Advice for Next Year's Hiker

What to Bring?

• Bring plastic bags to wrap your feet in to keep them dry. Mr. Jonah Vagila imparts massive wisdom here.......

• Dry sock, plastic bag, outer sock is the best method of maintaining dry feet for long hikes in rain.

• Electrolyte powder (Gatorade, liquid IV, etc.) is a lifesaver for muscle cramps. 

• A rain proof covering for backpack

• Ziploc bags to put clothes in (it's tough to wake-up and put on clothes that are drenched)

  • Extra zip lock bags and garbage bags! They can come in handy

• 2 water bottles (at least 32 oz each... hydrate or diedrate)

• Less clothes than you think..... leave the suit and tie

• Sunglasses and/or bucket hat

• MINIMAL Cotton clothing (you weigh 700 lbs more when clothes are water-logged)

• Walking stick (s) was clutch for going downhill as well as uphill....... it looks cool as well and makes you feel like Gandalf.

• Body wipes

• Your phone (ugh..... I know you wanna unplug from technology.... you better want to if you go on this trip.... use sparingly to get photos)

  • Put your phone into a zip lock bag!!! Even if the weather man says it will be gorgeous, bring one just in case

• Charging brick - interestingly if this gets too wet it doesn't work.....  sad...... so you better put it in Ziploc bag.

• FroggToggs cost $20 on Amazon and will keep you 100% dry. Highly, highly recommend.

• Highly recommend the caterpillar sleeping bag (where you can close the top around your face). It kept me nice and cozy when it was super chilly at night

• Sleeping mats that you can pump up and are super compactable are wonderful for this trip! They pump up in a few minutes, are comfortable and they pack up nicely so that they do not take up much room in your pack (this is very important!!!).

• Your backpack should weigh 40 - 50 pounds with everything in it, unless you packed really light.

Don't give up, YOU GOT THIS!

What about food allergies? (You're allergic to food? Hehe, that is okay, so were Thomas and David)

Make sure that you bring your allergy medication! Make sure that you are confident using it!

Sweep out (if you can) the shelter that you are sleeping in, at least where your face will be. I learned the hard way that nuts may be present from the previous occupants.

Be aware of your own symptoms and the severity of your reactions.

NEVER be afraid to ask Dr. Krom or Nurse Jenna for help. They are both wonderful! :)