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10 Walking Essentials: Other Items

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated: September 28, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

It doesn't happen to everyone, so it's not a true essential. But the majority of walkers find facial tissue to be indispensible. Something about walking contributes to dripping noses. Facial tissue also comes in handy for restroom stops at facilities with no toilet paper.

Good-to-Have Non-Essentials:

  • Cell Phone: Some people would make this their first essential. But I carry one only for calling 911. And ususally there are enough other people around with cell phones that I can leave mine at home or in the car.
  • First Aid: For a longer walk it's smart to carry along a "blister kit." I always carry a pain reliever.
  • Whistle: Essential if hiking in the woods and useful if walking in town. A kazoo could also serve for entertainment.
  • Snack: If you're going to be walking for more than an hour, take along a snack to give you energy.
  • Comb:To combat "hat hair."
  • Umbrella: Not to use, just to keep the rain away. Also can be opened suddenly to scare away charging dogs.
  • Reading material: My own vision of eternal punishment is to be stuck somewhere without something to read. So I carry a paperback or magazine if I plan to stop along the walk.
  • Stick: I only carry a stick when hiking on natural trails, but one can be useful in dissuading muggers as well as providing hiking stability.

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