So, I’ll give you a few tips about planning your next hike to become a foraging adventure, and how to keep it free (or close to it)! You’ll want to do at least three things: check local handbooks for poisonous plants and animals; pick a hike or camping trip with plenty of foraging options; and, if you aren’t concerned about the “free” part, maybe even hire a guide.

Learn which plants are not edible

Most mushrooms are not edible, and some edible mushrooms have poisonous lookalikes. Foraging for mushrooms is, in my book, work for the intermediate to advanced forager. However, berries and nuts are a little easier to distinguish. Your nearest Ranger Station or library will likely be able to inform you on the most obvious plants to avoid.

A hike with options

Many locations in the Pacific Northwest are covered with berries and mushrooms. Certain areas along both the East and the West coast are filled with edible seaweed and clams. Areas across the country are covered with wild mint and onions that are perfect for garnishing the meals filling your pack. And tropical locations across the world are teeming with fresh fruit. Ask around, search online, and pick your next foraging hike.

Forget the “free” part

Sometimes, especially when you are starting out, it’s worth laying down a little cash to have an expert guide you. This is most certainly the case with foraging. Having an expert show you the obvious dangers in any particular ecosystem, as well as the less obvious treasures, will be information that you can carry with you for years to come.

Picking a hike or camping trip that revolves around foraging is a great way to become more self sufficient and to feel more comfortable in the wilderness. You can gain knowledge and experience that will help you not only survive but thrive outside of civilization. All you need to do is avoid the bad, pick a trip with plenty of good, and, if necessary, hire a guide to show you the way.

Let us know in the comments below where you have had success foraging!

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The preparation for such a hike will vary greatly depending on your county. However, these three tips will give you the biggest bang for your buck! One, make sure you have a GPS device or a trail app. Two, bring the right pack with the gear you might need in a “worst-case” scenario. And three, bring a friend!

Get to the highest point using GPS

Often, when you choose to hike the highest point, you will want to use either a GPS device or an app like Alltrails to make sure you can complete the hike successfully. A GPS device will help ensure that you stay on trail, and Alltrails will inform you of the difficulty of the hike. Alltrails users will often tell you current conditions through their own reviews. You may also want a backup battery source depending on the length of the hike.

Hope for the best, prepare for…

We often say that we should hope for the best and prepare for the worst. You can’t really prepare for the worst-case scenario, because that’s often something you don’t anticipate. But, you can watch the weather forecast, bring supplies based on the probable weather, and pack enough water for the hike. Twice the water of what you expect you’ll need will cover you in 99% of situations.

Bring a friend!

This point can’t be emphasized enough. Bringing a friend to hike with you is probably the single best safety strategy you can have. Plus, it’s more fun! It’s not always easy to find a hiking buddy, but this blog post has a few suggestions.

Let us know in the comments below if you have “bagged” the highest peak in your county and what the name and height of the peak is.

The post The highest point in your county first appeared on Life In A Pack.

First and foremost, preparation is key for a successful solo hike. Make sure to research the trail you plan to take and understand its difficulties, distance, and necessary gear. Alltrails is a great place to do this. Plan your route, including rest stops and water sources, and let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Always carry a map, compass, and a charged cell phone or Garmin hiking device.

A daypack is often all you need to carry your essentials on a solo day hike. You should pack it with food, water, extra clothing layers, first-aid supplies, and any other necessary items. You might want to consider using packing cubes or a compression sack to maximize space and minimize weight.

The addition of a small tarp to your daypack can be a versatile piece of gear for solo hiking. You can use it as a shelter in case of an unexpected rainstorm or to create a cozy place to rest. Choose a waterproof tarp and make sure to pack it in a way that is easy to access and set up.

Finally, a Sawyer water filter is a must-have for any solo hike. Depending on which filter you use, you will the ability to filter up to 100,000 gallons of water, meaning that you may never have to worry about running out of clean drinking water. Simply fill up your water bottle or hydration system at any water source and use the filter to remove any contaminants.

Wrapping it up, solo hiking with just a daypack, tarp, and Sawyer water filter can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and to test your general preparedness for longer hikes. The right preparation is key, so make sure to plan your route, pack your essentials, and always let someone know where you’re going. With these three essential pieces of gear, you’ll be well equipped for a safe and fun solo hike.

The post Minimalist day hiking first appeared on Life In A Pack.