If you're hiking in a forest, whether flatland or mountainous, you may encounter a black bear. An estimated 300,000 of them inhabit 41 of the lower 48 states, from coast to coast. To survive an encounter with a black bear, hike with a group and be prepared. Wear medium hiking boots and carry a backpack with a quick-access pocket on the hip belt. Carry bear spray there. Bear spray contains capsaicin, but it's a different concentration than spray for people. Make sure it specifies it's for bears.

"Black" bears can be black, cinnamon, golden, and in some parts of British Columbia, even white. These bears are generally shy, and prefer to avoid contact. If you see a bear, and it hasn't seen you, back away slowly. Watch the bear but don't make eye contact. When you're out of sight, wait until you hear it move away or find a route around it. Bears have very poor eyesight, so if it sees you, wave your arms slowly, and talk in a calm voice to let it know you're human. Move slowly upwind away from the bear. Never walk up to a bear, and never try to feed it.

In some situations, a bear may see you as a threat. If it's a mother with first year cubs, she'll start a defensive attack. She'll warn you by swatting the ground or chuffiing, moaning, and snapping her teeth. If she approaches you, stand still. She'll usually stop, and then you can back away and pull out your bear spray. If she comes at you again, use the spray when she's within 15 feet, and aim for the face. You'll also be perceived as a threat if a bear is defending a kill. Watch for ravens and other scavengers that may indicate a kill site, and avoid it.

If the bear attacks defensively, play dead, and the bear should leave. If it attacks you aggressively, fight for your life with all your might. Yell, use a knife, fists, or sticks and rocks, and aim for the nose and eyes. As soon as you can get away, head for medical help. If you're far from help, first treat any bleeding wounds with your first aid kit.

Use good bear sense, and survive for your next hike.

(Sources: http://www.wcs.org/globalconservation/northamerica/adirondacks-test/adirondackbear/46902170, http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/problem_wildlife/bbear_encounters.html, http://www.mountainnature.com/Wildlife/Bears/BearEncounters.htm, http://ext.nrs.wsu.edu/publications/Blackbears1.htm )

A hiking or trekking trip makes for a great Labor Day weekend adventure, and you don't have to go too far from home if you make your way to a national or State Park in your area. You'll need some basic survival gear, a camera and a few packets of trail mix to get you through that final outdoor challenge of the season.

Heading off to rocky terrain with the right trekking poles is an absolute essential. Whether you're tackling cliffs and hills, or just making your way through terrain filled with boulders, you'll need a pair of non-snagging poles to navigate your path. Trekking poles made with solid handgrips and lightweight materials work best for most terrain and can help you get through some of the tougher parts of the trail with ease.

If you plan to spend the night at a campsite, don't forget the all-important sleeping bag. Cocoon-shaped bags are a great way to trap in the heat and keep you safe, snug and comfortable on any stormy night. Just pick your favorite color and style, and make sure it rolls up tight for your backpack or tote.

And of course, you'll need a solid pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes. Light hikers are versatile, durable and can help you step up to that challenge like a pro. Look for low-cut hiking shoes if you plan to climb for most of the trip, which can help your joints move with ease. If your route involves tackling trails and hills, a pair of hi-cut boots may be a better match. No matter what style you go for, just make sure it's the shoe that fits!

Go ahead, play weekend warrior just one more time and say goodbye to summer with a memorable trip under your belt.

If a backpacking adventure is calling your name this season, picking out some essential equipment can help you trek along safely and comfortably. You'll need ultralight backpacking and hiking gear to get you through those tougher trails and challenging courses; from shoes to sleeping bags, make sure you have all the basics covered with this equipment checklist:

1. Sleeping bag

If you're heading out on an overnight course or extended trip, make sure your sleeping bag is well-prepared for harsh climates and inclement weather.

2. Fleece jacket.

No matter how hot the temperatures are during the day, the nighttime climate can drop dramatically and leave you shivering yourself to sleep without the right gear. Pick up a lightweight fleece blanket, gloves or jacket to keep you warm and toasty.

3. Cooking pot.

This will probably be the heaviest piece of equipment in your stash of supplies, so look for something lightweight, efficient and convenient. You'll also need some utensils, a lighter and a water filter so you can cook up a nourishing meal after a hard day of hiking.

4. Hiking boots.

All-purpose hiking boots are your best bet for a backpacking trip, especially if you're trekking across different types of terrain. Avoid investing in a super-heavy pair loaded with extra 'features' you don't really need. Lightweight, waterproof and comfortable ankle boots are the ideal match for a backpacking adventure.

5. Swimming shorts or a swimsuit.

When you're taking a break from backpacking and hiking, don't forget to take a dip in the lake or swim around the waterfall pool! Tuck a swimsuit into your backpack for some rest and relaxation during your adventure.

6. Poncho.

You never know when that downpour is going to hit, so pack a poncho to keep you dry during a rainy spell. Ponchos are lightweight and easy to fold up and pack away in the small compartments of your backpack.