Preparations for hiking

Even with the best of forcasts, your watchword should be to plan for the unexpected. Possible changes in temperature mean you should take extra clothing, of which at least one layer should be wool-yes wool, even in the heat of summer.
It is the one material that keeps you warm when wet. In addition to changes of warm clothing, you may also want to carry a change of socks and a shirt, even on a day hike. Experiment with a combination of layers of light waterproof gear, warm wool shirts, thermal underwear, and cool, long sleeved cotton shirts. Your pants should be sturdy and comfortable. If you are modest you might want to carry a bathing suit in your pack. Gloves and a hat uaually also find their way into my pack. Changes in terrain means you need a sturdy, lightweight. waterproof. over-the-ankle pair of boots. And, you need a pair that fits perfectly and is well broken-in. You need to wear two pairs of socks, an inner lighweight pair and a heavy outer pair that is at least par...