.
You can get buried in
Worries of the world,
But you can never
Get too deep
For the woods.
.
-Ollie Olsen

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Outdoor Photographer Magazine

One of my favorite recipes (pudding) is only if you have a cold stream near by.  It is a delight for children and a true delight for adults if you have been out in the backwoods for a while.

Instant Pudding:

In a lightweight plastic container (that is usually used for 1 quart of liquid), put in one package - your choice - of instant pudding.  The pudding directions will tell you how much milk is needed.  Figure what amount of powdered milk you will need to make the pudding and add to the plastic container.  Then when it is time to make the pudding, all you will need is to add water to the mixture.  Shake this mixture till very well blended.  Place in stream of cold water.  In a short time the pudding will set - enjoy.

Hot Cereal:

The variety pacs of individual flavors are nice.  Then in small zip-locs all you need are the addition of high energy like nuts, raisins, coconut, dried fruit which you probably have on hand anyway.

Pancakes:

Buy the complete pancake mix that only needs water added.  Then put pancake mix in a plastic bag and when ready, just add water, mix and cook.

Hot Drinks:

Coffee bags are nice (put powdered creamora in a zip-loc), herbal teas, hot spiced cider mix (dry) and hot cocoa are very good and nice treats in the cold evening.  Zip loc bags - invest in them :o)
I have also brought peppermint schnapps, apple jack in light plastic baby bottles with non spill stoppers for a nice addition to the cocoa or cider.

Soups:

I find the cup-of-soups handy to bring.  Once you are at your campsite, all you need is to add water.  Or take a look around in the grocery store, there are plenty of dry mix products that only need water.  You will save  money  over buying the packaged products at your hiking store.

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This is a list of items I like to bring on all of my hikes:

Map and compass
Waterproof matches and fire starter (an 8 hour candle is very helpful as a starter, light source and
          a small source of heat)
Whistle for emergencies - far reaching signaling device
Plenty of water - powdered gatorade is nice in dry form, to add or take if one finds water on the trail
Knife
Backpack rain cover - or 2 large trash bags (can function as an emergency poncho, vibouac shelter
           or vapor barrier)
Flashlight (check batteries or carry spare)
Sun glasses and sun protection
First aid kit
Nylon Cord
Extra clothing including wool hat,  gloves and  wool socks -3 pairs (these are emergency mittens
           when needed or if you should get your feet wet)
Insect protection
Solar blanket, this can double as a shelter
Plenty of food (high energy essential - nuts, dried fruit & raisins, granola bars, hi-energy bars )
            I always like to bring a block of cheese and small pita pockets for lunch - I put both in zip-loc's
Bandana or two, one can be a sun hat if needed
Toilet Paper
Waterproof garbage bag for sweaty/dirty clothes (to keep from your dry cloths)

Rain Jacket with a Hood
Rain Pants
Wool Jacket
Wool Pants
Wool or Fleece Sweater
Wicking Long Underwear Top
Wicking Long Underwear Bottom
Wicking T-Shirt (depending on how you sweat - a couple may be needed)
Insulation layers (wool, pile, synchilla etc. to suit season - the key is layer, layer, layer)
Sweats (Optional)

Miscellaneous:

Notebook and pencil - (write down what you forgot or wish you had for next time)
Camera
Binoculars
Money
Field books:  animal droppings, wildflowers, birds, trees, butterflies, etc. etc.

Of coarse the list could go on and on if one was staying overnight, but I am omitting this, and concentrating on essentials.  If you have made it this far, I think you definitely know what you will need for an extended stay in the wilderness.

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HINTS

I always found it very very helpful to have in the car waiting for me:  light shoes (oh my Birkenstocks), and a change of clothing.  A nice big jug of water waiting is always nice too!  If it is just a day hike, freeze the jug before your journey, boy will it be cold.

When trying to stuff what you can into your pack it will help if you buy the jumbo zip-locs and put whatever clothes you want nicely folded in them.  Then before closing the "zipper", sit on the clothing, and then zip.  You will be absolutely amazed at the new size of the item - especially for pile clothing.  You will fit more in your pack, however, unfortunately, your pack will probably weigh more...... I haven't figured out how to take the weight out........... yet..........!!!!!!!!

I like putting my water bottles at my side, through my backpack belt, for some reason it is easier to carry and the weight feels less for me than dangling off my pack.

New pair of hiking boots, or haven't climbed in a while?  It really helps to put moleskin just below your big toe, and especially just above your heel where the top of your shoe ends.  This saves many blisters from occurring.  I like the moleskin that you just cut and it self sticks to you.  A very thin silk, or liner sock also helps underneath wool socks.

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TIPS ON SAFETY

The American Hiking Society offers these tips for hikers:

• Travel in groups of two or more.
• Leave a detailed itinerary with a friend, family member or park ranger. (If plans change, leave a message on your answering machine)
• Pack a map and compass, and know how to use them.
• Carry a whistle to help searchers locate you if you are lost.  (Three consecutive whistles is a distress call.  Searchers who hear whistles answer with two.)
• Be cautious of strangers.
• Use the buddy system - If your group gets lost, don't split up.  Teach kids what to do if they are lost or separated.
• Stay on the trail.
• Avoid shortcuts that are not marked on the map.
• Carry plenty of water. (Kids won't always tell you when they're thirsty so don't let them get dehydrated.)
• Carry a first-aid kit.
• Use sun screen and insect repellent.
• Wear sturdy, well-broken-in shoes with two pairs of socks, a lighter inner sock, and a heavy outer sock.
• If you encounter a suspicious situation on the trail, report it to the park authorities or local police.

"Happy Trails to You"