I’ve hiked trails around the world. Here’s how to pack light and prepare.

I’ve hiked with the mantra “I’m not scared because I am prepared,” which is why I’m here to tell you about it.

The first time I tried hiking the Appalachian Trail, I realized within 10 minutes that I was unprepared and needed to get some practice. A little more than a year later, I had hiked all 2,190-plus miles of the trail.

How I figured it out is the story I want to share here. Since that first failed attempt, I’ve learned a lot about planning, packing light and adapting to the elements on my hikes. I’ve encountered grizzly bears, coped with unexpected changes in the weather and once waited a day to be rescued by helicopter after falling into an ice gully on the Continental Divide Trail. But I’ve hiked with the mantra “I’m not scared because I am prepared,” which is why I’m here to tell you about it.

I wrote my book, “Pack Light: A Journey to Find Myself,” because nature belongs to all of us. I would like everyone to have access to hiking and be able to find joy — especially Black joy — and healing in nature. I’ve put together a list of tips for learning and planning to hike. My trail name is Dragonsky, and I hope to see you on the trail.

Find the full article written by Shilletha Curtis.