Hiking Acadia: Get ready, get set, then go…

wonderful walk - echo lake

The right equipment can make all the difference between a successful hike and an experience that stresses you out. There are only 4 essential items for hiking.

The first is footwear, not tennis shoes or sports shoes. While these are fine on walks under 1 or 2 miles, they just do not provide enough arch and ankle support or traction to be worn for serious hiking. Hiking boots have special grip surfaces, and provide the best support for you foot. This will also ensure that your knees and ankles are well provided for.

The second is food and water. Carry more than enough for yourself. Water is the first issue. Carry more than you think you will need. You need at least 1 liter per person per mile. Investigate sources of water that could be available on your hike. In Acadia there are limited water resources on most hikes.

Start at Long Lake

Only Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond House have water, for the rest, you need to carry all you will need. Food can be toted around in many forms. Fruit such as apples or nuts work well in packing in energy replacement per unit space. Travel mixes work well, in that they provide salt replacement as well as sugar for energy.

Third are items to assist you in keeping your body comfortable, which can include rain-gear or a hat, or mittens, depending on where and when you are hiking. Now, you can simplify rain gear and just take along a simple pocket rain poncho. Plan for the worst you could expect. If you will be hiking up a vertical trail, imagine having to spend the night at the top of your hike because of a twisted ankle. Have enough items along to get you through. Head gear along with rain gear should be enough. Time of year though will influence what you take. If you are going hiking in a windy location, a wind jacket is recommended. Cell phone coverage can be spotty, so don’t depend on it for your safety net.

The fourth is having assist devices: a compass or map, a walking stick or adjustable staff for challenging downhills, a set of binoculars or sunglasses. Because I have had knee issues in the past, I always, always use a hiking stick when walking downhill – it can make an incredible difference the day after your hike.

carriage trail parking Eagle Lake

Of course, you should plan ahead if you want to hike, and start with small slow walks around home, building up to time and length you hope to be walking on your next vacation adventure.

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