1. These Boots are Made for Walking
Make sure you're wearing a waterproof pair of hiking boots that fit you properly. The boot should be snug around your heel, but your toes should not be forced into the front end of the boot each time you take a step. In addition, you should never try to break in your boots while you're mountain hiking. If your hiking boots are new, wear them for a few hours each day for several days before your trip. You should also take your new boots on shorter hiking trips in an even terrain before you go mountain hiking.
2. Dress for Success
When you go hiking, wear clothing that breathes and be sure to layer. Weather conditions can change quickly; if you layer, you can remove clothing when it's warm and put it back on when it cools down. You also want to have waterproof rain gear, both jackets and pants, to keep you dry in a heavy downpour. Make sure you have extra socks and clothing, hats and a pair of mittens in your backpack as well. Taking these basics along will help you adapt to a wide array of weather conditions.
3. Stay Nourished and Hydrated
Take along bottled water and food. You may not plan on being gone for very long; but should you get lost or take a fall, you could be stranded for a while. Having clean drinking water and a decent food supply in your backpack will make the time you're waiting for rescue much more comfortable. If it's very hot, consider freezing your bottled water before you start out on your hike. It'll keep the rest of your food cool, and make for a refreshing drink once it starts to melt.
4. Under the Big Top
Pack a lightweight tent. If you're using a new tent, you should practice setting it up at home so you're familiar with the routine. Pack a plastic tarp to place underneath to protect your tent from ground water. Make sure the tarp is slightly smaller than the tent; otherwise, if it rains, the tarp will act as a tray and collect the rain water, defeating the purpose of the tarp altogether.
5. What's Cooking
Consider taking a portable camping stove and bring a couple of extra bottles of fuel as well. For cooking your meals, making s'mores or just enjoying the fire and the heat it puts off, camping stoves are ultra-light and easy to pack for a long hiking trip.
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