>>2437883Hang your food even if there aren’t bears. Small mammals come out at night and can do some damage (mice, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, etc.). Insects too.
Begin building up your feet now. If you have soft feet they’ll be more prone to blisters. Also you should be working out anyway, but the hike will be more enjoyable if you’re in shape. Break in your shoes by going on long walks often.
Test out your gear. Set up your tent in your yard. Run some distilled water through your filter (never use tap water). Practice hanging your food.
Make a pack list and check things off as they’re packed. It ensures you won’t forget anything.
For the love of God, leave an itinerary with someone! Where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and who to contact if they don’t hear from you. Basically every lost hiker story is missing that key element.
Bring some clean clothes (including socks, underwear, and shoes) and keep them in your car for the drive home. And bring a trash bag for your muddy hiking shoes. Some snacks and cold drinks are ok too if the trip is short enough and it’s not one of those places where bears rip open car doors.
Word of mouth (FB groups) are often a better source for driving directions than GPS. The latter will often tell you to turn down a dirt road. I started hiking before everyone had a computer so I still write stuff down like a Boomer.
