Hiking is one of the many ways to enjoy the beauty and wonder that’s on display at Mammoth Mountain. This should come as no surprise, since the Mammoth area boasts an impressive assortment of hiking trails of varying lengths and elevations perfect for all skill levels. If you have plans to hike at Mammoth Mountain soon, take a moment to run through this list of six things you should bring with you, brought to you by the mountain sports experts at ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for all the equipment you need any time of year, whether it’s hiking gear, fishing tackle, mountain biking accessories, or Mammoth snowboard rentals.
1. Comfortable, Practical Clothes
The standard recommendation for hiking clothes is a lightweight jacket coupled with a comfortable top or tee. A fleece top can also work well. The general suggestion is to wear long pants, but shorts can be fine if you wear longer socks to protect your ankles and lower legs. Also, since Mammoth Mountain has higher elevations that can experience cooler temps, pack a hoodie or something else you can use for an extra layer, especially if you’ll be hiking later in the day. Last but not least, don’t forget to bring a supportive pair of hiking boots.
2. Navigation Tools
Many of Mammoth’s trails are fairly well marked. Plus, you can usually tell where you’re going based on visual points of reference. Still, there’s always the possibility you could get a bit lost if you’re entirely new to the Mammoth area. Err on the side of caution and bring navigation options with you. If you opt to simply use an app on your phone, put a USB battery charger in your backpack.
3. Sunscreen
Even when the sun’s not fully shining as you hike, its rays can still harm exposed skin. Apply sunscreen before you start hiking, and bring some with you to reapply later if you’ll be hiking for a while. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF of at least 30 for optimal protection.
4. Snacks
Be prepared if you need an extra burst of energy while hiking by packing some light, nutritious snacks. Dried fruits, granola or energy bars, nuts and seeds, and jerky are some convenient items that can be easily packed. Prepackaged sandwiches and tuna salad pouches could work equally well when you need to fuel up.
5. Water
Your body needs water to keep its essential systems running. Make sure you don’t end up dehydrated while hiking at Mammoth Mountain by bringing a reusable water bottle with you. Another option is to pack a water filter or purifier that can be used to make natural water drinkable.
6. First Aid & “Just in Case” Supplies
An easy way to bring first aid supplies with you is to purchase a prestocked first aid kit. You can always add anything extra that might be needed for yourself or anyone else coming with you (e.g., allergy meds or other medications you might urgently need).
Wrap up your Mammoth hiking prep by packing anything else you think you may need, such as:
• A portable lantern or flashlight
• A small container of hand sanitizer
• Trekking poles if you need some extra support
If you’re on your way to gorgeous Mammoth Mountain to do some hiking, don’t forget to stop in and see the friendly folks at ASO Mammoth. Whether they need hiking equipment, mountain biking gear, or top-quality ski rentals, Mammoth visitors can find everything they need at our premier outdoor store. Drop by on your way to the mountain or give us a call at 760-965-3444.