Patricia's Shopping Guide: Safe Hiking Tips and Supplies.

I got up one morning and decided I should get some exercise. I had been wanting to do a hike up to Teapot Hill in Cultus Lake, BC. I have only done this hike once before, 12 years ago. I had forgotten exactly how long the hike was so I wasn't all that prepared. I made it there and back alright without any problem. I got this great sense of accomplishment when I got to the top. I did start to wonder at sanity of me going on such hike with just my dog as company. All these scenarios started running through my head. What if I fell and broke my leg? What if I got lost? What if this and what if that? I realized I could have been a little bit more prepared. I hope this lens will help you be prepared for your hiking adventures.

Use your brain

Don't get over confident and start thinking you are invincible. Don't be tempted to do something stupid. Mother nature can be unforgiving when you choose not to use you brain.

Trust your gut, pay attention to your anxiety level. It could save you from getting lost. If think you're losing your bearings, stop before you wander to far off course and try to reorient yourself.

Take your cell phone with you and make sure the battery is fully charged.

Flashlights

You could get lost and find yourself in the dark. You should have a flashlight on hand. There are many different kinds of flashlights to choose from so you don't have to be really fussy about what kind you have even a little mini flashlight would be better than none.

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Snacks

You might only plan on being out for a couple of hours and think you'll eat when you get home but what if something happens and you end up being out longer. You should be prepared for anything. Here are some energy bars you can stick in your pocket or back pack.

Do You Need A Camera?

I forgot my camera and missed out on some really nice shots. Don't do the same make sure you take your camera with you.

Take along some provisions Water or other liquids such as sports drinks. Put some energy bars in your pack.

First Aid Kit

A hiker should be prepared for anything. Heaven forbid you get injured on your hike. Just in case you do you should have a first aid kit on hand.

Wear bright clothing.

Emergency Blanket

You just never know what could happen on a hike. The weather could suddenly change and make it impossible for you to get back. You could get disorientated and get lost. Why not be prepared to spend a night out in the cold. Keep a emergency blanket in your back pack.

Walking Sticks

I came across a couple of hikers using some walking sticks. These sticks can help you get up those hills, steady you as you walk down the hills and give your arms a good workout.

Check the weather forecast before you leave and dress accordingly.

Water Bottle

No matter how long of a hike you go on you should always carry a bottle of water. Always remember to keep hydrated. Drink lots of water!

Scare off the wild animals Make noise. Whistle, talk, sing, or carry a noise-maker such as bells or a can of stones

Rain Gear

So you decide to go hiking. The weather looks nice when you leave but things do change. Weather can change quite suddenly especially in the mountains. You should take a long some rain gear just in case.

Bring along 'essential' gear Take matches or a lighter with you or even better take both. Take a Swiss Army knife. Useful accessories can save your life.

GPS

It might be a good idea to take along a GPS device just in case you do get lost you can find your way home.

BackPacks

Buy yourself a really good backpack so you can have everything you need in one place at your finger tips.

Know your path and follow it. Don't go off the trail.

Fanny Packs

If your like me and don't like the idea of carry a big bulky pack back you can use a fanny pack to put those essentials in. You can also hang a water bottle from your fanny pack

Here are the essentials 1.An emergency blanket 2.A mini flashlight 3.A snack 4.A pack of water proof matches 5.A bottle of water purifying pills 6.A pocket size first aid kit. 7. A couple of super absorbent sanitary napkins (great for wrapping a large wound in) 8 A hand held GPS 9.An extra battery for your flashlight 10. Anything else you can think of.

Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back so they know whether or not they should go looking for you.

Be Prepared

At the very least you should prepare yourself for the worst. If you were to get caught out in the cold would you know what plants you can eat and which ones you really shouldn't? Here's great resource to help you out with that.

Harvesting Nature's Bounty

Never hike alone, go with a friend

Take A Pocket Knife.

I almost forgot one of the most versatile things you can take with you on that hike is a pocket knife. You can use them for more than just cutting. Did you know you could dig a hole with a knife?

Hiking Boots

I have a friend who does a lot of mountain hiking. She told me one time that she broke her ankle on a hike and had to be air lifted to the hospital. She told me that the main reason she fell and broke her ankle is because she didn't have a good pair of hiking boots. Hiking boots come in many different styles and colors. The price ranges from high to low to fit any budget.

Vasque Men's Breeze GTX Hiking Boot