How "prepared" are you when you go on short dayhikes?

[hikerboy57]

On day hikes I always have 2 EXTRA Clif bars, water, waterproof matches,film canister w/ cotton balls soaked in Vaseline, map, compass,Swiss Army Knife, whistle ,bandanna, rainshell, FA kit. Cooler weather I add gloves,fleece, and hat.

[10-K]

I always leave a note on my dashboard with the date and which trail & direction I am heading.

I used to do this too until a deputy suggested to me that I was letting people know how much time they had to break into my vehicle.

[tuswm]

yea I never do that. I think it is just asking for trouble. I dont like how some national parks make you put this info on your car.

also there is a big difference between a 2 mile day in a city park hike and a 20 mile day hike in the sierras in the winter. I TRY TO JUST USE MY HEAD.

[BradMT]

Do you diligently adhere to carrying the "ten essentials"

Yes..........

[berninbush]

I used to do this too until a deputy suggested to me that I was letting people know how much time they had to break into my vehicle.

Looks like we simul-posted the same thought, but I included my personal alternative (at the bottom of the last page).

[sly dog]

On a day hike it is my phone/mp3 a lighter, water, pocketknife, and sometimes a flashlight. I have used the light on my phone to get out after dark once tho. As far as food goes, I usually eat before I go on my hike and the body can go days without food so I never thought about taking any. I may have thrown a snickers bar or beef jerky in there before but never "food"