Souris & Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation
Responsible Hiking in Eastern Kings
The Gear
To hike safely, both hands must be free. You need a pack of some kind. It may vary from a small nylon daypack for a day hike, to a pack mounted on a frame. It is used to carry basic needs for several days. If in a group, each hiker must plan to carry their own pack. Everyone must be self-sufficient, including the youngest and smallest of the party.
Your basic needs must be met whether walking for a few hours or hiking for an extended trip. You need food, clothing, shelter, and an emergency kit. I have packed these basics across every continent on planet Earth. Binoculars, cameras or anything else is a lovely choice, but not a necessity.
My essential gear includes;
Confederation Trail at Munns Road
1 Shelter - I use a durable all-season one person tent. A tent repair kit including a bungie cord, canvas cement, mesh, a needle, nylon cord, seam grip and thread. 2 Sleeping bag - I use a light weight bag. I carry a flannel lining for warmth and a small inflatable pillow. 3 Spare boots and socks. 4 Rainwear, essential clothing including spares, hoodie, wooly cap for warmth, undergarments. 5 Soap, wash cloth, toiletries, paper for after toilet usage. 6 Insect repellent, sun lotion and spare sunglasses. 7 Personal emergency & first aid kit, spare meds, emergency shelter such as a space blanket. 8 Small flashlight, spare bulb and batteries. Map, compass, guidebook, a sharp pocket knife 9 Fuel and small stove. Matches in a waterproof case, plus fire starter such as candles. Wooden matches that you completely dipped in wax at home are water-proof and long burning. 10 A canteen or bottle for water and a cup. 11 Small pot, drinking cup, plate, cutlery for one. 12 Food plus an additional ration of food in plastic containers 13 Cooking grill, small shovel for digging a latrine, plastic bags for rubbish, rope to tie the pack high in a tree away from widlife. It doubles for a line to hang to dry wet clothing. 14 Camera, spare batteries, small set of binoculars, GPS, an all-weather journal, small Bible, small wind-up radio for weather reports, cell phone to use for an emergency, MP3 player with pre-loaded bird calls, lock for the tent. 15 A foam pad for under the sleeping bag.
An organized and responsible hiker must carry their personal emergency kit with them at all times, even on a day hike. If the group emergency kit is in another's pack far ahead and out of ear shot, needless suffering will occur. An ideal hiking emergency kit contains;
Adhesive bandages Adhesive squares Adhesive tape Abdominal pads Antiseptic lotion Antiseptic wipes Elastic guaze bandages Face shield Cold compresses Gauze pads Gloves Guide Book for First Aid
Wet, uncomfortable and painful feet will bring a hike to an immediate halt. The terrain will be varied therefore sturdy, waterproof shoes or ankle high boots are preferred to runners or shoes which provide no support or protection. Lug soled boots are good for extreme locations.
Seek local advice and monitor weather conditions to judge possible conditions of areas to hike. Spring conditions in a snowy clime will offer wet walking. Check the map. If the trail crosses brooks and streams, the chances of wetting your feet are good. An extra pair of socks is a must. It is good to have a couple of small plastic bags to slip over the dry socks before putting the wet boots on again.
Hikers wear two pair of socks in all seasons. A thin pair under a thicker wool pair cushions feet and prevents blisters.
Clothing
Hiking is not casual or clothing optional. Lightweight clothing is to be preferred winter and summer. The layer principle is based on being warm while not perspiring greatly. It is best to wear several light or thin sweaters than one heavy garment. It is easier to take off or put on extra layers according to the climactic condition or personal exertion. The space between layers is air. It adds warmth. It is much easier to dry several thin garments than one heavy one.
A windproof outer garment such as a hooded parka is practical. A wooly hat which may be pulled over the ears in cool weather and high altitudes is advisable. If your limbs are cold, put on your hat. The body will draw heat from your extremities to satisfy the internal organs and head. If these vital parts are warm, your body distributes heat to your fingers and feet. A soft brimmed hat for summer shields the eyes from the sun's rays.
Gloves protect hands when climbing over hard places or handling thorny bushes. They are important for gathering wood and around your camp fire. Long trousers should be loose fitting so as not to chafe. In bug season they should be worn to reduce skin exposure.
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