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North Carolina Hiking
"North Carolina Hiking is one of the most popular North Carolina activities, even considered a North Carolina sport by some, and a great way to spend the day but you will want to know about hiking survival items to never leave without."
If you hike, you know how important it is to have the right tools and that means good shoes and the right clothing for the weather. North Carolina hiking is so much fun, and it's best to be prepared.
Survival Items
You could probably just buy a commercial survival hiking pack but if you want to bring a pack that caters to your own specific needs, consider putting together one yourself. Here's how:Have enough water to keep you hydrated
Human beings can survive for some time without food but going without water for extended periods of time can be lethal.
Probably the most important component of your survival hiking pack is your supply of water. Ideally, you should keep a gallon for every day you are out. Carry as much as you can. Before you run out, be sure to find an alternative source in the area where you are. That way, you will never have to suffer from the effects of dehydration.
Bring sufficient supply of food
Bring enough food that will allow you to survive for at least three days. While that may seem too much, the extra food will serve you well in case you get stranded or lost. Some of the best choices you might want to include in your survival hiking pack are:
Juice or pre-mixed drinks, especially those that contain vitamins and sugar
Energy/ protein Bars
Dried foods
Packed meals
Small canned goods
When putting together a survival hiking pack, consider function over taste. The food must be easy to store, won't spoil easily, convenient to eat and provide enough nutrition to help you survive.
North Carolina hiking, whether on hiking trails or near your campgrounds in North Carolina, or anywhere else...please be prepared!
Make sure your first aid kit is complete
A basic first aid kit is another important component of your survival hiking pack. It should contain medications and supplies to treat, disinfect and protect wounds, abrasions, cuts and insect bites. It should also contain medications such as antiseptics, anti-histamines, antibiotics and repellents against insects.
Bring only the basic gear and equipment
There are dozens of gears you can bring but there only a few basic ones can ensure your survival.
These include:
A survival knife - A knife is important for cutting, slicing and piercing. Pack a knife with you, preferably one that has multiple uses.
Mirror - Always bring a small compact mirror if you're going for long travels. Mirrors can be used to signal for help and attract the attention of rescuers.
Whistle - A whistle will help bring attention to you and can be especially helpful if you're stranded or injured.
Water container - A small tin or metal coffee cup has multiple uses, not just for making coffee. You can also use it to collect and boil water and to cook and store food. For a multi-purpose material, you can bring aluminum foil instead. It's light, can be heated or frozen and folds easily to pack.
Shelter and bedding - Bring a small tent, a light emergency blanket and a foldable canvas, nylon or plastic sheet you can use as bedding. The plastic sheet will also be helpful for keeping the contents of your survival hiking pack clean and dry.
A good thing to remember when putting together your own survival hiking pack is customization. Put together a pack that contains things you will find useful and leave behind those that you don't need or don't know how to use. Remember that what you're bringing with you is for your own survival, so keep that in mind.
A Really great book about hiking in North Carolina is:
This newly revised and expanded edition of Hiking North Carolina describes nearly 500 routes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smokies—Eastern America’s highest mountains—across the rolling Piedmont, to the Outer Banks archipelago. Choose a challenging backpack adventure on the Appalachian Trail, an easy family ramble on an urban greenway, a trek through a lush subtropical enclave, or a hike to photograph wildflowers and waterfalls. A must have for hikers.
For great vacation spots check out Indiana tourism Read about Indiana tourism. Find IN hotels, lakes, golf courses, hiking trails, gardens, whitewater rafting, outdoor adventure, historic sites and other tourist attractions.
When you go hiking it's smart to take a backpack to carry your supplies. Be sure to visit
backpack-and-gear.com
to get information on many travel backpack locations as well as the gear that you will need.
For all you hiking fans, the Smokies is a must-do when you come to North Carolina. There are hundreds of trails and amazing scenery you won't want to miss. Check out the
Smoky Mountains Hiking Guide
to get info on which trails you want to hike!
