Travelling on Foot Text 6 Take a Hike

If you have never been hiking, your impression of this activity may not be accurate. Perhaps you think hiking involves investing in a great deal of equipment and having a high level of physical fitness or specialized knowl­edge. Actually, nearly anyone of any age can enjoy this outdoor sport. Of course, proper planning and a little common sense help make it safe and enjoyable.

Hiking is also a great family activity, educational and entertaining at the same time. Nature trails in particular provide a fun learning environment and a chance to teach valuable lessons about Mother Nature and her special gifts. One of the first decisions you will need to make is where to go hiking. This may be your toughest decision because there are many hiking and backpack­ing trails in National Forests, National Parks and State Parks.

The term hiking refers to one activity, but there are different types of trails to hike. For example, a designated trail refers to a marked path that has been prepared for a specific recreational function. A nature trail is a designat­ed trail that provides an opportunity to observe nature. A hiking trail is a des­ignated trail that requires some preparation, such as carrying a backpack, and is usually less than one day; for longer hikes, it is necessary to bring equip­ment for overnight camping.

The different types of terrain, the length of the hike and your personal desire will determine the type of equipment you need. For example, you may want to combine hiking with an overnight camping trip, It's always important to have the proper equipment, no matter what type of hiking trip you go out on,

One very good idea to consider if you've never participated in this sort of activity is to enroll in a hiking class or read a good instruction book.

One organization where you can learn more about hiking and enjoy var­ious excursions is the Sierra Club. In 1892, naturalist John Muir founded the Sierra Club to preserve the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Today, there are over 500,000 members nationwide, making this organization America's pre­mier grass roots environmental organization. Their purpose is to explore, enjoy and protect wilderness areas.

The Sierra Club is organized into state chapters and local groups. They offer classes in hiking/backpacking, provide educational programs, partici­pate in beach cleanups, plant trees, participate in and, of course, offer hik­ing/backpacking outings.

Preparing for Hiking. Before you venture down any rail, remember that proper equipment is essential. Let's take a look at the basic gear you'll need.

Boots: There are three types, light weight, medium weight and heavy weight. It’s very important to get the right fit and especially important in make sure they are big enough. Don't wear boots that haven't been properly broken in.

Socks: You should wear two layers of socks: a wool pair on the outside and a polypropylene pair on the inside. You should also take precautions to prevent blisters – keep your feet dry.

Clothing: Layering is the key − T‑shirt, sweater, outerwear. Polypropy­lene is good because it keeps moisture away from your body and offers warmth even when wet. Always bring raingear and cold weather gear (hat, mittens, etc.) in case it gets cold.

Miscellaneous Equipment: Day pack, first aid kit, compass, whistle, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, equipment to filter water if you are going on a long hike, flashlight, pocket knife, hiking stick (only necessary for mountainous terrain). Also, you may want to include a small guide book lo identify flowers, trees and birds.