Top 10 Packing list for Shvil Hikes
By Elli Davids
By Elli Davids
If you look on the internet for recommended packing lists for a day hike, you will probably find lists that are good for a day trip in rural Scotland, with rain gear and warm clothes high on the list. These lists aren’t really appropriate for Israel, certainly for most of the year.
So, based on our experience so far, here is our Top 10 Gear list:
1) Water, and lots of it. We find a 10k hike, of about 4 hours (with stops and breaks) requires about 3 liters per person. Unless you know for certain that there is somewhere on the way you can buy or refill your water supplies, you have to carry it with you from your start point. You can reduce your water needs by starting early when its cool, resting in the shade (amazingly cooler!) during the heat of the day, say from 1-3 in the afternoon, and then continuing.
Another source of water is fruits. These have the added advantage of being able to replace some of the nutrients you lose in sweat. An apple and orange per person are easily added and are almost 100% water.
2) Wide brimmed hat. You are constantly changing direction when you hike, and a baseball cap will protect your face from the sun, but only a wide-brimmed hat gives you protection for your ears and neck as well.
3) App. We are using “Bshvil Yisrael” by Lior Boynjo. Besides using it for general navigation, we consult it often to answer: “How far have we walked so far?” or the other version of the question: “How much further till we reach the end?” It also has lots of great info, like water spots, places to camp overnight, background on some of the sites, and much more.
4) Swiss Army knife – I always carry a keychain sized one with me, but on hikes, I try to take a larger on with a larger handle and blade and a few more tools. Incredibly versatile and not a lot of weight.
5) Camping mattress pad/Yoga mat – makes sitting on the ground much comfortable. Resting while lying on one of these for a short break can really recharge your batteries. Much better than sitting on rocks or thorns!
6) Nuts: We find that people aren’t so hungry for sandwiches or real food on hikes, but almonds, peanuts, etc. are light and easy to carry but have lots of calories (and flavor!) so no one gets hangry! And of course, keep some treats (chocolate) in reserve either for difficult moments or to celebrate the end of a segment!
7) Flashlight – While we do our hikes in the day, we often end towards sunset. Having a flashlight or headlight once the sun goes down makes the difference between an adventure and between stressful wandering around in the dark.
8) Phone and backup battery – Most spots on the trail have cellphone reception. And of course, we are using the phone for navigation (see item #3).
9) First Aid kit – Just the basics: Band-Aids, tweezers for splinters, alcohol towelettes, a few Aspirin and Tylenol, etc. I would also put a small sunscreen into this list.
10) Spontaneity and curiosity – you aren’t doing this hike (especially if it's with your kids) just to check it off. Be open to stopping to explore side paths, look at lizards, figure out what kind of animal those bones are from, or eat the carobs that fell from the tree. The main thing is to have fun!
