General Advice for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike

• Eat a hearty breakfast prior to the hike. Lots of carbohydrates, such as pancakes.
• Do back and leg stretches every day.
• Bring 2 or 3 full bottles of water.
• Wear thin sock liners under thick hiking socks. If you do not already own a couple pair of these, get some. They are great and will prevent blisters.
• Wear short pants and a comfortable t-shirt. You may consider bicycling type shorts (if not as outerwear at least as underwear). They reduce the likelihood of chafing between your legs.
• Wear sunscreen and a cap. Put sunscreen on your ears, too, even if it is cloudy. For something warm, remember NO COTTON. Bring a Polypropaline jacket or pullover.
• Pack a hearty lunch in a small backpack or fanny pack. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are quite the hunger busters. Bring two sandwiches. An apple or banana has enough sugar to overcome mild hypoglycemia which can occur when one expends a lot of energy.
• Here are some GREAT ideas for Easy Backpacking Foods...