Hiking Tips

You don't have to be a wilderness survival expert to go off tramping in the woods, but a person needs to have a sound grounding in the basics of the outdoors. It's the hiker's or backpacker's responsibility to obtain the necessary knowledge, preparation and equipment to ensure a safe hike. Joining a group or club can be a great way to get some of the knowledge and training. Also, the following articles cover some of the basics:
1-Sleeping bag - Most packs are designed with a compartment at the bottom for your sleeping bag. If your pack has dividers that separate the sleeping bag from the rest of your gear, use them to take some of the weight off your sleeping bag. (Overly compressing a down sleeping bag can damage the down, resulting in less loft and, thus, less warmth.)
2-Clothes go in next- But it's a good idea to stash a few of your warm clothes—hat, gloves, and an insulating layer—and your rain gear in an outside pocket where you can easily get them.

3-Tents and tarps - There are a couple of choices for your tent or tarp. Most packs have a separate compartment (where the sleeping bag goes) that is accessible via a zipper. If your pack has such a compartment, see if you can stuff the tent under your sleeping bag. That way, you don't have to unpack everything to get your tent out if it's raining when you want to make camp. This placement also works for packing a wet tent because it won't drip on everything. Be sure, however, that the tent and sleeping bag are in waterproof stuffsacks. Tent poles go strapped to the outside: Tie them on tight!
4-Food, fuel, and cooking utensils - Store the fuel upright and away from your food, in case of an accidental spill. Many hikers put their bottles in an outside compartment. Some utensils can have hard or sharp edges, so be sure they're not poking at your pack.
5-Personal items - Squeeze these in wherever they fit.
6-Outside compartments - Use these for items you'll need during the day: rain gear, a few warm clothes, pack-cover, water filter, water, lunch, snacks, TP, sunscreen, mosquito goop, and your camera.
7-Mattresses - Most hikers roll up their sleeping pads and strap them to the outside of the packs. Some smaller mattresses fit inside a backpack, where they are better protected from accidental encounters with cactus needles and barbed wire fences.

The Ten Essentials
Map. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident.
Compass. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain—especially in bad weather where you can't see the landmarks.
Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well: You'll be susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. not to mention the abject misery of raging thirst.
Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a lengthy detour, getting lost, an injury, difficult terrain. A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.
Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right. Especially above treeline, bring along extra layers. Two rules: Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin), and always carry a hat.
Firestarter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get lost.
First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters. Double your effectiveness with knowledge: Take a basic first aid class with the American Red Cross or a Wilderness First Aid class, offered by many hiking organizations.
Army knife or multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear—not to mention cut cheese and open cans.
Flashlight and extra bulbs. For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help.
Sun screen and sun glasses. Especially above treeline when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you'll need sunglasses to prevent snowblindness, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

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