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