So you want to go hiking !!

New hikers , dont know what they dont know.

Your planning starts way before the hike starts, with the selection of what you will be taking on the hike.

Choosing the right gear is probably the most important part of your planning, and can be divided up into a few important areas.  For our trip use what you have,  as its only 2 miles to our campsite, but start to think about gear that will work for you on future trips

Places like REI will also rent gear, so you can test if not sure what you want to buy.

Backpack 
Everything you take on a hike needs to go in or on your backpack. Having straps (few $ at REI and other outdoor stores) to fasten items like sleeping bag or tent on the outside needs to be something you should think of . A Backpack must fit your body size and the waist belt must be able to carry the majority of the weight of the pack, so it must fit you , both vertically as well as girth (around your waist).
An ideal MAX weight for the fully packed backpack is 30% of body weight, and this is for hiking fit people. So for our younger scouts it is very difficult to stay light enough. Question every thing you add into the pack.
For this trip , the troop will provide a backpack for anyone needing one.

Sleeping gear
Starts with shelter , tent , bivy , hammock , sleeping bag, sleeping mattress or pad  -
based on the season you must choose what you will be comfortable in. Insulation from the ground is very important in all seasons, that is why a pad is so often talked about
For late summer like now, I use a Bivy and sleeping pad and fleecy blanket- but never forget my pillow. If no chance of rain I sleep in the open, unless bugs are bad. A down throw / blanket is also great at this time of year. Costco have one for $19 at present.
Dont forget to make your sleeping gear waterproof (garbage bag works great)

Eating gear
For this trip the troop will provide a stove and cooking gear, BUT you need at minimum a spoon, and a lighter. I would also add in a cup if you plan on coffee , hot chocolate tea etc.  Plastic cup is lighter than a metal one. a knife is another important item to remember
Water bottle - you must carry 1 liter of water for this trip. 

Footwear
Good boots are ideal for hiking, something that protects your ankles in case you step on a rock and roll your ankle. BUT DO NOT go on a hike with new boots or shoes. Trail runners are becoming the new ideal for hikers , but sneakers are just fine on short hikes like this one. Add in a change of socks. 

Personal gear
Toothbrush, small towel, hand sanitiser, bug spray, sun screen, (all of these can be found in small sizes) toilet paper (leaves are not comfortable , I promise you)
Change of underwear and socks. First aid kit, whistle, head lamp, and a windproof jacket / rain jacket.  A poncho works well for raingear.
Emergency blanket ..... I recommend adding one into your pack , just like I always carry about 25-50 ft of paracord, as well as dental floss- it can be used for so many things including fixing your pack.

NOTE On clothing , if you cannot wear everything you are taking at one time, then you have too much packed. and again think light weight.
 A dry fit shirt weighs about half a cotton shirt, so a long sleeve dryfit plus a short sleeve dryfit, gives you two layers for the weight of one cotton shirt.


Food
Think about carrying snacks that are both lightweight and high energy, for your main meal.
Ramen noodles are a great easy meal , dont forget to add in a protein like fish or chicken, and packet soups also make a great dinner
Also think about a comfort food that you might want to add in, like a pudding or cookies.
also pack your snacks so they are easy to get to, like a side pocket.  For drinking - water is best. le
For breakfast I like Bagels and cream cheese, or Granola with long life milk (you can eat it dry too)

Hiking poles are nice to have when you have a trail that has lots of hills, they can also substitute for tent poles too.


Have a great weekend planning for your hike, and remember to bring all your gear to the meeting on Tuesday.


Here is a great link for light weight planning
http://www.adventurealan.com/appalachian-trail-gear-list/