Now we have to decide what to take, and the first point for the hiker to remember is that the art of hiking consists very largely in making oneself really comfortable whilst carrying the smallest possible weight. The fellow who takes a lot of unnecessary stuff is simply spoiling the whole enjoyment of his hike, but to go without the really necessary things is very much worse.
When you start collecting your things you find that the weight soon begins to mount up in the most surprising way, and you discover that you have to limit what you are taking to the things that are really necessary.
What are the really necessary things you can learn to some extent from old hands at the game, but most of all from your own experience? Everyone has his own ideas, no two people ever quite agree; but most take a certain number of things that they could do without Stewart Edward White, in The Forest-a splendid story of camping in Canada-gives a very good idea which you can try for yourselves. When you return from a hike turn out all your kit on the floor and then make three piles of it.
In the first pile put those things which you have used continually: in the second, those which you have used occasionally; and in the third, those which you have not used at all. You will probably be very much surprised by the size of piles two and three. Try it and see!
Then he advises you to discard piles two and three and take only pile one next time you go. Probably you will not be strong-minded enough to do this, and next time you pack your things, some articles from pile two and even a few from pile three will gradually creep in. Or if you want the best hammock tent then read the reviews.
Here is another good hint-have a pair of scales by your side as you pack. Weigh each article before you put it in and think carefully whether it will be worth its weight. Put the weight of each article on a piece of paper and add up as you go along. One does not realize how soon a few things, only an ounce or two each, make another pound.
You should certainly aim at keeping the weight down to twenty pounds or less. A pack on your back does not, of course, feel nearly as heavy as when you hold it in your hand, but you soon begin to realize its exact weight after a few miles on a hot day. If you want the best hiking hat then visit our website.
UNIFORM
Of course, you will go in proper Scout uniform; it is the only really comfortable form of dress for hiking in this country. Wear a shirt with short sleeves, so that the air can get right up your arms and keep you cool. Have good, thick woollen stockings that fit well and will not wrinkle and cause blisters; light, thin stockings are no use at all for heavy work. Above all, wear a strong, comfortable pair of shoes-old, tried and trusty friends that will not pinch or hurt, leak when it is wet, or let you down in any other way. Shoes are much better than boots; you feel lighter and freer and the air can get in and keep your feet cool. Fasten the laces in the way the Chief Scout shows in Scouting for Boys.
Don't go without your staff, or if you are a Rover, your thumbstick. You will live to be very grateful to it, for you will find it will serve you truly in a hundred different ways, from supporting your tent at night to helping you up a steep hill. If you carry a staff, it should be one of the natural ash kind, not too heavy but just thick enough to be really strong. A thumbstick should not be too long: if you try to use one nearly shoulder high you will find it soon gets tiring. Get a leather thong-or even a long leather bootlace-and fasten both ends to your staff or thumbstick by means of clove hitches about two feet apart, leaving a certain amount of slack so as to form a sling (Fig. 1). Then when you want a change or have to use both hands for anything, you can sling your staff or thumbstick over your shoulder. If you prefer it, you can make your sling of plaited cord. To know more see the link.
Finally, a small, but strong, leather case worn on the belt is extremely useful for carrying money and small articles. Get one that fastens easily, but at the same time securely, so that it will not come undone of its own accord or if it catches against anything. Make sure also that the flap closes completely over the opening so that nothing can jerk out when you run, or roll out when you lie down.