Tips on preparing for a day hike

It's been raining a lot this weekend in California, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to go over knowledge I've built up to better prepare for a hike.

1. Drive carefully. Get good directions & know them before you begin. Make sure you are not sleepy. Get a full tank of gas. Make sure your car battery is working well.
2. Bring a cell phone with GPS capability, camera, and chargers for both. Make sure they are charged near 100% at the start of your hike!
3. Allow plenty of time to complete your hike and get to your car BEFORE sunset.
4. Bring water and energy bars (in a good backpack).
5. Safer to hike with others than by yourself. If you must go alone, tell someone where you are going beforehand.
6. Eat a good meal before the hike, to avoid a later "crash".
7. Check the weather beforehand. Don't hike in landslide-prone areas in wet conditions, areas near burning wildfires, active volcanic regions, you get the idea...also, some hikes are just better during certain times of year.
8. Heed warning signs. Don't venture into closed or potentially dangerous areas.
9. Bring warm clothing just in case the weather changes for the worse.
10. Bring money for parking fees. Check where to park before your drive.
11. Plan your meals beforehand.
12. Apply sunscreen. Bring a jacket/hat in windy areas.
13. Get a trail map, either beforehand or at the trail head/visitor center if available.
14. Be friendly (or yield if appropriate) to fellow hikers or bikers. Warn them of dangerous conditions if you encounter them.
15. Keep your distance from large or dangerous animals. Bring a hiking stick for self-defense.
16. Bring a flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, pen, and tissue paper.
17. Get good hiking shoes that grip the trail/road well.
18. Pause at trail junctions and check your trail map/GPS. If needed take a photo of the signs/general area if you will return later.
19. Check sunset times. If hiking on a beach, check tide tables.
20. Bring a hiking stick for added stability and to fend off animals.
21. As a general rule, have enough supplies for unexpected scenarios, i.e. getting lost & staying overnight on a trail.
22. Do not let your enthusiasm for the hike allow you to take unnecessary risks; use common sense.
  a. It's okay to pull over to a parking lot, take a 20-minute nap and/or drink a caffeine drink if tired driving.
  b. Avoid risking your safety for a great photograph.
  c. Macho men/women: we know you'd like to get to the top or finish line; but do not continue towards your "goal" if it prevents you from getting back to your car before sunset, or increases the chance of a fall/accident.
  d. Sporty women/men: it's nice to wear clothing that you feel & look good in; as long as you have warm clothing as backup when the weather breaks.