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Preparation and Equipment

A little common sense goes a long way when preparing for the outdoors. Be realistic about your level of physical conditioning—there are trips in this book to suit all abilities. None of the routes require anything more complicated than putting one foot in front of the other. Some, however, require you to do this for several hours or more, uphill and down. In addition to terrain, weather conditions such as heat, cold, and wind can affect individual performance.

A pocket chart of native species can help to identify plants and animals you may encounter.

Good hiking boots are worth their weight in gold, and that weight is decreasing year by year. Many of today’s light hiking boots combine running-shoe comfort with support, traction, and durability. Some are lined with Gore-Tex, making them waterproof yet breathable, helpful for rainy days and creek crossings. A good pair of hiking boots will protect your feet and ankles, and provide essential traction on steep slopes. Combine the boots with socks that wick moisture (avoid cotton) and cushion your feet, and you have a recipe for happy hiking.