Whether you will be dayhiking or doing a multi-day backpacking trip, these items will insure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

One of the most important things is having a map of the trail you will explore. Get one at the park visitor center or find one online that you can download. This will keep you from getting lost, help you identify new trails to check out and possibly help rescuers locate you if you're in trouble.

Get yourself a good map reading compass. Using the map and compass together, you can orient your map to your direction and surroundings, choose the correct path and keep yourself on course.

Staying hydrated is crucial. You can survive about a month with no food, but only a few days without water. You can become dehydrated quickly by exertion, perspiration, heat and exposure. It's a good idea to have 2 one liter bottles of water. Also, carry some water purification means with you. I use a liquid water treatment drops.

Have extra food with you. Enough so that you could get through another day if necessary. Some companies produce compressed whole food bars that serve as complete meal replacements. My favorite is called the Pro Bar. Taking a few of these with will extend your energy levels if you need them.

Having a few additional clothing layers will help you stay warm and dry. Depending on the season, temperatures can fall quickly around sunset. It's a good idea to outfit with synthetic clothing. That way, if you get wet they will dry faster. Wet clothing in cold temperatures is a recipe for disaster.

Bring a small flashlight or headlamp with you. Sunset may occur sooner than expected and you may have a few more miles to go. Hiking in the dark over uneven terrain is dangerous.

Having an accident or injury in the backcountry is no fun. Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can create one out of household supplies but don't forget hiking needs like moleskin or blister treatment. I recommend taking a basic wilderness medicine course.

Matches, a lighter and or candle as firestarters. Be certain to keep them in a waterproof container. Only light a fire in the wilderness if it is a matter of survival, not just simply staying warm if an additional layer of clothing will do. Prevent wildfires, use caution!

A small camping knife may come in handy for a number of purposes. Make sure that the one you use has a locking blade, you don't want it to close on a finger.

Ultraviolet protection is really important. The suns rays can be damaging to eyes and skin, so bring a good pair of sunglasses, a small tube of sunblock and perhaps a wide brimmed hat.