Sharing the best of Florida hiking

Broke basics

Wondering if any one can give me an idea of what is absolutely essential to be packed for a day trip hike. I usually go alone and I am a broke single parent to two boys so I can't afford all the fancy schmancy stuff...but, I want to be safe and prepared.
Also, wondering how I can find gear cheaply, locally?

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Permalink Reply by Marc on November 23, 2009 at 4:01pm: Hi Brandy. I am a novice at hiking, though I guess I am not anymore since joining this site. Come to think of it, I've really put some miles on my boots!

While others may scoff, Walmart has hiking/camping gear that can get you going for less.

There are many others on this site who are more experienced, but here's what I carry, in no particular order

knife
compass
whistle and cellphone
first aid kit (include emergency blanket)
waterproof matches
flashlight
WATER and more water (I carry a hydration bladder and extra canteens. Also some way of purifying water in an emergency. Tablets are cheap, filter more expensive)

extra food
insect repellant
sunscreen
poncho

I also carry extra socks, duct tape, tylenol, hand wipes, and some rope. If I take my daughter, I'll also need to take some cookies or something to bribe her to keep going. She's only 6.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sandra Friend on November 23, 2009 at 10:14pm: Try Dollar General / Family Dollar and Big Lots, too. Here's my "basics" lists for day hiking and backpacking:

The Ten Essentials and more for a Florida hike

For a first-aid kit, I put my own together in a Ziploc bag and include:
a few sizes of bandages
moleskin, Swiss army knife
alcohol wipes or Purel
Neosporin packets
a few tablets each of Ibruprofen, antacid, and anti-diarrheal
matches, needle and thread (for threading blisters)

Also, Campmor is an excellent outfitter that sells gear at great clearance prices. I got my first backpack and tent from them for cheap: www.campmor.com. Quite often you can pick up a bargain on used gear at Florida Trail Association conferences, too!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wahoo on November 23, 2009 at 10:59pm: I've gotten some stuff from Big Lots, I still use this little lightweight aluminum pot thingie that I got from there a few years back.

Check on Craigslist for some used gear - I've came across a thing or two there as well. For day hikes, you won't need much, Sandy's list should be all you need to have a good safe day in the woods.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by lndwlkr on November 24, 2009 at 9:38am: I have found some items at the Goodwill and Local thrift stores (clothing,pack,etc.). For a day hike I don't think you will need much, save the money and don't purchase one of those pricey water bottles. Just use the bottle that the water comes in from the store much lighter and free. I think a camel back is a big waste of cash plus you can not monitor your water level. Not trying to steer you away from this site but Whiteblaze.net has a Homemade gear forum. Not all your gear/items have to be name brand. You mite want to get a small backpack to carry your things in, a simple school pack will do just fine that is what I use.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mikeal on November 24, 2009 at 2:09pm: I used to agree with Sorefoot about the Camelback being a waste of cash, but changed my mind after using one for a week. IMO they just make it easier to stay hydrated. You certainly don't need one, though. One qt Smart Water bottles make excellent canteens and 2 liter soda bottles can be carried to refill them. I do agree with him about Whiteblaze. It is a great resource.

I have gotten almost all my hiking clothes and a few day packs at thrift stores. Craigslist is good too. You just have to be persistent and keep going.

Publix sometimes has cheap stainless steel cups that make good pots. If you are feeling crafty, google "beer can stove". You don't need either of these, though. PB&J crackers, boiled eggs and summer sausage all keep well enough for lunch.

I wouldn't worry about hiking boots, but if you are going any distance you may want to spring for some wool hiking socks. I use nylon dress socks for sock liners.

This is off subject, but depending on how long you are hiking, tightie whities are not your sons' friends. You may want to get them some Gold Bond as well. I always carry a small tube of diaper rash cream just in case.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by footTRAX on November 24, 2009 at 9:16pm: I usually break all the rules when I day hike.

I carry a LeatherMan skeleton Knife that hooks on my shorts.
One or two bottles of Gatorade
Two bottles of Water
small bag of Beef jerky or sunflower seeds
A dry bag if I carry my camera or a plastic bag.
Sometimes a poncho, but I usually use the palmetto leaves
Small first aid kit
small headlamp
GPS Handheld
small rope
Waterproof phone; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brandy on November 24, 2009 at 11:27pm: This certainly looks more like what I've been carrying as well. :) Thanks for response.

footTRAX said:
I usually break all the rules when I day hike.

I carry a LeatherMan skeleton Knife that hooks on my shorts.
One or two bottles of Gatorade
Two bottles of Water
small bag of Beef jerky or sunflower seeds
A dry bag if I carry my camera or a plastic bag.
Sometimes a poncho, but I usually use the palmetto leaves
Small first aid kit
small headlamp
GPS Handheld
small rope
Waterproof phone; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brandy on November 24, 2009 at 11:28pm: I unfortunately learned that during the summer when (I forced) my (very unenthusiastic and bored) 9 year old went to Pisgah with me on some very long hikes... :) LOL

Mikeal said:
I used to agree with Sorefoot about the Camelback being a waste of cash, but changed my mind after using one for a week. IMO they just make it easier to stay hydrated. You certainly don't need one, though. One qt Smart Water bottles make excellent canteens and 2 liter soda bottles can be carried to refill them. I do agree with him about Whiteblaze. It is a great resource.

I have gotten almost all my hiking clothes and a few day packs at thrift stores. Craigslist is good too. You just have to be persistent and keep going.

Publix sometimes has cheap stainless steel cups that make good pots. If you are feeling crafty, google "beer can stove". You don't need either of these, though. PB&J crackers, boiled eggs and summer sausage all keep well enough for lunch.

I wouldn't worry about hiking boots, but if you are going any distance you may want to spring for some wool hiking socks. I use nylon dress socks for sock liners.

This is off subject, but depending on how long you are hiking, tightie whities are not your sons' friends. You may want to get them some Gold Bond as well. I always carry a small tube of diaper rash cream just in case.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brandy on November 24, 2009 at 11:29pm: Again, exactly what I was looking for. THank you.

Sandra Friend said:
Try Dollar General / Family Dollar and Big Lots, too. Here's my "basics" lists for day hiking and backpacking:

The Ten Essentials and more for a Florida hike

For a first-aid kit, I put my own together in a Ziploc bag and include:
a few sizes of bandages
moleskin, Swiss army knife
alcohol wipes or Purel
Neosporin packets
a few tablets each of Ibruprofen, antacid, and anti-diarrheal
matches, needle and thread (for threading blisters)

Also, Campmor is an excellent outfitter that sells gear at great clearance prices. I got my first backpack and tent from them for cheap: www.campmor.com. Quite often you can pick up a bargain on used gear at Florida Trail Association conferences, too!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by lndwlkr on November 25, 2009 at 8:44am: Sandra you sew up your blisters? How in the heck do you do that? Blisters are close to the new layer of skin, and in my opinion never need sewing. If you have the proper footwear you will not get any blisters. If one did they would be very small. I would have to say the sewing part would be for a large cut or such. If that were the case one would need to leave the trail anyway correct. None of you have mentioned the use of Ducktape it has multiple uses.

Sandra Friend said:
Try Dollar General / Family Dollar and Big Lots, too. Here's my "basics" lists for day hiking and backpacking: The Ten Essentials and more for a Florida hike

For a first-aid kit, I put my own together in a Ziploc bag and include:
a few sizes of bandages
moleskin, Swiss army knife
alcohol wipes or Purel
Neosporin packets
a few tablets each of Ibruprofen, antacid, and anti-diarrheal
matches, needle and thread (for threading blisters)

Also, Campmor is an excellent outfitter that sells gear at great clearance prices. I got my first backpack and tent from them for cheap: www.campmor.com. Quite often you can pick up a bargain on used gear at Florida Trail Association conferences, too!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mikeal on November 25, 2009 at 12:39pm: If you are going with kids, I would add some 'after bite' ointment and antihistamine cream. One of my daughters has the ability to find a red ant pile anywhere we go.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sandra Friend on November 25, 2009 at 3:18pm: I didn't think about duct tape since I keep some wound around the top of my hiking pole at all times. ;-)

I learned about "sewing" blisters on the Big O Hike thanks to Lu, a nurse who ran a "blister clinic" the first few years I participated. It's simple and effective if you're blister prone, and if you hike the Big O, you'll find out if you are ...

1) Clean blister with soap & water, alcohol pad or Purel
2) Sterilize needle with match
3) Thread needle, cutting to length about 2-3x size of blister (use your Swiss Army knife scissors)
4) Puncture blister coming in from the side where it's the most swollen. Push through to other side. Draw the thread through carefully
5) Let end of thread fall off needle. LEAVE THE THREAD IN.

The thread will allow the fluid in the blister to weep out through both ends of the thread without allowing nasties to get into the puncture. Clean the area again and apply a bandage or moleskin over the blister. Do not remove the thread until the blister subsides, and be sure to check it daily.

Hope that helps your sore feet!

Sorefoot said:
Sandra you sew up your blisters? How in the heck do you do that?; ▶ Reply to This