Are you planning for a hike but don’t know what to pack for the trip? A great hike will help you to explore nature— it’s more than just a walk in the park. However, certain factors can make or break your hiking adventure. While hiking is a fun outdoor activity, it could turn out to be downright dangerous if you don’t have the appropriate gear.
Knowing what to pack for a hike is a crucial part of making your hiking trip successful. Packing too much stuff can make your hiking tedious and forgetting basic hiking essentials may be detrimental should things go wrong. You need to know what you should bring on a hiking trip, considering the distance you intend to cover, the climate, and the remoteness of the trail.
Don’t hit the hiking trail without packing the essential hiking gear that could save your life.
Hiking Gear Essentials List: The Ultimate Packing Guide for Hikers
If you are a hiking enthusiast or a hiking newbie searching for what hiking essentials you need for a hike, then this article is designed for you. According to the adventure junkies, here are some of the hiking essentials that you need to pack to have a successful hiking trip. You should include these items in your hiking checklist:
Hiking Backpack
A good backpack is crucial to an enjoyable hiking adventure. You should select one that is big and lightweight sufficient to carry all your hiking essentials, without forcing you to over pack. For instance, a backpack that holds between 11-20 liters is ideal for short or day hikes.
Footwear and Clothing
Since weather can be unpredictable, choosing the right clothing and footwear safeguards you from unforeseen dangers. To be prepared for such a changing climate, make sure you pack shoes and clothes beyond those you think you need for the trip. You also need to assess the amount of protection your clothes offer against ultraviolet light. For footwear, choose the hiking boots you need to wear that will best suit the hiking terrain. Also, remember to wear a good pair of socks during your hike.
Extra Water & Food
Without sufficient water, your body could start to shut down. Drinking little water will make you thirsty and make you susceptible to altitude sickness or hypothermia. Pack some snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and jerky to give you the morale and energy you need in your hiking.
Navigation tools- A Map and Compass
A compass and map will not only show you where you are but also will assist you in locating water, campsites and emergency exit in case of danger. While GPS units are very crucial, it is always advisable to carry a compass and a map as a backup.
Emergency First Aid Kits
Accidents happen when they are least expected. You need to be armed with a fully-stocked first aid kit to help you should the worst occur. You should also consider enrolling for a first-aid class before you head out for your hike.
Hiking Essentials for Beginners: What You Need to Get Started
Hikers can encounter many challenges, including falling trees, broken bridges, and flooded passes. If you are planning for your first hike, here are the five steps for hiking for beginners and adventure junkies:
Determine the length of your hike beforehand
We don’t recommend that you start with the Appalachian Trail. Instead, you need to begin with short trails that can be done in one day. Select a hike depending on the amount of time you have at your disposal.
Decide if you will hike alone or with a group/family
Hiking alone seems to be a great idea at first. Unfortunately, it can be more dangerous/ risky when you encounter an accident while on the trail! It is advisable to hike with a family member or a friend. Such hiking presents an excellent bonding opportunity. This is particularly true when you know your hiking trail very well or have prior hiking experience.
Determine Your Level
If you are a hiking beginner, then it would be unintelligent to head out for a whole day hike! It seems like you will be killing yourself in the name of hiking adventure. You need to start slow and select places around your town that you can stop and return to your home or car quickly. Practice, practice until you can comfortably handle longer hikes.
What to Bring on a Short Hike
Do you want to know what to pack for a short hike? Nothing is embarrassing as heading out for a two or three miles hike, only to realize that you have forgotten to pack your jacket, cell phone or water bottle. Avoid such calamities by preparing a hiking checklist. Here are the ten essentials that you need to bring on a short hike as listed below:
- Water
- Food
- A compass
- Emergency shelter
- Map
- Sunglasses
- Whistle
- Fire starting material
- Pocket knife
- First-Aid Kit
Overnight Hiking Essentials
Thinking about what essentials to bring on your overnight hike can be an uphill task especially if you are doing it for the very first time. And the requirements might vary, based on various circumstances. Such factors might include the surrounding animals that might threaten your security, whether you are hiking alone or in a group?
One major mistake that beginners commit is to overpack, over packing ruins your hike more than anything else. According to the switch back travel, here are some of the must-haves overnight hiking essentials you need to pack:
- Sleeping bag/pad
- Comfort items- sunscreen, bandana, and toilet paper
- Batteries for headlamp
- Food
- Water
- Camping Stove
- Fuel
- Cutlery
- Garbage bags
Final Thoughts
What you should bring on a hiking adventure will depend on various factors. Since there are thousands of types of hiking gear available, this article has provided information about hiking gear essential list for both day and overnight hikes that will help you make an informed choice. This article is a must-read for all hiking enthusiasts or beginners who want to know what to pack for their upcoming hiking adventure.
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