What supplies were needed on the California Trail?

Generally, the following minimum rations were recommended for each adult person:

120-200 pounds of flour in canvas sacks.
30 pounds of hardtack or crackers.
25-75 pounds of bacon.
15 pounds ground corn.
½ bushel cornmeal.
10-50 pounds of rice.
2 pounds of saleratus (an early form of baking soda)
10 pounds of salt.

What did the pioneers bring with them on the California Trail?

In the early days of the trail when game was more abundant near the trail, pioneers could often kill buffalo and antelope. However, a more dependable supply of fresh meat was to bring along a small herd of cattle and trail them behind the wagon. Many also brought along a cow for milking purposes.

What should I bring on a trail walk?

These items should be on your hiking checklist:

Hiking backpack.
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes.
Plenty of food.
Plenty of water.
Navigation tools such as a map and compass.
First-aid kit.
Knife or multi-tool.

What was the most important item for successful life on the trail?

the covered wagon

What was the best month to start the Oregon Trail?

The Applegate train began to assemble in late April, the best time to get rolling. The date of departure had to be selected with care. If they began the more than 2,000-mile journey too early in the spring, there would not be enough grass on the prairie to keep the livestock strong enough to travel.

What was the most difficult part of the Oregon Trail?

Major threats to pioneer life and limb came from accidents, exhaustion, and disease. Crossing rivers were probably the most dangerous thing pioneers did. Swollen rivers could tip over and drown both people and oxen. Such accidents could cause the loss of life and most or all of valuable supplies.

What were the dangers of moving West?

Obstacles included accidental discharge of firearms, falling off mules or horses, drowning in river crossings, and disease. After entering the mountains, the trail also became much more difficult, with steep ascents and descents over rocky terrain. The pioneers risked injury from overturned and runaway wagons.