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When visiting a National Park one should always be prepared to bring a number of items with them on their journey. After all, you will be in a vast, cell-free, open,and wild area that is home to countless animals. In addition, mother nature can sometimes be unkind with extreme heat, cold temperatures, and bugs that like to bite. Not to mention, if you are like me and accident prone, tripping over a stick or a rock can occur while out on your adventure, and no one wants to trek back to the nearest visitor centre to get a bandaid or bug spray.
Any backpack will be able to hold the items needed for hiking/walking any National Park. My husband normally carries a large backpack with most of our supplies while I carry a smaller backpack containing some of my necessities. First and foremost is a water bottle for each person hiking. Depending on the length of the hike ,and the temperature, one should bring at least 32 oz of water for a two hour hike. The next most important item is a first aid kit. Small first aid kits are sold at many stores and always come in handy. I will list the remaining supplies that we normally bring on a 1-3 hour hike. Each item links you to the item on Amazon:
Backpack
Water bottle with water
First Aid Kit
Suncreen
Bug Spray
Bear Spray (see below)
Camera
Phone
Wallets
A small amount of t.p. in a plastic bag (nothing is left in a park)
Snacks (granola, granola bar, fruit)
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Rain Poncho if rain is in the forecast
Hat
Female urination device - oddly necessary and easy to use
Hiking shoes
National Park passport book
I love my USA National Parks Journal and Passport Stamp Book. Keep a record of your visit and the areas you explored.
Bears in Some National Parks - Black/Grizzly
When visiting a National Park that is located in bear country, bear spray is a must to carry with you. Bear spray can be rented or purchased at all National Parks that have bears located in their respective park. If you live within driving distance you can purchase on Amazon. The container will state exactly how to use the bear spray. And, believe it or not, one uses bear spray only when a bear is at a 25-35 feet distance. On our last visit to Glacier National Park our tour guides were very knowledgable about when and how to use bear spray. (We were in grizzly bear territory so one should educate themselves about bear behaviour prior to hiking) First, keep your bear spray on your belt and ready to be used. You don't want to look through your backpack for bear spray while a bear is charging you. The best way to deter a bear from coming near you is to make your presence known. Bears will normally attack out of fear or being startled, so sneaking up on a bear is never a good idea. Talk to your hiking buddies or sing a song while on the trail so bears in the vicinity will hear you. IF you do come upon a bear while hiking DO NOT RUN!!!!!! This seems like a great idea, but it's not. The bear will chase you and will catch up to you. Therefore, stand your ground and do not look the bear in the eyes. If you are with someone, group together to make yourselves look big. The bear will check you out and try to determine if you are a threat to it. The bear may start swaying back and forth and pouncing the ground. It is doing this to provide it's muscles with more oxygen because it could be preparing to charge you. If the bear starts to charge you, hold your ground and do not move. More than likely the bear is bluffing and will suddenly stop, however, sometimes it's not a bluff and they will continue. At this point, be prepared to spray them with your bear spray. It is a one shot spray, so make it count and wait until the bear is within about 25 feet away from you. If this happens more than likely the bear will run away from you. Thank goodness!!!! If not, fall into a ball with your back up. Your backpack will be able to protect you. Always protect your head with your hands. The bear will sniff you and hopefully walk away.
Encountering a bear up close can be unsettling, but I hope this doesn't discourage you from hiking in bear country. During my first visit, I booked a tour with guides familiar with the area and knowledgeable about bear encounters. They eased my fears and helped me understand bear behavior, eventually making me wish to see one in the wild. I did see a grizzly bear with her cubs at Yellowstone National Park. Luckily, it was near Old Faithful, and a few park rangers were present to guide us to safety.
What to Wear While Hiking
What you wear while hiking is also very important. Wear clothes in layers and that are comfortable to you. I normally prefer to wear rugged denim jeans and layers of shirts. If you get hot/cold you are able to add or remove layers. Always check the weather, and, if applicable, bring a hat, gloves, or jacket if needed. Hats with a brim are helpful to keep your eyes shaded, especially when you are in a forested area that isn't too bright. Wearing sunglasses in a forest can be very dim and not the best for sightseeing. Tennis shoes are great for hiking as long as you have good traction on the soles of your shoes. However, since we hike a lot, I purchased a pair of Merrell hiking shoes. While they may cost a little more than the average shoe, they are like walking on a cloud.
Snakebites
The only place where you can hike without encountering a snake is in Hawaii's national parks. (Another reason why I love Hawaii.) On the mainland, there are various types of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous. If you're hiking in an area with venomous snakes, be cautious when stepping over fallen trees or rocks, as they often hide there. In the event of a venomous snake bite, seek medical help immediately. Take a photo of the snake and sit down until Emergency Medical Service arrives. Even if bitten by a non-venomous snake, it's still wise to get medical attention due to the possibility of an allergic reaction or uncertainty about the snake's venomous nature.
Overall, always prioritize safety. By packing the necessary items for your adventure, you guarantee an enjoyable and secure trip. Nobody wants their vacation spoiled by an avoidable incident.
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