© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Miscellaneous Gear and Hiking Technique Please wait until the end of the presentation for questions and comments. Review Chapter 3 in your SHP Manual for additional information.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Navigation Aides Essential Map (Unless equivalent information is on your GPS.) Compass Optional Trail Description - copied from guidebook or internet (e.g. is one site). Guidebook (if not too heavy) Altimeter (Especially valuable for off trail travel and mountaineering.) GPS

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Vision Aides Essential Headlamp (a flashlight is a poorer alternative). If there is a chance of finishing after dark due to unexpected problems, hike length, or late start you need a reliable light. A headlamp keeps your hands free for use. Spare Glasses in a protective case and zippered pocket if you are dependent on glasses to hike out or drive home. Reading glasses for maps if you need them. Important 2nd headlamp or spare batteries and bulb Eye first aide if you are prone to eye irritation (e.g. eye drops).

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club First Aid Essential Personal emergency medication. If you have a significant medical condition which could cause a problem on a hike (e.g. diabetes, asthma, severe allergic reaction, etc..), you should bring the appropriate medication or kit recommended by your physician. Personal medication alert. A responsible person on the hike (leader, co-leader, friend) should know about your medication if you cannot treat yourself.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club First Aid continued Sometimes essential, important or very useful First Aide Kit. At least one for a group. Tape and moleskin (or molefoam) for blisters. Duct tape also has multiple uses for repairs. (Essential for new hikers, a group, new boots, or long hikes.). Orthopedic Aides: Knee brace, ankle brace, ace bandage, back support, etc., if you suspect you may need them. An ace bandage is a good items for a group leader to carry. Small amount of over the counter medication for personal use: Pain or inflammation (your choice of naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, tylenol.) Severe allergies Intestinal problems

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Water Supply Essential Normally carry enough water for the hike. Carry extra water for hot weather and long hikes. Water treatment. A group should bring water treatment for long hikes where you cannot carry enough water and know where water is available. There are two types of water treatment: Chemical Treatment (Tablets, iodine crystals, solutions). Water Filters Frequently very useful Thermos in cold weather A Water Bottle Parka can be attached to your pack belt for quick access and to keep your water from freezing in cold weather.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Rain Rain clothing is essential. A plastic bag inside your pack will keep your extra clothing dry. A pack cover will keep other contents dry. A rain hat may be more comfortable than a jacket hood.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Sun Sunscreen areas you know are prone to burn or harm after long sun exposure before the hike or early in the hike. Sunglasses provide long term protection for your eyes. Lip Balm with sunscreen may prevent cracked lips. A sun hat can keep the sun out of your eyes, face, and neck and may be useable as a rain hat. A wet (or damp) hat that doesn’t drip on your clothes may help keep you cool.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Biting Insects Insect repellent (Your choice.). Spray on repellent can cover more skin surface. Head nets are valuable when biting insects are very numerous and you want to stay in one place or move slowly.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Miscellaneous Toilet Paper Sanitary Napkin (Can also be used in first aid for heavy bleeding.). Bandana (Used for sun protection and first aide purposes.). Repair Kit for clothes and pack. Parachute cord, duct tape, safety pins. Whistle (Considered essential if you are lost or need help.) 3 blasts (or 3 shouts) indicate a call for help 1 blast means “come here or come back”. Matches and fire starting materials (a candle or toilet paper soaked in wax). Knife. (A Swiss Army knife with scissors is useful for cutting moleskin.).

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Miscellaneous Continued Hiking Poles Foam Pad for sitting in wet or cold areas. A larger foam pad can be used in emergencies to insulate an injured hiker. (I often use my pack, which has an internal foam pad for sitting.) Naturalist Guidebooks Camera

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Some Useful Hiking Rules The summit is optional, your car is not. Consider the weather, the terrain, the hike difficultly, and your condition and preparation when deciding whether you should continue a hike or seek an easier route back. The mountain will be there tomorrow, next week, and next year. You are hiking with your friends, watch out for them as well as for yourself.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Steep/Rough Terrain (general) Small steps are often easier than big steps. Switchback up a slope or along small ledges when possible in preference to taking big steps up. Stay in balance. Keep your weight over your feet. Use your hands or a hiking pole to maintain balance Use 3 points of contact in very steep terrain. Hands can be used to push, pull, or hold for balance. Small foot holds can be used to keep in balance.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Rest Step Going Uphill When you are in a stable position, put all your weight on your downhill leg, lock your knee and joints, and allow your uphill leg to rest in a flexed position. Alternate: When you are in a stable position, put all your weight on your uphill leg, lock your knee and joints, and allow your downhill leg to hang loose. Repeat this for each leg as often as you need to let your leg muscles get some rest.

© 2011 Appalachian Mountain Club Step Gently on a Steep Downhill Use the muscles in your uphill leg to gently control your descent and lower your downhill leg for a soft landing. Use 3 points of contact (feet, hands, hiking pole) to maintain balance and control.