You won’t believe how much better your trip can be when you’re well prepared. Read on for expert tips, local recommendations, and everything else you should know to hike smart with Hidden Treasure Trex.
Most sporting goods stores carry hiking gear and clothing. REI (several locations in the greater Los Angeles area) not only sells quality gear, but offers full refunds on items you use, but decide not to keep.
BRING THESE ON ALL HIKES
Backpack
For day hikes you will need a backpack to carry food, water, personal items, and "The 10 Essentials" (see below).
For overnight adventures you will need an expedition backpack that will also hold camping gear -- probably you will want a pack with 50+ liter capacity.
Water Bottle
Bring at least one 1-liter water bottle or hydration system. Be prepared to carry two liters if the hike is long or especially hot.
The Essentials:
Map & Compass (optional: GPS device)
Sun Protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lightweight long-sleeve shirt, long pants)
Rain Protection
Food
Water
Extra dry shirt
Flashlight/Headlamp
First Aid Kit
Fire Starter
Knife
Whistle
Mirror
Heat reflective blanket ("Space Blanket")
Small plastic trash bag
Toilet Paper
Personal hygiene items
Personal medications
Clothing
Hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail running shoes. NO FLAT SOLED SHOES or any other kinds of street shoes that aren't intended for trail sports.
Extra dry (not sweaty) shirt
Jacket
Synthetic or wool socks
Quick-dry pants or shorts
Sun protection hat
Beanie for evening warmth
Optional Items
Bug repellant
Swimsuit (if appropriate for trip)
Camera
Binoculars
Trekking polies
Quick-dry towel
Hand sanitizer gel or wipes
Any other item you consider important -- but to avoid overloading yourself, "when in doubt, leave it out."
One Last Thing
Stash in your car yummy post-hike snacks, water, towel, and clothing change so you can end your adventure on a high note feeling fresh.
FOR CAMPING ADD
For camping and overnight backpacking include everything on the Hiking List plus:
Tent or Tarp
Floor tarp/footprint
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Pillow (or you can use your clothing as a pillow)
Insulating layer of under clothing (long underwear)
Insulating jacket
Gloves
Beanie
Eating utensils/spork
Plastic or metal mug (metal for boiling water if you will need to cook)
Pan or pot (you can use metal mug for this)
Plate or bowl (you can use your mug for this instead)
Pot holder
Quick-dry towel
Flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries
Stove
Fuel
Water filtration/purification system
Overnight personal hygiene items
Overnight personal medications
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Extra Water
Food Bag
50' Nylon cord to hang food (in bear country)
Bear Canister (in bear country that requires use of Bear Cans)