5 Essentials That You Must Carry On a Hiking Trip

Posted by Miley Munroe on March 8th, 2019

Hiking is a fun travel experience and a great way to breath in the beauty of nature. You can choose to go on this beautiful mini-adventure for a day or two to escape the monotony of everyday life. It can be the perfect weekend trip that will energize you to face the dreaded Monday with renewed vigor. Our country is dotted with hundreds of picturesque long as well as short distance hiking trails that you can go on- whether you choose to go on the formidable Appalachian trail in Tennessee or be a part of the enriching experience of hiking in Lake Tahoe. Regardless of where you go, there is one thing that you must always remember and that is to be well prepared for the hike. The most important aspect of hiking preparation are the essentials that you must take along with you.

To determine what you have to take, think about the distance that you will cover, the location and also the weather predictions. However, the following is a list of few essential items that should be a part of your gear:

1. Proper clothing and footwear

The clothes that you wear or carry must be according to the weather conditions. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and prepare accordingly. Sun protection should also be a key consideration. For short distance hikes, trail shoes are a great option, but if you plan to go on much difficult terrain, you must wear proper hiking boots.

2. Sufficient food and water

You must pack high energy snacks like protein bars and nuts that you can east on the go. Refrain from carrying too much cooked food. In addition to that, it is essential to consume at least three liters of water a day so that you are not vulnerable to problems like dehydration and altitude sickness.

3. Navigation and safety items

Imagine you are on the most amazing Lake Tahoe hiking trail ever, and then suddenly you realize that you don’t know the way ahead. The only way to avoid this is to carry a map and also a compass. You should also have safety items like lights and whistles so that you can seek help in case you get lost somewhere.

4. Hygiene products

Hygiene is of the utmost importance on a hike because you will be constantly exposed to dust and dirt and a host of harmful things. You must carry hand sanitizers, toilet paper or wipes, toothbrush, and toothpaste, among other things. Girls must also carry tampons or sanitary pads for emergencies.

5. Emergency/first-aid kit

You can easily find first-aid kids that are specially packaged for hikers. Walking for long distances on rugged trails can often lead to injuries or other unavoidable issues. You must train yourself on ways to administer first aid for increased effectiveness.

Hiking does not have to be overwhelming, but as the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. So, it is always important to be ready and prepared for the worst case scenario. On an added note, carry a trash bag so that you do not leave any garbage on the trail.

Author’s bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about hiking essentials.