Before washing your socks turn them inside out - all the sweat, skin and oils you have lost in those little bad boys during the day is on the inside.

Dry them inside out too - this helps the loop pile to be refreshed and provide the 'as new' cushioning you have probably lost with years of neglect!

After a day on the hill I always (yes ALWAYS- but then I am a girl!) take my bladder out of my pack and rinse and empty it, leaving it to dry upside down in the shower.

HOWEVER, for all you manky boys out there (you know who you are!) if you don't do this - a simple and effective solution is:
* Empty 2 month (?) old contents out
* Rinse
* Soak with Sterident (denture tabs) to cleanse and freshen
* Rinse again and wipe out if wide mouth bladder
* Empty bladder and blow water out of hose
* Store whole unit in the FREEZER until you need it again!
Bugs can't grow in freezers..

When I pack my rucksack I make sure I have fluids easily available. So a bladder/hose with pure water only and in winter a flask of a sweet hot liquid of some sort - warm cordial is a favourite.

Then for food sources I make sure I have something in every pocket of every jacket/fleece that I wear or pack. It only needs to be a fruit bar, muesli bar, energy gel or jelly beans but I have something in every layer - think squirrel hiding nuts for lean days - that's me! Not only does it make sure that every time you stop you can re-fuel but you never know quite what you're going to get so it's quite exciting (or not!) and adds to the adventure of the day. It also stops you getting low on energy and from having to rummage through your pack - leave that for the lunch stop.

There are 2 things you have to protect above and beyond everything else - your hands and your eyes.

Make sure you have at least 2 good pairs of gloves. Good gloves need to be warm, waterproof and fit like a glove (sorry!).

Make sure you have sunglasses (yes sunglasses) and good fitting ski goggles. The reflection of sun off snow is worse than any sun exposure you will get in summer. If you end up in a total white out you will be completely blinded without goggles (that fit well and don't fog up)