Going on a hiking trip on Angeles Crest mountains. What things do I absolutely need?

[dumblehead]

I'm packing for a simple day hike, not more than 10 hours. What things should I carry with me? This is the first time going out for a long hike for me. I am planning to do 3 day, 18 mile trail in next month or so. Any advice would be great. Thanks all.

[TacDriver5five6]

The first thing would be a compass, and a map of the area (if you want to be old school about it, and understand orienteering)...

or a handheld GPS unit

[Yugo]

knike thats not made in chine, water pack, snacks, fire starter, para-bracelet, ar15, two sticks of dinomat......I kid I kid......have fun be safe and be aware of hot milfs running there dogs.

[9-12]

Water, snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, canady bars, or mixed nuts, water, maybe an extra jacket/shirt/long pants (if you're in shorts), cell phone, lighter, flashlight, loud whistle (important), space blanket, good knife, and did I say water? If you know how to read a map, a topo of the area and a compass would be good, but most of all, make sure someone knows exctly where you're going, when you leave, and how long you should be gone.
Be prepared.
I'll also say this...if you find yourself lost, and I mean truly lost...do not panic. Remember these words. DO NOT PANIC. Stop right where you are and take a break. get confortable as you can, relax, and don't move from that spot. Someone will find you. You can almost eliminate any chance of survival or being found in a matter of seconds by panicking.

[dieselpower]

contact the rangers before hand, submit your route, plan to get lost....then make sure that doesnt happen.

[dumblehead]

Water, snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, canady bars, or mixed nuts, water, maybe an extra jacket/shirt/long pants (if you're in shorts), cell phone, lighter, flashlight, loud whistle (important), space blanket, good knife, and did I say water? If you know how to read a map, a topo of the area and a compass would be good, but most of all, make sure someone knows exctly where you're going, when you leave, and how long you should be gone.
Be prepared.
I'll also say this...if you find yourself lost, and I mean truly lost...do not panic. Remember these words. DO NOT PANIC. Stop right where you are and take a break. get confortable as you can, relax, and don't move from that spot. Someone will find you. You can almost eliminate any chance of survival or being found in a matter of seconds by panicking.

Why is loud whistle an importance?

[9-12]

Why is loud whistle an importance?

The interntional distress signal is three loud bursts or blasts of anything. The easiest, loudest thing you can carry to attract attention to yourself is a whistle. It doesn't take long to holler yourself to death, and your voice- even a loud one- gets lost very easily in the wilderness. A whistle has been proven to be one of the most valuable survival items you can carry and will help greatly when someone is trying to locate you. Every hour or so, you just blow on that whistle as loud as you can three times, and repeat that a few times. It can also help if you get separated form your party.

[smle-man]

A good reason to carry a handgun and ammo: three spaced shots to signal distress. That is what I've told FS personnel when asked about OC in the NF.

[problemchild]

What about a SPOT then he can do the Yuppy-911 when lost?

[9-12]

A good reason to carry a handgun and ammo: three spaced shots to signal distress. That is what I've told FS personnel when asked about OC in the NF.

Not near as good as a whistle.

[G-forceJunkie]

Water, snacks, lunch, map, GPS w/ extra batterys, two ways to make a fire and a knife would be my minimum load.

[Mad Scotsman]

Water, snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, canady bars, or mixed nuts, water, maybe an extra jacket/shirt/long pants (if you're in shorts), cell phone, lighter, flashlight, loud whistle (important), space blanket, good knife, and did I say water? If you know how to read a map, a topo of the area and a compass would be good, but most of all, make sure someone knows exctly where you're going, when you leave, and how long you should be gone.
Be prepared.
I'll also say this...if you find yourself lost, and I mean truly lost...do not panic. Remember these words. DO NOT PANIC. Stop right where you are and take a break. get confortable as you can, relax, and don't move from that spot. Someone will find you. You can almost eliminate any chance of survival or being found in a matter of seconds by panicking.

^^^
THIS

Pretty much what I carry on my day hikes, sans a cell phone, it's my get away time. I always tell my wife where I'm going and am prepared to spend the night if something happens.

[9-12]

^^^
THIS

Pretty much what I carry on my day hikes, sans a cell phone, it's my get away time. I always tell my wife where I'm going and am prepared to spend the night if something happens.

LOL...I forgot two things...
1) Don't buy new hiking shoes for your hike unless you have time to break them in. Miserable feet will mkak a miserable trip.
2) TP or paper napkins, a packet of handiwipes...something for...well...you know...just in case. It really sucks to have to make a pit stop and be un-prepared.
I'm just sayin....

[mindwip]

Know how to start a fire with what ever you bring, my roomates have trouble strating fire, with lighter dry wood and a hatch at home on a clear day.

Its easy to get a spark, but harder to start s fire.

3rd the whistle, I like small hatches, good for a lot of things, also bring 2 decent knives, and a space blanket

[stitch_paradox]

Don't forget a good first aid kit.