Hiking Tips

[Chicomagiko]

So do any of you have any tips for when you go hiking? I'm planning on doing about 5-10 miles tomorrow at this Hiking trail in La Jolla. I know to bring water, food, a 1st aid kit and a GPS(in case I want to follow some coordinate based trails). Anything else you guys would recommend? any of you in the SoCal area that have favorite places to hike?

[SephYuyX]

Comfortable shoes/boots out weigh any other good suggestion.

Aside from what you mentioned, theres really not much else you need. Water, some sort of food, and a camera maybe, and thats it.

[Souj]

dont wear Doe urine perfume.
Though if you do, make sure you tape it so we can watch you get your ass kicked by a deer.

[Xfaustx]

Camel backs are awsome if you plan on doing lots of long hikes though only if you're doing 15+ miles. Good shoes New Balances are awsome shoes. Energy foods like peanut bars home made only don't buy that shit from camping stores. And proper outerware depending on weather in area and light weight zip off pants are nice top

If you don't plan on going above 5-10 miles a hike I honestly wouldn't get stuff like gps camel backs and what not a simple waterbottle is fine and a nice water bottle holder with extra storage for food and a regular old map. That's what I dealt with in the American Rockies but when I did the Canadian side had to upgrade a bit

[Elesirdur]

Sunscreen man, and a hat. After a summer doing construction I really realized how much an impact covering my head does to help you keep cool and keep going when you're exerting yourself all day in the sun.

If you happen to have some shoes or boots with some kind of ankle support I would encourage you to wear them if you are going over rougher terrain or are doing more than 10 miles.

For food, go grab some bulk trail mix from the grocery store, but I would stay away really sugary kinds or stuff with smarties or candy in it. The type that is mostly dried fruits and nuts is my favourite and you don't get that kind of sugar crash. Same thing goes for drinks - just water is the way to go, fruit juices or "energy drinks" aren't the best to keep hydrated.

Oh yeah, and if you ever do get a camel back and decide to put beer or something other than water in it - don't expect to drink water out of it again and have it not taste funky. Personal experience lol

[Waef]

Oh hey, I used to live near there. I think I've hiked around that area too. Although I don't really remember and have no comments that haven't already been said.

[Chicomagiko]

Sunscreen man, and a hat. After a summer doing construction I really realized how much an impact covering my head does to help you keep cool and keep going when you're exerting yourself all day in the sun.

If you happen to have some shoes or boots with some kind of ankle support I would encourage you to wear them if you are going over rougher terrain or are doing more than 10 miles.

For food, go grab some bulk trail mix from the grocery store, but I would stay away really sugary kinds or stuff with smarties or candy in it. The type that is mostly dried fruits and nuts is my favourite and you don't get that kind of sugar crash. Same thing goes for drinks - just water is the way to go, fruit juices or "energy drinks" aren't the best to keep hydrated.

Oh yeah, and if you ever do get a camel back and decide to put beer or something other than water in it - don't expect to drink water out of it again and have it not taste funky. Personal experience lol

My mom actually asked me if i was planning on putting beer in mine...lol. I didn't think about that hat. I'll have to go get one tomorrow. sunscreen as well. I have some bug repellent i was thinking of using. As for food I got a few bags of trail mix and 1-2 bags of beef jerky. Also, I'm taking my camera since I do plan on snapping what I can. GPS is out since I did more research and 5-10 miles doesn't really need gps assistance. I'm debating whether I should break in my new hiking boots or wearing my 6 year old cross-trainers.
Thanks for the tips so far

[Shuemue]

Do not break in new boots out in the field, it's asking for trouble.

I remember making that mistake on one 20 mile sponsored walk I did when I was in my teens, the blisters were so bad that I walked the last 8 miles barefoot.

[Remyo]

I'd recommend something for snakes, but I see you live in kalifornia. So go with a sharpened stick unless that's illegal too.

[Rigor]

Don't run downhill.

[Chicomagiko]

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...3&id=688119611

and

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...3&id=688119611

These are the pix from the hiking trip. Total distance traveled was 7 miles. My next hiking trip will be the actual La Jolla Canyon trail instead of the beach. That one should prove monstrous. Also, I broke in the boots. Wasn't so bad once I put in the Gel Inserts.

[Elesirdur]

Nice pics, too bad the weather was not better, although I bet the temperature was comfortable.

[Sigi]

Anytime you go hiking, I'd recommend notifying someone where you're going. I'd also carry the GPS- you can bookmark some nice sites, and you never know. I was hiking in a conservation area, and a portion of the trail was VERY poorly marked- ended up having to use proximity to the road to get out o_o;

[Ace-o-fire]

bring a pancho or w/e the plastic rain covers are.

Weather man says 5% of rain, it's going to fucking rain..

[Ghost_Wheel22]

http://www.cascadefire.com/images/40258.jpg

http://www.cascadefire.com/images/50029.jpg

http://www.whitesboots.com/assets/im...ries/boots.jpg

Is all you need.

Although seriously a 5-15 mile hike can take you up to 6-10 hours roundtrip, so pack water and food accordingly.