4/3/2011 Posting

On Saturday, myself, co-leader Kim Westerhof, and ten intrepid hikers set out under soggy skies in search of Kamakazie Falls. The trail, which was snow-free during my scout hike last weekend, quickly proved to be covered with new-fallen snow and more was falling as we headed up the trail! The creek below the falls was thundering with extra water fallen in the area as rain earlier this week and the falls themselves were amazing—more water than I’d ever seen here before was cascading down in a huge noisy sheet—spraying mist onto us even though we were more than 50 feet away. It was so loud, we had to shout at each other to be heard.

Suffice to say, it was very hard to stay dry on this hike. One thing I urged the hikers to think about as we headed back down from the falls and the snowy slopes above and back down to the seriously muddy trail below, was what they could have brought with them or done prior to the hike to make themselves more comfortable during the hike. Here are some of my ideas from our soggy Saturday:

• Snow traction devices (such as Yaktraks) to make walking on snow a little easier. They’re so light that it’s not a hassle to bring them along on every hike.
• Hiking poles to steady yourself on uneven and snowy trail.
• Gaiters to wear over your boots and pants.
• Umbrella to keep the rain off of you, so you don’t have to wear your rain gear while you’re hiking up hill. Most people sweat more with rain gear on; drenching themselves in their own sweat.
• Dry shirt to change in to at the turn around point, so you’re warmer heading down hill.
• Thermos with hot soup or beverage to sip while taking a break—warming your insides.
• Hand warmers (I use the “Little Hotties” brand) to slip in to your gloves to keep your hands toasty and dry.
• Dry socks, shoes, and clothes to change into back at the trailhead.
• Plastic bag to put your muddy boots into so as to not muck up the inside of your or your carpool partner’s car.
• Waterproof boots to keep your feet nice and dry. My own feet were very soggy after this hike and I realized that my boots were long overdue for a waterproofing.

These are just some of the ideas I had. Remember, you are responsible for your own well being on a hike. You need to bring the Ten Essentials (yes, all ten on every hike) and other gear that will keep you comfortable, warm, and happy. Your hike leader or other hiking partners are not responsible for reminding you of every little thing that you might want to bring. Unexpected events (such as unpredicted snow at low levels), can surprise even the most prepared hiker.

So take a look through your pack and think of what extra items you might want to bring to make your next trip—regardless of weather—safe and happy.