Alright, y'all. This will be an ongoing series. However, for those of you who want to get outdoorsy, here's a few first steps you can take.

Gear:

In the summer, even for day hikes, you need to bring the following things:

• A weatherproof shell
  • Alaskan weather can change quick. Even a stop at the top of a peak on a sunny but windy day can get you chilled quick. Find something that's lightweight, windproof, and preferably waterproof.
• Water!
  • Getting dehydrated sucks. If you seriously sweat like me, consider even more water or a water filter or life straw.
• An extra layer + a hat
  • A wool sweater is your best bet here. It keeps you warm even if its wet, and it breathes better than any synthetic fabric. Find a thick sweater. It's easy to find ugly, thick wool sweaters at thrift shops. That extra layer can often, literally, save your life. Imagine you're 6 miles back and you break a leg. It's going to be hours before rescuers can get to you. A wool sweater and a weatherproof shell will be the difference between a bad day and a potentially profoundly shitty day. Same goes for a hat.
• Bear spray
  • Practice using it with an older can of spray. As you are walking, practice taking it out quickly. Like firearms, it's only effective if you have done a ton of practice and are proficient with it. (It's also good for creepy men.)
• A partner
  • Speaking of creepy men, it's always best to hike with a partner. If someone gets hurt, you'll need someone to find help. If they are carrying layers and someone gets hurt, you can share layers and other items.
• Snacks
  • Because snacks. Also, when you're in the middle of a suffer-fest, you'd be amazed at how a granola bar or Jolly Rancher can lift your spirits.
• Bug spray
  • Bad mosquitos or flies can ruin an otherwise idyllic hike.
• A Garmin GPS
  • Lots and lots of places just outside of town have no cellular coverage. This can literally save your life. They're not that expensive, and the subscriptions aren't either. Tell you parents that if they love you, they'll buy you one.