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Do your research ahead of time when checking out a new hiking spot. Many times, bloggers will share photos, tips and trail information to ensure other hikers don't get lost. Do an online search for the trailhead and see what information you can find. Look up what the area is known for--are there rattlesnakes? Bears? Flash floods? It's always good to know what you might be getting into before you head out. Use a website like weather.com to check out what the weather is like in the area and what the forecast is for the days you will be there. Doing this will help you to pack smartly--if the area commonly drops a great deal in temperature at night, you'll know to bring warm clothing like a thick coat, gloves and a hat. If this is your first time backpacking and the forecast is rain (or snow) you may consider moving your trip to another weekend. Wet and cold are not ideal conditions for first time backpackers and can make the going really rough. Injuries during a casual day hike are rare; however, anything can happen, especially in more dangerous, unsteady terrain. Knowing how to properly wrap a sprained ankle or treat an infected cut can really come in handy when something unexpected happens out on the trail. Wearing a pack that is too big or that sits too high or low on your back can cause you to strain to your back and neck, which can lead to injury. If you are unsure of what backpack would be best, head to your local mountain gear store (REI, Any Mountain, etc.) and ask for help. In general, when figuring out what volume of pack you should get, keep these guidelines in mind: Day hikes: use a 15 to 30 liter (4.0 to 7.9USgal) pack. One to two nights on the trail: 30 to 50 liter (7.9 to 13.2USgal) pack. Two to three nights on the trail: 45 to 55 liter (11.9 to 14.5USgal) pack. Extended trips (three nights or longer): 55 and up liter pack. Having a water purifier is a very useful thing when it comes to backpacking. One of the biggest dangers of being out in the wilderness is not having enough water and becoming dehydrated. Portable water purifiers will ensure that you never run out of drinkable water. There are several kinds of lightweight purifiers you can bring on your trip. These include: A pump purifier: This is a handheld pump that works in conjunction with a water bottle. You pump water from a stream into the purifier and it processes the water, making it drinkable. It then pumps that clean water into your water bottle. An ultraviolet purifier: This uses UV light to kill any bacteria in your water. Purification tablets: Iodine tablets are the most common purifying tablet. You simply mix the tablets in the water until they dissolve. While the tablets may leave a bit of a strange taste, they kill the bacteria that may be in your water. Most campsites have designated areas where you can build a fire called fire pits. However, when backpacking, you may reach a site that does not have one. If this is the case, and if fires are allowed, you will need to clear a small circle of land so that it is just dirt, and surround that dirt with rocks. Doing this will allow you to have a fire without worrying about setting the whole area on fire. You will also need to gather tinder, kindling, and logs to burn. You should always carry matches or a lighter with you when you go camping or backpacking. Make sure adequate water is available to put the fire out.
Get to know the trail. Check the weather forecast. Know First Aid. Get the proper size backpack. Know how to purify water. Know how to build a fire.