There you can watch out for the whales that use to migrate and it can be seen off the coastal region in the month December whenever they proceed towards south and in the spring whenever they continue going along with their calves to the northern side. California Hiking makes you feel like you are returning back to a century ago with a population for only 2000 and Elk being a hustling city with flourishing timber industry. So it may add load on your luggage. On reality you can't stay longer than 8-9 days without refilling the basic needs like food and water. Other problem is food, where you need not take at least 2 pounds of it to survive per day. Food won't be a problem, if you know to hunt and eat the flesh. But still you can't go without it after 8 to 10 days. It is an African term which was used for ox-cart transport. Backpacking is not anything less than trekking. Instead of going for walking for some place in the vicinity from your home for 1-2 days, just than a mere local encampment, try going for places like Grand Canyon which will leave you with a different feeling. But though from the place from where you are going to go for hiking, you can go with the same gear .You need the same gear in the simple as well as mountain hiking and also the same provisions too. The basic thing to remember is that both equipment and gear for mountain hiking shall be completely different, relying upon the mountain that you are planning to climb along with the weather conditions. Compass to search the way Sunglass, nylon cord, pocket knife Essential medicines and First Aid Kit Torch or emergency light with extra batteries Some of the other things that you would like to add and which will be helpful to you are: Garbage bags Cell phone Signal Mirror Cooling glass, sunglass and Binoculars A camera along with film Tissue and toilet papers Tent and its materials The basic rules and regulations that you need to follow for hiking tour and the trail prescriptions; all need to be practiced in order to be sure that your hiking feel and that of your fellow beings won't get affected in the natural surrounding. This bag can be squeezed inside your pocket and it costs very less sum and it can also protect you. Making a tent or shelter with the garbage bag can save you from disease like hypothermia which will occur in 50 degree weather .So this can be included in your list as a tip for protection. A cap which protects you should be taken and added in the list of things.