Hiking and backpacking are great ways not only to get a bit of exercise and fresh air, but also to relax and escape the pressures of civilization. It doesn't usually require great expense, can be enjoyed either alone or in a group, and can be done anywhere. All it really requires is a bit of preparation and knowing how to pack properly!
Preparation involves first deciding where you want to go, how much time is needed, what sort of problems are likely to be encountered, then what to take. What to take is last as all the others need to be decided first, and what to take will then be easier to decide! If it is exploring the Andes or into the jungles of Africa, plan on a long trip needing tents and different types of clothing, some good, recent maps and insect repellent; for hiking through Central Park this is not as essential! Each area will dictate what is needed as each area has different problems: rock slides, lions, or "civilized predators" such as muggers.
What should always be taken, no matter where one goes or for how long? There are a few things that as an experienced hiker and guide I have found are important and that work well, are always useful, and very easy to get. Let's get packing!
Water is number one! No matter where you go or for how long, always carry a small amount of water. Purification means will be needed for longer trips, but some pre-cleaned water is always handy for a quick drink or to wash off a scraped knee. It is best to put the water in several small containers just in case one leaks. Smaller containers can be placed in several areas to distribute the weight better. It is best to always take plastic or metal containers, never use glass, not only can it break, but is heavier than the plastic ot metal.
Because accidents happen, the next essential item for packing is a first aid kit (also get the training to use it, that packs in your head). The kit should contain wipes, a small knife, tweezers, Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, tape and wraps. These items will cover most things that can go wrong if you know how to use them and all are very compact. One can also throw in dental floss, as is handy for cleaning teeth, as well as a sewing needle to repair equipment when it breaks (a torn backpack can be a problem and floss will sew most things and is extremely strong). It is wise to also keep matches and a lighter in the First Aid Kit, it is the driest place and then you always know where they are.
Light weight rope is also important. Just 300 yards of heavy duty clothesline weigh virtually nothing and can be crammed in anywhere. It is great not only if you get stuck on a ledge by accident, but also for tying splints, helping build shelters, or making snares because you didn't bring enough food.
Food should be next. It should be high calories to provide energy, full of minerals and vitamins as those are needed for working muscles and yet light so as to not weigh one down. Trail Mixes work well, so do salted nuts and nutrient snack bars such as Granola or Dried beans Rice and noodles are good for dinner, though be sure to have a pot for boiling them in as dried beans eaten dehydrated can swell in the stomach.
Are there other things to pack? You should be wearing your shoes, but take extra socks. A net hammock with a blanket put under a tarp will be just as dry and warm as sleeping on the cold ground under a tent and be lighter to carry than a sleeping bag; string them up using the rope! Maps are handy, but make sure some one knows how to read them or just stay on well defined trails. Compasses, while nice, can break, so learn easy to identify landmarks or directions using nature. In exposed areas, sun block is useful. A working cell phone or two as well as gloves can be really helpful!
Having decided what to pack, pack it carefully putting heavy things on the bottom and things needed while hiking, rather than camping, in easy to reach locations on the top. Head out and enjoy your hiking and backpacking excursion!