Hiking is a brilliant way to explore beautiful natural surroundings and escape the worries of our daily lives. But apart from simply finding a great trail, you will also need to pack the right equipment and gear if you want to ensure your hiking trip is safe and enjoyable. Whether you’re a novice going on your first hiking trip or a more experienced hiker looking to brush up on the basics, here are some of the most important essentials you should bring on every packing trip to make sure it’s successful:
Water and snacks
There’s no denying that water is truly the most crucial item during hikes, especially on strenuous trails or in hot climates. It prevents dehydration and allows you to be in optimal condition. So, always bring a lightweight reusable water bottle on your hiking trips, and make sure you have a clean source of water to top it up with along the way. If not, packing a small water filtration device can also be beneficial in emergencies. When it comes to maintaining high energy levels, bringing additional drinks with electrolytes and a few healthy snacks is also advised.
Sun protection
Just like any other outdoor activity, proper sun protection is essential during hiking trips as well. This doesn’t only mean bringing sunscreen and reapplying it throughout the day but also carrying sunglasses and a hat in order to protect your eyes, face, and neck from the sun as well. Exposure to sunlight leads to uncomfortable burns, but it can also be the cause of dehydration and disorientation, which is why protection is so vital. Depending on the weather and the surroundings, you might also want to bring a bug repellent or some waterproof clothing, just in case.
A good knife
No matter how you’re spending your time outdoors, a high-quality knife is always an invaluable tool. Choose durable OTF automatic knives for their toughness and strength, and you will always have a multipurpose tool on hand to solve any issue when hiking. Whether you need to prepare food, open packages, cut lines and trim ropes for tents, sharpen sticks for starting fires, or simply fix damaged gear and equipment, these tasks are nearly impossible to complete without a good knife. That is why you need to make sure you always have one in your hiking backpack.
Navigation
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker; getting lost in the wilderness with no food and water or access to a convenient shelter can be incredibly dangerous, which is why you should always bring some type of navigation with you. Physical maps and compasses are always the most reliable choice, but small GPS devices might be more convenient for many hikers – just make sure they’re functional, updated, and fully charged. Regardless of the solution, navigation is absolutely essential for staying on track and ensuring a safe and pleasant hiking trip.
Emergency shelter
Even if you’re only going on a shorter day hike, it’s always recommended to carry a compact emergency shelter (bivvy) with you at all times. The weather can change drastically in a matter of minutes, and a bivvy can protect you if you have to sleep or spend more time outdoors in unfavorable conditions. This emergency shelter looks like a small, heat-trapping sleeping bag that can easily roll up while being lightweight enough to seamlessly fit at the bottom of any backpack. A bivvy is a great last resort in case of emergency.
A first aid kit
Although rare, hiking can result in injuries, especially when going through more challenging terrain. While smaller aches like blisters might only need some bandages, cuts and scrapes can quickly become infected and present an even bigger issue. For that reason, you should always carry a hiking first aid kit equipped with antiseptics, gauze, bandages, adhesives, scissors, emergency whistles, etc. A kit like this will allow you to treat any wounds or injuries immediately, preventing infections, and helping you to heal more easily, thus allowing you to enjoy your hiking trip to the fullest.
Packing for a hiking trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the essentials above and build on them depending on your hike to ensure a safe and pleasurable trip in the wild.
