[at-l] Day hike - details.

[stephensadams at hotmail.com (Steve Adams)]

Linda,

Reference your post, dated 5-17-03, advising, “...we plan to hike on the AT 
in Maryland ... northbound near where the AT crosses I-70 (for about) 4-6 
hours ... starting between noon - 2 pm.  ...  We will take water & snacks & 
our clothing will depend on the weather forcast.”  You ask, “(W)hat else 
should we take?”

Keep in mind, weather forecasts do not typically include the microclimates 
of mountain ridge lines.  Forecasts for these areas are much more 
unpredictable.  As the saying goes, “Mountains make their own weather.”

Carry a jacket shell for protection from wind-driven rain.

Your question recognizes the potential for problems.  So, the question is 
not what to carry to assure you have fun, but, recognizing bad things do 
happen to some perfectly fine people, what to carry anticipating things 
could turn for the worse.

Think in terms of what you may wish to do:  Remain dry and warm, make fire, 
take apart and bind together, carry water, find your way, recall compass 
bearings you’ve taken, mark the route you’ve taken, leave a message, remain 
overnight, and repair yourself.

Consider including:  A Compass, Flashlight (Photons are small and 
lightweight), Knife, Waterproof Matches (or, Cigarette Lighter), Water 
Resistant Paper (or, paper double-bagged in a couple of ZipLocs), Soft 
Pencil, Space Bag, for an emergency sleeping bag, and Space Blanket, for an 
emergency shelter (or, substitute a couple of Trash Bags), some lengths of 
String, Watch and a Whistle (thank you, Orange Bug).  These are for 
emergency use only; keep them with you at all times.   The total weight is a 
little over a pound, and, since some things don’t need to be redundant for 
each of you, you can all share carrying them.

Consider adding to your pack:  A warm Knit Hat and a Sweater or Insulated 
Jacket, or at least a long warm Scarf, a Water Container, borrow some of 
your dog’s Dog Biscuits, and some First Aid items.  SuperGlue, a few feet of 
Duct Tape and a length of Cord (Kelty Triptease is small, lightweight and 
strong) can become very helpful.  If you’re into mini tool kits - - lets 
assume you believe you may ACTUALLY NEED to use one - - buy a small 
slip-joint plier and a utility (Girl Scout style) pocket knife which 
includes a screwdriver (think “pry bar”) and an awl.

An Appalachian Trail Map depicting the area will add to your enjoyment and 
provide alternative exits if the need arises.

The problem becomes, when you collect  EVERYTHING  which everyone may 
recommend you carry, you may not be able to lift your pack off the ground.

Steve

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