Freehiking Gear List From David

Ken,

I recognize that you are stressing Freehiking as a Theme over some time period.

I saw an article on a "Day Hike Gear Check List" and I thought to myself, why not a Freehiking Gear List?

So, I decided to create my own and thought I would share it with you,  There are certainly additional considerations that could be added but to keep the article to a single page I think I covered the main essentials.

If you think it is worthy of sharing, you have my permission to use it or modify it as you see fit.

Freehiking Gear List

“BlueSkyTanin”

There are those who prefer to Freehike absolutely naked, and without even any foot protection. There are others who can be seen with full backpacks, camera gear hanging around their necks, a shirt or jacket tied about their waist, hiking boots, thick knee socks, hat, scarf and 87 other items tied to or hanging from their 40-pound pack.

With this in mind, let’s consider Several Levels of Freedom that you may want to consider.

1.       The Purist – Totally Naked and Barefoot

2.       Those who only want to wear Footwear

3.       Those who may consider carrying only a cover-up or water bottle in their hand

4.       Those who would consider being adorned by a fanny pack or shoulder bag

5.       Those who carry a small day pack to a full-blown backpack

For each of the above categories, items such as a Hat, Headband, Sunglasses, Shoulder Bag, Walking Sticks or an item tied around the waist such as a shirt may or may not be used.

So, to each their own.  After all, naturism is all about individualism, choosing our own way and being tolerant and accepting of others – Right?

There may be certain things that you simply want or need to carry.  There may be good reasons that you have for carrying certain items.  What items might be important to you?

·         Flashlight

·         Extra Water

·         Medications

·         Sunscreen

·         Cover-up

·         Food

·         Poncho

·         Extra Socks

·         First Aid Kit

·         Map

·         Compass

·         Cell Phone

·         Snack

·         Keys

·         Glasses

·         Binoculars

·         Knife

·         GPS

·         Cover-up

·         Matches

Let’s look at what other factors may need to be considered.

·         Distance Traveled

·         Length of Hike

·         Medical Conditions

·         Skin Type

·         Staying Overnight

·         Size of Group

·         Time of Day / Year

·         Public / Private Land

·      Trail Conditions

·      Night or Day Hike

·      Weather Conditions

·      Weather Forecast

·      Day of the Week

·      Water Availability

·      Who you may Encounter

·      Trail Condition & Terrain

·      Preparedness of Individuals

·      Do Others Know Where you are

·      What does the Parking Lot Tell You

·      What Type of Vegetation is there

·      Do you have Emergency Communications

·      Are you Carrying Supplies for Others

·      Do Others Know your Timeline

·      Physical Condition of Group

Certainly, the distance you plan on traveling or the length of time that you plan to be gone are important considerations on what you need to take with you and thus the size of your pack.  An overnight stay just compounds the amount of gear that needs to be transported. 

All of these individual considerations will determine what level of freedom you may be able to achieve while Freehiking. 

Above All - Be SAFE, Have FUN and Take What you will Need to have a SAFE TRIP!