What to Bring On a Hike

What to Bring On A Hike. ........ To main NCCOC page ... To NCCOC Trips information page
If you can't make the meetings and want to go on any specific trip, contact the person indicated for details of meeting time and place, what to bring, etc. Tell the contact person you are coming (either at the meeting or by phone) so they will know how many to expect. If you find you cannot go, always call the contact person so they will not wait for you and delay everyone else!

Lunch - a sandwich or something that does not require cooking
Snacks - to eat along the way; fruit, granola bars, etc.
Water - a minimum of one and a half to two quarts (even in winter; more in hot summer).
A backpack to carry everything in.
A light jacket or windbreaker -- it can be very windy on top. This is a good part of a layered clothing system; see the last comment on this page.
A bare midriff is fashionable but can be very cold in cool weather. Any exposed skin, particularly on your torso can cause large heat loss.
Boots which support your foot and ankles: In warm weather sturdy running or walking shoes will do fine but they should have a good "outdoor type" sole. See the box below for information on waterproof boots.

LL Bean's

Winter or Spring Waterproof Boots:
In the Winter you should have boots which are insulated or will fit several pairs of warm socks. In the Winter and Spring a waterproof boot is very helpful. The best is the type of boot with a rubber bottom and leather upper. Originally made by LL Bean (http://www.LLBean.com) but now made by many manufacturers. The Canadian brand "Sorrel" is very good and available in many stores. The lower style insulated rubber bottom boot "bugabootoo" made by Columbia is reasonably priced and available in stores such as Campmor in Paramus, NJ (http://www.campmor.com/); Eastern Mountain Sports in Carle Place and NYC (http://www.ems.com); and Dick's in Roosevelt Field (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com). Also, from the same sources, a slightly higher boot , the North Face Baltaro which is about the same cost as those from LL Bean but is often on sale at a price competitive with the Columbia.
Gore-tex boots are also waterproof but not quite as good as rubber bottoms in the winter. Boots with any fabric in them (other than gore-tex) should be avoided in the winter or wet weather - they are fine in the summer, however. If you have a pair of good leather boots, you should apply waterproofing but be prepared to have damp (wet?) feet.

Columbia
Bugabootoo

North Face Baltaro

In winter (or any cool weather):

A Hat is essential. The heat loss through your head can equal that through the rest of your body. The old adage is true: "If your feet are cold, put on a hat"!
Gloves
Extra Socks (Wool or synthetic, not cotton; see fiber comments below)
Insulated Underwear is recommended for winter. It should be made of synthetic fiber (NOT cotton). Polypropylene, Capeline, polyester, or several other brands are good. Wool is better than cotton but not as good as the synthetics (and it may itch). A cotton/polyester blend is better than cotton alone but not as good as pure synthetic.

And Always:
Dress warmly but in layers so you can take off one layer and still be protected from the cold. A lighter windbreaker or jacket, combined with several sweaters is preferred to one big, heavy coat.

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