HIKING ESSENTIALS

  1. Navigation
    1. Compass (Remember: 23-27 degree deflection in Juneau
    2. Map (preferably waterproof; Forest Service has great map of Juneau area)
    3. GPS (will not work if cannot get signal/batteries can wear out)
    4. Wands and surveying tape, as appropriate
  2. Sun Protection (Cream and Sunglasses)
  3. Illumination (Flashlight/headlamp)
  4. Emergency Gear
    1. Space Blanket
    2. First Aid Kit (bandages, compresses, antiseptics, eye washes, antihistamines, etc.)
    3. Signaling Devices (Mirror, Whistle, Light, Cell Phone, epirb, etc.)
    4. Fire starter (candles, etc.) and lighter/matches
    5. Knife
  5. Food/Hydration
    1. Water filtration kit helpful
  6. Clothing/Hiking Gear/
    1. Layers
    2. Non-Cotton
    3. Extra dry clothing
    4. Good Broken In Boots; mole skin
    5. Hat and gloves
    6. Rain Gear (both rain and wind proof)
    7. Gaiters, crampons, snow shoes, ice ax, walking sticks as appropriate
    8. Ropes, ATC, harness, prussic slings, carabiners for advanced climbing
  7. Other Gear
    1. Camera and spare batteries
    2. Garbage bag; TP and zip lock bags (pack it in; pack it out)
    3. String, repair kits and small tools can come in handy
    4. Additional gear for overnight or winter hikes.
  8. General Safety Notes
    1. Friend. Travel with others, both from the standpoint of safety and sharing of knowledge and experiences. Leave route and expected return time with friend with instructions to call search and rescue if you do not show up.
    2. Fitness. Keep in reasonable shape. Hiking can be hard.
    3. First Aid. Basic knowledge and kit are very helpful. Red Cross offers inexpensive courses on first aid, first responders, and CPR.
    4. Familiarity with weather and terrain. Do ongoing check of visual clues and compass courses as you are hiking. Check weather and terrain. If possible, go with someone who knows territory. Snow/avalanche dangers are a particular problem in Juneau. Take courses and try to check conditions in advance.
    5. Familiarity with equipment and requisite skills. Do you have the training and knowledge appropriate for the trip. Survival training courses are a great
    6. Fear. If you get lost, in trouble, keep calm. Take a deep breath and consider the best plan of action.

 

Courtesy of Juneau Alpine Club ( www.juneaualpineclub.org ). Check our calendar for events and links to local weather, etc. resources. Contact spearson@gci.net for further info. Hikes offered for all levels.