Pick long, loose-fitting clothing.

If you are hiking in the heat of summer, prioritize neutral colored clothing. It will keep you cooler and attract less bugs than more colorful options.

Avoid clothing made from cotton. It holds onto sweat and can chafe. Instead reach for clothing made from merino wool or synthetic fabrics (like polyester).

You want a high traction sole. Make sure the bottom of the shoe has many deep grooves in the tread.

You want a light-weight, lightly cushioned shoe with little-to-no lift in the heel. The shoes should weigh less than 16oz, have a sole 5-7mm thick, and be “zero drop.” These will provide the best feedback between between you and the ground. This means less twisted ankles and strain on your knees, hips, and lower back.

Shoes with lots of cushion and elevated heels cause you to overextend your knee every time you step. This can lead to increased soreness and injuries.

Avoid shoes with ankle support. This “support” just means more strain and stress on your knee and hip joints.

Avoid waterproof or water-resistant shoes. This “protective” layer not only costs you, but it wears off and may lock in sweat and moisture, causing blisters.

No matter the distance or your familiarity with the trail, you should ALWAYS pack the 10 Essentials.

1. Navigation: Download a map of the trail onto your phone before leaving home. You can use an app like AllTrails+, Cairn, or Gaia GPS. You should also consider taking a GPS communication device that has an SOS button, with you. Learn more here.

2. Secondary Light Source: Headlamp with a set of new batteries.

3. Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and mineral-based sunscreen will do the trick.

4. First Aid Kit: Check out the full list of what you should have in your kit here.

5. Knife: Multipurpose utility knife. An affordable and reliable option is the Mora Companion.

6. Shelter: Emergency blanket or bag such as those sold by Space or SOL.

7. Fire: Waterproof matches or a BIC lighter paired with an old pill container full of cotton balls that have been smothered in petroleum jelly work great.

8. Food + Extra: Bring snacks for the trail plus extra food.

9. Water + Extra: A good rule of thumb is to pack 1/2L+ per predicted hours on trail. If you are hiking in high altitude or gaining a ton of elevation, aim for 3/4L+ per hour.

10. Additional Layers: Even if it’s a beautiful, warm day outside, you should always pack both an insulating mid-layer and a water & wind resistant outer layer. Pack an extra pair of socks too.

Weather-specific items like bug spray or crampons may also be necessary, depending on the time of year and area.

Conditions could be icy, especially if the trail sees a lot of foot traffic. Bring along a pair of crampons. We especially love YakTrax’s Diamond Grip Traction Devices. While these aren’t cheap, they will save you from a sore bum or worse!

Trekking poles are also a great addition. They will give you 3-4 points of contact with the ground, adding to your stability. Learn how to pick out a good set of poles without breaking the bank.

Don’t forget the sunscreen and a salve to protect your exposed cheeks.

While this depends on personal preference, we have found the best time to get to the trailhead to be within a 1/2 hour of “sunrise” for that area.

See Wildlife. Less foot traffic on trail means you may get a peak at some wildlife before it beds down for the day.

Unobstructed photos. Photo bombers like to sleep in.

Avoid afternoon storms and winds. Be off trail before the storm clouds roll in.

Skip the sunburn. The sun’s rays that cause burns and pre-maturely age skin are most severe between 10am and 4pm.

Avoid being bit by pesky mosquitos. Like snakes, they become lethargic in 60 degree temps.

Well-lit trail. Hiking in the early hours means you are less likely to get stuck hiking in the dark. Even with a headlamp it can be easy to mistake an animal trail for the actual trail.

Animal attacks are rare, especially if you give them adequate space.

Never approach wildlife. Animals won’t typically attack humans unless they feel threatened; this is especially the case if they have young with them. If the animal moves in response to you, you are too close.

Make noise when you hike. Wildlife will usually move away from you, if they know you are there. Avoid “surprising” them by making noise while you hike.

Don’t listen to music while on trail. Be aware of your surroundings. Hear and see two- and four-legged animals that are nearby.

Avoid hiking after dark where mountain lions are prevalent. A good rule of thumb is where there are deer, there are usually mountain lions.

Educate yourself. Look up recent reviews of the trail on AllTrails+ to see if anyone has mentioned or posted photos of wildlife in the area. Be more vigilant during mating and calving (baby) seasons. Mating season is usually from September to October for large animals. Calving season is May through June for large animals. Also important to note… Elk and moose are more likely to attack you than a bear. So make sure you give these two large animals lots of space so that they don’t feel threatened.