Hiking essentials

So you want to do a hike in the mountains. Here is an inventory of what we bring:

A good map of the hiking trail (or GPS),

so that you can follow the blazes (marked according to the type of trail). Here we are following all yellow blazes.

When you get to a sign post you can find where you are on the map and know how much further you have to go.

A good daypack, hiking boots and socks make all the difference on a hike.

The sun is very sharp in the mountains and so a hat with a wide brim is good to have (not pictured--sunscreen).

We once did a hike with the kids and didn't bring enough water. Since you can't always depend on a water source while hiking, you have to make sure you have enough.

Not pictured are snacks, lunch, first aid kit, cell phone, Kleenexes (no restrooms on the trail), a utility knife, sunglasses and a jacket.

We used to hike without poles, but now we each use one and it does make a difference. The 3rd leg helps take weight off the knees and also helps your balance in tricky places.

Okay, okay, this is not essential. But if there is time at the end of a hike and a café is nearby, this is a very nice way to relax the leg muscles!