Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park. Johnny Molloy

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      Carry the Essentials

      Proper preparation for any type of trail use also includes gathering certain essential items to carry. Your trip checklist will vary according to trail choice and conditions.

      Clothing When the weather is good, light, comfortable clothing is the obvious choice. It’s easy to believe that very little spare clothing is needed, but a prepared hiker has something tucked away for any emergency from a surprise shower to an unexpected overnight in a remote area.

      Clothing includes proper footwear, essential for hiking and running trails. As a trail becomes more demanding, you will need footwear that performs. Running shoes are fine for many trails. If you will be carrying substantial weight or encountering sustained rugged terrain, step up to hiking boots.

      Shenandoah can be notoriously humid in summer. Hikers often sweat more than normal. Breathable, moisture-wicking clothes will help keep you cool and dry. In cooler weather, particularly when it’s wet, carry waterproof outer garments and quick-drying undergarments (avoid cotton). Shenandoah can also be a rainy place. Unless the forecast calls for absolutely no chance of rain, bring a rain jacket or poncho. As general rule, whatever the conditions, bring layers that can be combined or removed to provide comfort and protection from the elements in a wide variety of conditions.

      Water Never embark on a trail without carrying water. At all times, particularly in warm weather, adequate water is of key importance. Experts recommend at least 2 quarts of water per day; when hiking in heat, a gallon or more may be more appropriate. At the extreme, dehydration can be life-threatening. More commonly, inadequate water brings fatigue and muscle aches.

      For most outings, unless the day is very hot or the trail very long, you should plan to carry sufficient water for the entire trail. Unfortunately, in North America natural water sources are questionable, and generally loaded with various risks: bacteria, viruses, and fertilizers.

       Trail Essentials

      • Dress to keep cool, but be ready for cold.

      • Carry plenty of water.

      • Have adequate food (plus a little extra).

      Water Treatment If you find yourself needing to make use of trailside water, you’ll want to treat it before you drink it. There are three treatment methods: boiling, chemicals, and filtering. Boiling is the most effective but often impractical—it requires a heat source, a pot, and plenty of time. Chemical treatments, available at outdoors stores, take care of some problems, including the troublesome giardia parasite, but they won’t combat many artificial chemical pollutants, plus they tend to add an unpleasant aftertaste. The preferred method is filtration, which removes giardia and other contaminants minus the chemical aftertaste. Today’s filters, such as those made by Sawyer, are small, lightweight, and inexpensive.

      If this hasn’t convinced you to carry all the water you need, here’s one final admonishment: be prepared for surprises. Water sources described in the text or shown on maps can change course or dry up completely. Never let your water bottle run dry in expectation of the next source—fill up wherever water is available, and always keep a little in reserve.

      Food While not as critical as water, food is energy and its importance shouldn’t be underestimated. Avoid foods that are hard to digest, such as candy bars and potato chips. Carry high energy, fast-digesting foods: nutrition bars, dehydrated fruit, trail mix, and jerky. Bring a little more food that you think you’ll need—it’s good to bring along on an outing that turns unexpectedly long, perhaps because of inclement weather or losing your way.