City Library has expanded its collection of kits and devices for loan with these new hiking backpacks! These bright orange backpacks will help you explore local trails in greater safety and contain the following equipment:
- North Shore trail map
- Suunto MCB compass with mirror
- Day hiking essentials guide pamphlet
- Bear bell with carabiner
- Expandable hiking pole
- Reflective arm strap
- Purple miniwire carabiner
- Emergency-only supplies
- Bivvy sack with rescue whistle and tinder chord
- High decibel whistle
- Emergency blanket
- Day Tripper medical kit
- Tikka headlamp (included batteries)
What else to bring?
Although the NVCL hiking backpacks contain a lot of useful resources, there may be some other things that you need to consider when planning a hiking expedition, such as adequate snacks and lots of water. North Shore Rescue also has a lot of great information on their website, including their fabulous what to bring page.
Useful apps:
- AllTrails This app gives overviews of local hiking, walking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails.
- Cairn Safety Hike safely! Share your route and GPS locations with friends and family, download offline maps and get real-time location and status updates.
- Topo Maps Canada (iOS only)This free app allows you to download topographical maps for offline use. Also contains a and distance measuring tool. iOS only.
- PeakFinder This app allows users to take pictures of distant mountain ranges and identify them.
- iNaturalist This app is used to help identify plants and wildlife. Take a picture and the app will make the Identification and then upload that information so scientists around the world have access to it.
- Geocaching Want to turn your hikes into a treasure hunt? Use this app to look up caches around your hike and find or add to other people's loot!