Anonymous
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1. I want to know if I will need a water purifier to hike the ozark highland trail?
2. Will I need a hiking companion or can I do it alone?
3. Will I need a real good compass and do I need maps?
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melissa
 | Posted: September 17th, 2010 Edited: September 17th, 2010 | Quote, Reply |
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Anonymous said:
1. I want to know if I will need a water purifier to hike the ozark highland trail?
2. Will I need a hiking companion or can I do it alone?
3. Will I need a real good compass and do I need maps? |
Hey there,
1. You should use some form of water treatment for sure. That being said, you don't need a purifier for anything in North America; it is just overkill because viral contamination is not a problem in backcountry waters. I would recommend a filter, or at very least, some iodine tablets and neutralizer. That will take care of bacteria and protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium (especially the filter). A good filter is the
2.You can do any trail alone. I've hiked over 4000 miles alone in the last few years. It is a matter of your comfort level doing so, and your happiness hiking alone. Alone can be...lonely. And it is sure nice to share those kinds of experiences with people! As for safety, when I am alone, I camp out of view of the trail and a good distance from any roads. I also assume there are bears and handle and scented items properly (no differently that when I hike with others, really).
3. I believe in carrying some kind of map and a descent compass (and know how to use them), even though the trail is well marked and the guidebook has a detailed description. I just think it is good form to have them. The main reason you would be happy to have them is in case you have to bail out somewhere. If you have maps, you can see where roads or other trails cross that are potential bail out points.
Hope that helps. Have a blast!
Melissa
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Anonymous
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Thankyou Melissa.
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