Me and my wife are planing to do a lot of hiking and camping in 2025. Starting off with just the trails around Austin, TX and expanding as we go.

Got the basics:

  • Hiking Boots
  • light day pack w/ bladder
  • simple first aid kit
  • downloaded maps

I used to go all the time when I lived near a trail head, but I would never go much further than 4 miles in before turning around. We won’t be that far from civilization most of the time, nothing too intense.

Thanks y’all!

Edit: thank for the advice y’all!!

Can’t believe I forgot hats, definitely picking up some. Will also pack my leatherman too.

And I agree hiking boots are probably a little overkill for most the trails we’ll be doing at first. But we want to get used to them and break them in for longer and rougher hikes we’re planning later this year.

  • Troy@lemmy.ca
    2·
    19 days ago

    I haven’t spent a lot of time in hot desert… Six weeks in the Atacama though, but it is rarely above 25C there. The rest of my hot weather experience is in humid climates. So I’m not really sure what my water churn would be for a day hike near Austin.

    Based on OPs provided info: For a day hike under ten miles, provided you aren’t “rucking” or pushing the pace to much, you can get by without measuring in gallons most of the time. If it’s super hot, schedule your hike early or late.

    Also, mirroring the other comment: phone GPS definitely works in airplane mode.

    Bonus photo: mineral exploration in the Atacama.

    • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
      2·
      16 days ago

      Wow, nice pic!

      The Atacama, talk about dry! I’m surprised you don’t need more water, since it’s one of the driest places on the planet.

      Part of the issue in the US west/southwest is the heat - you’ll sweat a lot, and the low humidity means it will evaporate fast. Long sleeves/pants help control this.

      Then the sun load (which you experience in the Atacama) will heat you up fast. There can be a 20° temp change from shade to sun (if you can find shade).

      I read the stories every year of inexperienced hikers going out in the west with 1 or 2 liters of water (or less!) in shorts, getting miles out and then needing to be rescued (or dying). One thing I’ve never heard anyone say is “I took too much water”.

      My concern in this thread is for an inexperienced hiker. I really want them to understand how difficult the west/southwest can be.