Hiking is an activity that has grown in popularity over the past few years, and for a good reason. It’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors with friends or family members, it’s great exercise, and you’ll always see some beautiful sights along the way. If you’re planning on taking part in this activity anytime soon, you might be wondering what gear to take with you. After all, hiking can be dangerous if hikers aren’t prepared for their trip!
Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of eight essential items that every hiker should pack before starting their journey into nature.
Pack Extra Clothing
Mother Nature can be very unpredictable, and if you’re not prepared for rain or snow, then the rest of your trip could go downhill fast! Bring along a waterproof coat, some warm socks to keep your feet dry in case it rains, and a spare pair of shoes that will stay on your feet when hiking over slippery rocks.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
When you first start out hiking, a pair of sturdy boots will suffice. However, as your experience grows and the trails get more rugged, it’s time to upgrade those clunky shoes for some proper support. In addition to protecting your feet from sharp rocks or venomous spiders, sneakers are lighter than heavy-duty hiking boots, making them better for long hikes.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential item to pack for your hiking trip. If you are not outdoors during the day, they still protect your eyes from UV rays and help prevent wrinkles around them in old age.
Emergency Flashlight
As you pack for your next hiking trip, do not forget to pack an ECOGEAR FX emergency flashlight. This product is waterproof and has a strong magnetic base that will allow it to attach easily to the outside of your backpack or tent. It can be recharged by USB cables which means no more batteries to buy.
Whistle and Compass
Whistle and Compass are essential items for any hiker to pack in their backpack. Whistles may be used to signal your location or get attention when you need help. Compasses can show you which direction you’re facing, indicate the degree of the slope ahead of you, or warn against cliffs that could cause injury if strayed from.
Sun Hat
Whether on a day hike or a week-long camping trip, bringing along a sun hat is always a good idea. A cap will not protect your face and neck from the sun as well as a wide-brimmed hat does. If it’s hot out, bring something light that breathes – straw hats work great for this. If you are going to be in the mountains where it’s cooler, a beanie will do just fine.
Sunblock
Even if your hiking trail is well-shaded and cool, don’t forget the sunblock! It doesn’t take long for skin damage from ultraviolet light to occur – so bring along some SPF 30 or higher.
Water Bottle
A water bottle is essential to have for any hiking trip. Since you will be exerting a lot of energy, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Make sure that your backpack has a place where you can fit in a standard-sized water bottle, and bring one with you! If the hike involves streams or rivers nearby, make sure not to use the water in those areas to refill your bottle.
Instead, use a filtration system or bring iodine tablets with you so that you can have safe drinking water along the way.
Snacks / Food
You will need food for energy throughout your hike! Make sure not to underestimate how hungry you will get while hiking and pack foods that are high in fat and protein.
In conclusion, it is important to pack these essential items in your backpack when you go hiking. However, if you are going out for a day hike and won’t need all of this gear, it would be best to bring what you genuinely need.
