| Some people have fought many years of their | | | | and hike conditions. There are many options in |
| lives to preserve the rich heritage of the | | | | your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself |
| outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That | | | | comfortable, here are a couple of pointers: |
| dedication and effort have been rewarded by | | | | - Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look |
| fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and | | | | for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture |
| national parks systems. In honor of their efforts, | | | | away from your body, or at least stay warm |
| let's break out of our winter hibernation and | | | | when wet. - Also, go for layers to keep yourself |
| venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit | | | | warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in |
| some of those dirt trails. | | | | case you are hit by a freak snowstorm. - The |
| Here are 4 steps to an enjoyable hike, no matter | | | | two most important pieces of clothing for any |
| where your feet decide to take you. | | | | hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don't |
| 1. Know the area you will be going into. Although | | | | underestimate the pain a hike can cause with |
| many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming | | | | uncomfortable shoes and socks. Finally, a hat in |
| have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local | | | | cold weather is a great addition, since your body |
| park will have some kind of useful information. | | | | loses over half its heat through your head. |
| Whether it's a website with information and trail | | | | 4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, |
| details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or | | | | you will need to be prepared with a first aid kit |
| visitor center, always check before you head out | | | | that matches the hiking you will be doing. In most |
| on your hike so you know what to expect. | | | | cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple |
| 2. Know the conditions you will be facing, | | | | first aid kit at a local department or sporting |
| wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling | | | | goods store. Or you can build you own, which |
| to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, | | | | should include these basics: - Different sizes and |
| because it was raining or freezing and you weren't | | | | shapes of bandages and gauzes. - Various types |
| prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy | | | | of tape for wounds or fixing tools. - Suntan lotion. |
| conditions have shut it down for an extended | | | | - A light emergency blanket (preferably with |
| period, you should be able to find this out as well. | | | | some kind of water resistance). - Aspirin, allergy, |
| It is also good to know if there are any plants or | | | | laxative, and anti-diuretic medications. - Small |
| animals to watch out for at your hiking location. | | | | multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle |
| Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the | | | | and thread. - A cell phone can come in very |
| morning. | | | | handy in emergencies. It is recommended that |
| Think about what you've read so far. Does it | | | | you pack all of this in a waterproof bag or |
| reinforce what you already know about hike? Or | | | | container. |
| was there something completely new? What | | | | These tips should ensure a comfortable, short |
| about the remaining paragraphs? | | | | hiking adventure. |
| 3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain | | | | |