Forsakes everywhere – they were my favorite shoe when I stocked shelves at Trader Joe’s, and they are my favorite shoe on the trail.
Of course, there are many other essentials for hiking, but those are the three things that come with me on everything more challenging than a flat hike. As I continue to learn and grow as a hiker, I promise share more of my must-haves!
