What you need for a hike

      When you are getting ready to go on a hike, you need to start with a good pair of shoes, something with ankle support. I prefer a hiking boot but, I have done hikes in tennis shoes The best thing is a waterproof hiking boot to keep your feet dry. You need something to carry water in for your hike - a water bottle or canteen will work for this - some backpacks even have a bladder in them for water. You also need a first aide kit in your backpack The type of backpack you need depends on what you like and what you need to carry.

  They have backpacks for your waist that are small, then day backpacks, an internal frame backpack or external frame backpack that you can carry supplies for a hike for a week or more. For a day hike my suggestion is a small backpack or a waist pack (fanny pack). I would have a compass (even if you have a GPS), a knife ( I have a Leatherman), a signal mirror, an extra pair socks, and a hand towel. Some optional items are a shirt, Fire starter (flint), some snacks (beef jerky, granola bar, fruit), maybe some gum or candy. You also need a map of the area. Carry a map even if you use a GPS, it might break or you might lose it or the battery might just die and then what. That is where the map and compass come in handy.