It might have taken a few weeks of dedicated retail therapy, but you are now all geared up to go walkabout. If you're planning a group outing, arrange an informal of all participants and identify a day or overnight hike in the immediate area that is agreeable to everyone. Utilize the get-together to discuss group responsibilities, assigning specific tasks to various members. Exchange phone numbers and decide on an easily identifiable meeting place.
A check list is the easiest way to make sure that group members are clear on their duties, permitting you to tick off specific tasks upon completion. If you plan to hike solo or with just one companion, all these tasks will be your responsibility and you need to be extra careful, as you will have no backup on the trail.
Short Hike Check List
Entry fees and permits: Is an entry fee required and are you able to pay at the start of the trail? Some hiking permits need to be procured from the offices of relevant authorities situated in another town or city.
- Food: Take enough food for your planned meals, as well as sufficient emergency rations to last you through the night if you should get lost.
- Water: Take a minimum of 2 liters (4pt) of water per person per day, even if there are water points on the trail. The body's water requirements vary, depending on the temperature and the level of exercise, but expect to drink about 1 litre (2pt) for every two hours spent along the route.
- Weather forecast: Get a weather forecast covering the duration of your hike and, if possible, find out what the weather was like during the week preceding your visit. This will help you contend with unexpected conditions when you arrive at your destination.
- Clothing: Never trust the weather report completely and always take along a compact raincoat, cap or hat, thermal top and a space (emergency) blanket just in case. If you expect your shoes to get wet, it is a good idea to carry an extra pair.
- Shelter: Trails with a single overnight stop normally have permanent, well-maintained huts or chalets, usually with ablution and cooking facilities, but you will need a sleeping bag. Determine beforehand what is provided so that you dont carry more than is necessary or leave something essential behind.
- First aid: Pack an approved first aid kit covering any eventualities you might encounter along a specific route. Make sure its contents are complete and that no medicinal products are outdated.
- Telephone: Take a mobile phone if you know you will be within signal range --- chances are it could save your life in an emergency situation, but dont spoil the serenity of nature for others by chatting constantly.
- Sun protection: Shielding yourself against the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun is imperative, so pack sun block and lip salve.
- Emergency procedures: Plan beforehand what you will do in case of an emergency and ensure you have the necessary contact numbers on hand. Notify someone trustworthy of your estimated return time so they can contact the authorities if something goes wrong. Pack a lighter or waterproof matches.
- Maps and guides: If the route is not well marked, you might require a map or the services of a guide or an experienced hiker who knows the trail well. Most short hikes do not require additional navigational aids.
- Land access: Unless hiking on a designated trail, never assume you have access to a specific section of land. Contact the relevant local authority, land owner or regulatory body to find out about access requirements.
- Extras: Items that can make a hike more memorable include cameras, binoculars and field guides, so take them at your discretion. Dont forget sunglasses, toilet paper and a spade or trowel!
Hills, valleys and areas of natural beauty close to towns or urban centres make ideal venues for day hikes.
Responsibility Areas
- NAVIGATION. Sourcing of maps, compass, GPS and navigational aids; pre-plotting of coordinates.
- RATIONS. Menu planning, purchase, packing and distribution of food and emergency rations.
- ADMINISTRATION. Access permission, permits, passports, paperwork, travel arrangements.
- COMMUNICATION/INFORMATION. Contact numbers, emergency procedures, trail research, guidebooks or field guides.
- PROVISIONS. Specialist gear required, shared gear, final check lists, garbage control.
- EMERGENCIES. Flares, radio, mirror, long-term weather forecast, security, emergency numbers.
- MEDICAL. Relevant first aid qualification, first aid kit, vaccination info, specific health risks.
- PATHFINDING. Lead walker, good directional, hiking and natural skills; could be group leader.
- EXPERTS. Geology. fauna and flora, astronomy, field identification manuals, binoculars.
- CARRIERS. Strong physique, good endurance, pack to body-weight ratio, sense of humour.
Source: Hiking, The Essential Guide to Equipment and Techniques (by: Jacques Marais)