Things to pack on your back for a safe hike

Most who visit North Idaho are no strangers to the beautiful scenery the region has to offer. And with the warm weather sticking around for a few more months, it’s no surprise area trails are seeing large numbers of people every weekend.

While hiking can be a great way to get outside, get some fresh air and exercise, it’s important to know what to bring to ensure your outdoor experience is one to remember — in a good way.

Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness communications manager Rose Olson said preparation should begin long before you hit the trail. Researching hikes that are rated to your individual fitness level can save a lot of pain and suffering down the road.

“Do a quick Google search of the trail you're going to,” she said. “Some due diligence research is always a good idea.”

Olson suggested taking a screenshot of the directions to the trailhead prior to leaving in case service is spotty or nonexistent on the way to the trail. Knowledge about potential road closures is another tip that can save lots of headaches, Olson said. Driving a long way to a hike only to find that the road is closed miles before the actual trailhead can ruin anyone’s day, she added.

In terms of items to bring, Olson said the most important will always be water. Staying hydrated, especially in the hot summer months, is essential for successful hikes.

“I always bring an extra water bottle to put in my car so that I have more water waiting for me when I'm done hiking,” she said.

Many hikers will often opt to carry only one water bottle with them to conserve both space and weight, but will also bring along a water filtration system or iodine tablets so they can refill their bottles in lakes or rivers they encounter on their adventures. Iodine tablets need to be absorbed in water for 30-40 minutes before the water will be safe to drink.

Olson said a good backpack is also a must for hiking. Backpack sizes vary depending on the length of hike an individual is planning to do, but Olson always recommends having one that has hip straps so that the pack’s weight can rest on the hips rather than the shoulders.

Snacks are also a great item to have on hikes. While no food is necessarily bad to pack, be mindful of the weight of those foods as they will start to feel heavier as the miles add up. Sun protection is also a must, according to Olson. Ample amounts of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are good items to bring along for the ride. A small first aid kit can also come in handy on the trail. Blisters are notorious hike ruiners and having bandages or moleskins can save the day when you’re miles from the trailhead.

“Something I think is really important to carry is — I get the children's chewable benadryl packets,” Olson said.

While she’s not allergic to bees, Olson said having an antihistamine handy can help you or someone else should you come in contact with a plant or substance you didn’t realize you were sensitive to.

Two other items Olson said she never hikes without are bear spray and a light jacket or raincoat. In the Idaho Panhandle, bears and spontaneous rain showers are two things many people count on, regardless of what the weather forecast says. Being prepared for a bear encounter by carrying a can of bear spray can save lives. Bear spray also works on any other wild animal that may think you’re looking like a tasty snack. It also works on people if needed.

Another tip Olson offered was to not wear clothing items made of cotton. Cotton holds moisture easily and can quickly become sweaty or damp from rain, rapidly making a hike miserable.

“I always opt for technical fabric or even a lightweight merino wool or polyester – something that will wick moisture,” she said.

The last tip Olson gave may be the most important of them all: Always let someone know where you’re going and give them a time frame for when you will be back. Things happen, even to the most experienced hikers, and it’s important to have a safety plan in case something goes seriously wrong, she said.

“You never know what’s going to happen,” Olson said. “And when you likely don’t have service, it’s good to let someone else know that if you’re not back by a certain time, they need to get help.”

Whether you’re planning to hike 3 miles or 30 miles, Olson said being prepared will help you achieve your goals and let you best enjoy the beauty that the Idaho Panhandle has to offer.