How to Prepare for a National Park Trip

"Preparing for my trip made it so much easier to overcome the jitters of trying something new."

TRAVEL TODAY National Parks How to Prepare for a National Park Trip While I've always admired national parks, I've often felt like I would have to be very well-versed in outdoor things before going to one. I didn't know I would be able to navigate any one of them on my own, and I wasn't sure how to even go about preparing for a national park trip. Recently, though, I visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it wasn't as intimidating as it seemed. Here are the two things that helped me on my trip: One thing that helped me tremendously was my Osprey backpack. I was able to store my jacket, first aid kit, and essentials without feeling too weighed down, and the straps were super comfortable. Plus, they conformed to my shoulders, so I didn't have to worry about readjusting them mid-hike. But the biggest perk was the drink pouch, which fit my reusable water bottle nicely and allowed me to hike hands-free, making trekking the trails easier for me. While it was great to have hiking boots that were durable and great for all-terrain, I also couldn't skimp when it came to socks. I bought a pack of Bombas compression socks, which provided just enough cushion for my feet but didn't make them feel hot or uncomfortable throughout the day. The compression also helped with some of the soreness that came with the high level of activity. Preparing for my trip made it so much easier to overcome the jitters of trying something new. It was great for me to pre-plan some hike routes that were suitable for my ability and the amount of time I wanted to spend on the trails. And, now that I have the right gear, I feel a lot more confident planning my next national park trip. READ NOW Janea Wilson Intern Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products and services; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Tech & Gear The 10 Best Hiking Gear Items of 2022 read more Tech & Gear 8 Travel Water Bottles That Are Lightweight, Durable, and Leak-Proof read more Trails & Climbs Our Go-To Hiking Pants for Staying Dry and Cool on Any Trail read more Food & Drink Fuel Up in the Great Outdoors With These Easy-to-Pack Snacks read more Shoes These Men's Hiking Boots Will Support Your Feet in the Roughest Terrain read more Accessories The Perfect Socks for Hiking in Comfort—and Style—Regardless of Your Footwear read more Trails & Climbs 9 Hiking Shirts That Offer Temperature Regulation and Protection From the Sun read more Health & Beauty Protect Your Skin With These Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreens read more VACATION LIKE A PRO You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Travel Today newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005 © 2021 Dotdash.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.

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This All-American Burger Is a Classic

And everything you need for the perfect hamburger.

This All-American Burger Is a Classic Achieving the tender, juicy burger of your dreams isn't difficult, but it does help to know a few tips and tricks. Here's everything you need to know about handling your ground meat, seasoning and shaping it, and achieving the perfect temperature. READ MORE Dreaming of Burgers The Only Brioche Bun Recipe You Need Get the Recipe 10 Tips for the Perfect Burger See More The Best Ground Beef for Your Burgers Get the Recipe 17 Sides for Burgers We Love Get the Recipe The Spruce Eats on YouTube Lauryn Makes the Ultimate Crispy, Spicy Chicken Sandwich Watch & Learn Try Our Newest Recipes Southern Coconut Poke Cake Peanut Butter Banana Bread Georgia Cornbread Cake Did somebody forward you this email? Sign Up for Cooking School by The Spruce Eats Newsletter! Have feedback? Send us an email at contact@thespruceeats.com, subject line: Newsletter Feedback. Follow us:   You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to Cooking School by The Spruce Eats newsletter. Unsubscribe © 2021 Dotdash.com — All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005