MARQUETTE COUNTY -- With spring slowly taking hold in the U.P., folks are venturing out onto the miles of hiking trails Upper Michigan has to offer.  Most, however, are not heading out prepared, save for a few people.

"I've been bringing a backpack since I was, like, in sixth grade.  I just like to bring all my stuff, like as much stuff as I can because you never know what's going to happen," said NMU student Wyatt Anderson.  "I'm not a huge hiker, but I'm starting to get into it, especially with the warmness out."
    
The element of the unknown is why novice and experienced hikers both need some basic supplies on the trail.
    
Even a short day hike can bring surprises with it.

"The biggest thing that I can't stress enough is hydration.  A lot of people go and they expect to be out there for a half an hour, an hour, and all of the sudden they're out there for three or four hours and they're thirsty," exclaims Todd King of Down Wind Sports.  "You want to make sure you have some snacks with you.  A lot of people forget about first aid in the woods, so a mini first aid kit with small bandages, some gauze, things like that."
    
Even if the weather is nice when the hike starts, conditions can change quickly.

"Carrying a rain jacket is important on any day.  I didn't always believe that, but I was on a hiking trip and the leader says, 'You have to bring the rain gear,' and I said, okay, I'll do that.  Then we got to a place where it was really, really windy.  I didn't need it for the rain, but the windbreaker effect of it was wonderful," said Lorena Jinkerson, an avid hiker.
    
Another tip:  let someone else know where you are going and when you plan on being back.
    
While cell phones work fine around town, services diminishes quickly on the trials.  A dedicated GPS device is the way to go.