Advice I have after many years of hiking (in no particular order)

• Carry twice the water you think you will need and bring high fat and high protein foods (chocolate, nuts, beef jerky, etc.)

• Wrap Duck Tape around one water bottle, it fixes everything and can be used to wrap blisters almost as effectively as moleskin.

• Carry a knife, compass, map, flashlight, watch, GOOD rain gear (cheap stuff is hot and sweaty), zip lock bags (to keep personal items dry), trash bag (to keep back pack dry), cell phone, maps, bivy sack, and a spare pair of socks (Smart Wool is great).

• Carry a rope and some webbing on routes where you might run into technical sections

• Know how to make diaper harnesses, a munter hitch,  how to set up rappels, how to rappel, and how to use your devices and body friction

• Leave your plan with someone that cares if you disappear (Ex's not eligible)

• Pack the tips of your boots with a paper towel to prevent foot sliding on descents

• LEKI POLES ARE GREAT!!!!  I hiked on bad knees for ten years with  debilitating pain at the end of major treks, I always pictured Leki poles went with the Fifty year old + crowd.  I use them religiously now and they make the descents a breeze.  Since using them I haven't felt a twinge in my knees.  Just make sure to stow them on vertical ascents or descents.

• Pack warm clothing and avoid cotton in the winter, it looses its insulating ability when wet whereas wool and synthetics do not.

• Check the weather for trips as well as the conditions of the roads leading to trailheads.

• Make yourself aware of potential hazards (lightning, animals, bad trail conditions, etc).

• Caffeine and plenty of liquids help with headaches from altitude sickness.

• Break in your boots, 25 miles or so is a good rule of thumb.

• Don't overestimate your physical condition, real hiking and climbing requires good conditioning, you can find yourself out of energy in dangerous places if you bite off more than you can initially chew.

• It never hurts to have the phone numbers of ranger stations programmed in your phone.

• Know a little first aid, if you have the time, know a lot.

• My wife suggests toilet paper if you are a female hiker, baby wipes also come in handy.

• In the mountains ALWAYS bring your ice axe, I have needed it more times than I can remember.

• Start all hikes early, plan to be off summits by 11:00 if possible.

• Don't be afraid to turn back from a trip, there is always tomorrow.

• Don't be afraid to drop gear bailing from climbs, your life is worth more than a few carabiners, nuts, and cams.

• The only way to become more competent is to always push just slightly outside of your comfort zone.

• Research all routes as thoroughly as possible.

• THE QUALITY OF YOUR PARTNER IS KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS, do not take just anyone, climb in the crags with people before the peaks and only go with safe, strong, and competent people when attempting more difficult routes.  Do not be afraid to say no to someone, a weak partner can jeopardize your safety as well as their own. 

• Go at your own developmental pace.  Don't be afraid to take years to increase grades when you break into technical climbing.  The old adage 'There are old mountaineers and there are bold mountaineers but there are few old and bold mountaineers' is very true. Gaining experience is a life long progress, pushing things  you aren't ready for to quickly doesn't make you more experienced, it only makes you more likely to die.  

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