A simple weekend hike of the seemingly countless trails around the Eugene and Springfield area could turn nasty pretty quickly if you’re caught without the necessary supplies that could end up saving your life. It’s critical to be smart and think ahead for supplies like food and equipment before strapping on the boots and enjoying the day with friends.
Every veteran and rookie hiker can’t head into the woods without first telling people when and where you will be for the day, plus what time you plan to come back. Tell your mom, friends, roommates and anyone who you would want to be contacted in case of an emergency and leave the address and directions to the trail.
Don’t end up like James Franco in “127 Hours.” In most cases, cell phones cannot receive any reception so loved ones can’t be reached if trouble comes up.
For the rare sunny and warm days that fall upon Eugene, don’t think that just a T-shirt and jeans will be enough to keep you warm. Temperatures outside drop dramatically as the sun goes down and when nightfall sets in, it can be very dangerous to be lost in the woods without plenty of jackets or blankets to keep warm. Waterproof items are a plus considering how quickly the Oregon rain can come out of nowhere and suddenly soak all of your clothes.
And no hike would be complete without a proper emergency kit that contains bandages, maps of the trail, a compass or GPS and flashlights. These essentials will surely make any hike around the beautiful scenery of Eugene more enjoyable and safer. Meanwhile, you can take in all the sights and sounds of nature as you and your friends relish in the moment!