| Nevertheless, a hike or a saunter can expose you | | | | and rain repellant jacket and pants. |
| to the most natural, spontaneous beauty and | | | | 5. Snacks and food. A dehydrated low-fueled hiker |
| re-connect you with the simplicity of nature. As | | | | is a doomed one. |
| John Muir stated "Now these mountains are our | | | | 6. Hike with someone-always! If you are |
| Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them | | | | determined to hike alone, be sure that you leave |
| reverently, not 'hike' through them." | | | | your hiking information and time of return with a |
| To saunter through the mountains is the best | | | | friend. If you change your plans last minute, leave |
| means to experience the beauty. Nature is | | | | a note in your car. (Cell phones do not work in |
| preserved through National forests, thanks to | | | | the great outdoors- so please don't rely on them). |
| great conservationists like John Muir and Ansel | | | | 7. Safety items must haves: first aid kit, matches, |
| Adams (to name a few) in its 193 million acres of | | | | and emergency blankets. The Garmin GPS is a |
| land. In other words, the size of Texas is | | | | great addition for you who have a tendency to |
| disbursed throughout the United States making | | | | saunter and miss the turn. |
| nature within everyone's reach. | | | | 8. Litter Bag- you must pack out what you pack |
| Whether you are a speed hiker (and love the | | | | in. |
| momentum) or prefer to saunter through the | | | | 9. Bug Repellant and even Buz Off clothing. Just |
| mountains, you'll need high quality, durable clothing, | | | | wear the clothes that contain a bug repellant |
| outer wear, equipment and accessories. Check | | | | without saturating your skin with the foul smelling, |
| out bargain outfitters that sell the top name gear | | | | tasting deet. |
| and outerwear at a fraction of the price in the | | | | 10. Pack these essentials in a backpack that is |
| retail markets. You'll get great names including (but | | | | right for your venture and your back. See |
| not limited to) Patagonia, Columbia, North Face, | | | | shopping for the right backpack. |
| Bolle, Vasque, Burton, and Spyder. | | | | Gear for an optimum saunter was put to the test |
| You control your destiny with nature: how short, | | | | before listing it on this site. The footwear will |
| how long, how distant, or how near you want to | | | | support your feet and legs as they carry you |
| saunter. Here is a recommended list of minimally | | | | through varied terrain. The outer wear will protect |
| what to pack for your day saunter through | | | | you from the elements of rain and snow yet |
| nature: | | | | allow your body to breathe. The site also features |
| 1. Topographical map and a compass (Check out | | | | reputable reviews by experts from Outside |
| altimeter watch) | | | | Magazine, Outdoor Magazine and National |
| 2. Water: If you think you've packed enough, | | | | Geographic. |
| bring more. Or invest in a lightweight Katadyn | | | | For an overnight saunter or camping trip in the |
| water filter so you can pump, filter and replenish | | | | backcountry be sure to be prepared with an |
| your own water source. | | | | adequate sleeping bag, tent, and cooking |
| 3. Sunglasses and Sunscreen. See Oakley | | | | mechanisms. Overnight camping in the great |
| sunglasses. | | | | outdoors can be a wonderful experience when |
| 4. Layers of clothing: especially if climbing into the | | | | prepared. See Camping checklists. It's all here for |
| sub-alpine and alpine areas. The weather can | | | | you. It's only you that's holding the possibility back. |
| change drastically. An altimeter watch, with a | | | | Fall in love again with nature. Saunter thru the |
| barometer reading is an excellent addition. Pack | | | | mountains and be prepared. The options are |
| capilene and fleece underclothes, gloves, wool hat | | | | endless. The choice is yours. |