As promised, a more blog oriented post on this! To be honest, doing that video was quite out of my comfort zone. And preparedness given if it’s nature/travel GoPro/drone style footage would have been my ideal. But alas, I’m more of an experiential hiker than a visual one. And if you’re here reading this maybe you are too.
Which means I shall definitely share my insights on basic gear, tips, and other things those who are maybe more city-dweller oriented but nature enthused might value too. Some things I learned the hard way–looking at you Katsu-sandwich–and other things I learned from others like the value of a ballcap hat instead of fighting slippery sun glasses on a hot summer day.
Day Hiking Essentials
Before we jump into this I’m sure some folks are wondering…why am I specifying “day hiking”? Welp. Things you don’t realize until being in more nature accessible places is that hiking and staying overnight is still considered hiking. Not camping. Maybe it’s considered both but personally I always assumed it meant camping. And to add on that car camping doesn’t necessarily sleeping in your car… it just means you set up camp not too far from said car. I know I know…it’s all so nuanced and confusing. At least it was to me. And I grew up on Florida trails and the occasional Southeast Coast derived Appalachian trek. So I feel that being specific can only help everyone, and potentially demystifying how to reach these dreamy areas.
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The Essential Ten
- Food
- Water
- Extra Clothes
- Illumination
- Navigation
- Sun protection
- First Aid
- Fire starter
- Tools/Repair
- Emergency Shelter
Sourced via: National Parks Service
They are called such because these ae essential items for almost any situation. I believe this is a list established by the mountaineers (who fun fact a collective of them are who started REI Co-Op) and has been updated by various reputable sources (hence this once coming from the National Parks). Special shout out to sun protection! Burns and risks for skin cancer is no joke. For me–sunscreen and a ball cap hat are how I tackle that essential but can include sunglasses and UV shirts depending on the need of your intended hike. Most of these essentials like headlamps, tolls, shelter, etc. can be found at US Outdoor or REI!
The “One Hungry Mish” Essential Add-Ons
Because I am reconciling with the fact that while I like to dive in…I am no not a teen who can bounce back from reckless abandon! Also… I know I sound like a broken record but I know folks who go on hikes without backpacks, and I’m not one of them. So this is definitely a city person embraces nature 101 level gear add ins.
1. Bag with waist straps
Long hikes highlight how much this makes a difference. Any backpacker (world traveler or otherwise) will likely already have this and may value these straps too. A simple but effective feature–a strap allows for your weight dispersion to not always pull directly at your shoulders–it redistributes a good portion of weight to your waist. If you plan on a long hike or have a lot of stuff to bring along, it helps to have a bag where the option to offset weight is there. I’m partial to Cotopaxi bags (they’re high quality and very into giving back to the Filipino community where their major, if not original, manufacturing facility is located) but if you want a more muted aesthetic that allows for balanced use in nature as well as backpacker style traveling– Kathmandu is my preferred bag in that sense. Durability, versatility (hiking and traveling), with a nice aesthetic for a fair price–this bag is more likely to outlast you.
2. Thick Socks
May sound overhyped, but anyone traversing through nature will appreciate quality socks. I’m a sucker for Darn Tough socks, whenever there’s a sale (either directly from the source or at REI) I try to stock up. They keep you warm and safe from blisters. Nothing sucks more than cold toes or blisters without sufficient first aid/comfort when you’re miles away from your car.
3. AllTrails Premium
As mentioned in my video, I seriously love my All Trails Annual subscription. Within Washington State it’s a nice to have given how great the Washington Trails Association is, but for the rest of us who have experienced life beyond WA, nothing tops the quality and accessibility of this website/app. By going premium you can download the maps, trails, and anticipated conditions (from UV index to temperatures and weather)–all immensely useful for prepping and preventing any serious foibles.
4. Portable Charger + Wire
Like a good backpack, this is something you may already have! Given my dependence on All Trails, my ancient phone, and the fact that no one wants to be lost in the remote wilderness…and maybe even some groups need/want music at certain stops or to rally during a steep pass or endless switchbacks…it’s a great thing to have. Essential to me for sure.
5. Hike Specific–Trekking Poles + Micro-spikes
Just as depending on the weather/seasonality dictates the layers worn on a hike, certain hikes are nice to have trekking poles to offset wear and tear on joints, and micro-spikes can expand when you can hike. Micro-spikes are thankfully items that are worn over your standard hiking shoe of choice to allow for better grip against more icy terrain. Consider it like turning regular running shoes into soccer cleats. Simple, but effective.
And of course, while I did say I’d talk through the hikes…I experimented hard on this video…so naturally it’ll be here too!
#5 Fourth of July Mountain, near Manson-Chelan, WA
This isn’t a formal Forest or Park serviced hike but it’s such a well trekked path with moderate slopes that you’ll be in for a nice easy time. Being this far East in Washington my friend was wary of rattlesnakes so we kept our ears open! The only reptiles we saw were cute little sagebrush lizards. That does remind me to reiterate the gentle nudge to look up the local environment you’re trekking in. From weather to animals/bugs to be wary of. Yes they’re more scared of you than you are of them, but they also may be more lethal than you are in interacting.
#4 Tolmie Peak, near Ashford, WA
Part of Mt. Rainier’s National Park. You park at Mowich Lake, either on the side of the road or at the official parking lot (you have to get there EARLY for dedicated parking) but it’s worth it. Even if you end up doing another hike rather than embrace Tolmie Peak, the whole area feels like what Disney movies are made out of (the happy scenes, not the tragic ones). Bring bug spray. Bring bug spray with DEET if you’re inclined. Heck wear a mosquito net. I’ll say it until I’m hoarse. Those mosquitos were VISCIOUS. Allegedly bright clothes and later days are a way to also offset, but unclear on the success rates of doing such. When it comes to food, bananas are known to attract mosquitos, there’s a real study confirming that bananas do something to blood/chemistry that attract mosquitos to a person.
#3 Maple Pass, near Marblemount, WA
Maple Pass is a trail that year round sports lovely views and offshoots to longer hikes, it’s also near the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) so nature out here is lush and plentiful for those who crave multi-day hikes or want to section-hike the PCT. The fall foliage however is something coveted amongst locals. Larches, elevation, leaves that change color, views of the Cascade range and Mt. Whistler…what’s not to love? And it’s a LOOP. Which is great since it means the whole journey is the destination and by the time you’ve seen it all you’re back at the car. Day hiker’s dream.
#2 Colchuck Lake, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WA
I just mentioned section hiking the PCT in the hike before, so this is like section hiking the Enchantments. It takes a lotto to multi-day hike the 20.5 miles that makes the series of lakes it covers, but thankfully Colchuck is a readily accessible one for those who aren’t trying to take on this bucket list experience in a day. The trade off is that it is a high elevation hike, but you get to see some stellar terrain regardless. Definitely one to get and use trekking poles on. I was always told you should have your warms at a 90 degree angle when you have the poles touching the ground….but like I said, I stubbornly did not use mine and felt the impacts later in the day.
#1 Mount Storm King, WA near Port Angeles, WA
The trailhead conveniently is near a ranger station and boating area for Crescent Lake, so feel rest assured as intimidating as this name sounds, you’ll be near to any aid should you need it. It’s a very popular hike so come early to both avoid being stuck at the climbing/scramble bartering with opposing traffic on whose turn it is. Right of way is to the one going upwards typically in hiking culture, however a one way near a sheer drop is one I think no one knows “right of way” on, especially if someone happens to be with you or around you who has realized they’re scared of such things. Which is 100% normal, fear is a tool for self preservation, so if anyone is experiencing it, they’re completely fine. If you’re a climber of any level (bouldering or with a belay) this shouldn’t be too bad.
Okay, I’ve reminisced myself into counting down when my snowshoes arrive because best believe even if it’s no longer hiking season for the more elevation based hikes that I tend to favor, snowshoeing and other winter sports will likely occupy my time quite nicely!
Stay Hungry
XOXO
Mish ❤