The document discusses essential gear for hiking, including topographic maps, a compass, proper clothing and footwear, sun protection, and a first aid kit. Topographic maps are better than basic maps because they show elevation, slopes, paths and landmarks. Compasses allow you to orient the map and determine directions. Layers of clothing and insulation help keep hikers comfortable in varying temperatures. Sun protection like sunscreen and hats prevent sunburn. A first aid kit treats minor injuries and contains items like pain medication, bandages, and disinfectant.

2.  The founder of Radiant Church in Arizona,
Reverend Lee McFarland served as the
church’s senior pastor for close to 15 years
before founding his own consulting firm, Lee
McFarland Consulting, LLC. In his free time,
he enjoys being outdoors and often hikes in
the mountains and other pleasant locations
nearby.

3.  Several pieces of gear are essential to take on
a hike, including a compass and a
topographic map of the area. This is especially
important when hiking in unfamiliar territory.
Topographic maps are better for hiking than
the basic maps found at a visitor center since
they show details of elevation and slope,
hidden footpaths, streams, and landmarks and
give you the distances between certain points.
Compasses help you orient the map properly
and allow you to determine the proper
direction to take.

4.  It is also essential to wear proper hiking
clothing. Good-fitting boots are most
important. Layers of clothing when hiking in
variable temperatures or insulating clothing
when hiking in cold weather help keep the
body comfortable. Depending on the terrain,
long pants or a long-sleeved shirt might provide
protection from thorns, thistles, or poison oak.
Sun protection such as lip balm, sunscreen,
and a hat are important for preventing
sunburns, and sunglasses are helpful for both
sunny and snowy hiking conditions.

5.  Carrying a first-aid kit is a good idea for
treating minor injuries that might occur.
You can buy a pre-assembled kit or
make one of your own. Most kits contain
such items as over-the-counter pain
medication, gauze pads, bandages,
pen and paper, disinfecting ointment, a
tourniquet and/or a sling.