Between 1965 and 2015, the mileage of national hiking trails increased from 88,000 to 193,500. There are so many trails to get out there and explore.
But how do you make sure you're
prepared for your next hiking trip? With our list of essential hiking supplies,
you'll be ready in no time. Keep reading for some of our must-haves you should
add to your packing list.
1.
The Right Footwear
When you go on a hike, you're going
on foot. In some ways, that makes your feet the most important part of your
trip. Therefore, your shoes are just as important.
Make sure that you've chosen the
right shoes for your trip. This means considering your feet and your comfort as
well as the terrain you'll be hiking on. Choose the right socks, too, so your
feet are comfortable all around.
2.
Navigation Materials
You definitely do not want to get lost on your hiking trip, so some of the most important hiking supplies are and navigation materials.. You can't necessarily rely on your phone since you don't
know if you'll run into a spot where you don't have any service. Make sure to
pack offline navigation alternatives.
This could mean a map, a compass, or
another GPS system that doesn't require internet. Even with a
non-internet-based GPS, it's a good idea to have a backup since you might run
into the issue of a dead battery.
3.
Sustenance: Water & Food
No matter how long your trip is
going to be, make sure to add food and water to your packing list. To stay
hydrated, the general suggestion is that you try to drink about a liter of
water for every two hours on the trail, so you can use that guideline to bring
along enough in the first place.
When it comes to food, opt for
snacks that are light to carry but calorie-dense. These could be trail mix,
energy bars, fruit, or jerky. You need that energy to keep you going.
4.
Safety & First Aid Items
In case something happens on the
trail, you want to be prepared. Items like a small flashlight or a whistle are
essential items on a hiking trip checklist in case you get lost in the woods
after dark.
It's also crucial to have some basic
medical items because accidents do happen. You can specialize a fairly basic
first aid kit to meet your needs including items like particular prescription
medications, painkillers, and anything that will help you clean and wrap a cut
or another injury.
5.
A Bag: Something to Pack It All In
Obviously, you need the right bag to
pack away all your hiking supplies. But how do you choose? If you're just
starting out, nearly any backpack will do.
As you progress, you might opt for a
specific hiking backpack that has padded straps or a hipbelt to make carrying the
weight easier. And if you're planning on going on a multi-day trek and camping
overnight, you might consider a backpack that has solar panels built right in.
You can check out the repthewild.com review
of the SunnyBag Explorer+ to get an idea of what these look like.
Don't
Be Caught Without These Hiking Trip Essentials
With this list, you're ready to pack
up and get going on your next outdoor adventure. Just make sure to check off
everything on your list so you're never caught unprepared on a hiking trip.
If you found this article helpful,
make sure to check out some of our other travel blogs!
