Hiking can offer an amazing experience, not to mention the many health benefits that come with it. One of the most important things you need before hiking is a useful set of essentials. Here are some of the things that you should consider investing in for a better outdoor experience!
Waterproof equipment
Going on a hiking trip means you are probably going to get wet at some point whether it’s from leaves, puddles, rivers, or lakes you encounter on the way. Many people have found that a waterproof roll-top backpack is useful for protecting their items because you don’t want to be caught in a rainstorm without one and watch all of your gadgets, food, and clothing get damaged.
Make sure you waterproof the items that you find useful for camping such as boots, waterproof spray, socks, watch, and your compass. It’s much easier to go through the trip without worrying about your items getting broken. Thankfully, modern waterproof equipment is not too expensive so you should invest in a quality backpack, boots, and waterproof gloves.
Waterproof equipment can also be useful for all kinds of outdoor activities such as biking and kayaking so even if you don’t go hiking it’s still something worth investing in!
Hiking footwear
You need comfortable footwear to go through all the hiking trails. There are some useful tips to consider when buying hiking footwear, which will make it easier for you to choose the best one.
The first thing that should influence your decision is the comfortability and fit of footwear because if they don’t feel comfortable or cause any pain then you won’t be able to enjoy the hike at all. It is crucial not only for keeping up but also avoiding blisters which can become a problem during extended hikes since there’s no place where you could stop by so easily on longer routes.
They should also be waterproof and durable enough to withstand frequent contact with rocks and gravel, as well as rain. They should be built from a material that is water-resistant enough not to get wet too fast but also allows your feet to breathe.
Filtered water bottle
In case you run out of water, a filtered water bottle is useful in hiking. This kind of item comes with its own filter and filtration system to clean the contaminated and dirty water, so you can just fill it up wherever you want without worrying that your drink will be full of bacteria or harmful germs.
It also comes with an extra carbon capsule which helps remove the bad taste from chlorine-based tap water. Thus, it still tastes good even if there’s no safe drinking water for miles ahead. You don’t have to worry about finding sources of running spring waters anymore since this item alone makes sure that all your drinks are free from contamination!
A first-aid Kit
Injuries are common outdoors, whether you’re an experienced hiker or beginner. Accidents happen, and it’s important to be prepared with useful hiking essentials that could save your life in case of an emergency. A first-aid kit is one useful hiking essential that everyone should have when they’re exploring the great outdoors.
Here’s what this kit should contain:
- Bandages of different sizes
- Adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Gauze pads and sterile dressings in a variety of sizes
- Antiseptic wipes
- A cold pack or two
- Petroleum jelly
- Tweezers and safety pins for splinters and ticks
- A flexible fabric bandage
- Blood pressure cuff
Sunscreen
You need protection from the sun when you hike, and sunscreen is a useful hiking essential. When choosing sunscreen to take on your trip, make sure it has an SPF of 30 or more and that it protects against UVA and UVB rays. Remember that the sun’s rays are stronger when reflected off water surfaces (like in rivers) or snow-covered ground, and carry an umbrella for shade if necessary.
Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going out into direct sunlight so allow enough time before heading out with this useful hiking essential! You also need to reapply often depending on how much physical activity you do while outside such as sweat from biking up hills etc.
A map of the area
You don’t want to get lost when you’re out on a hike. For this reason, investing in a map is one of the most useful hiking essentials that anyone should invest in. When it comes to outdoor activities, having a goal is important and if it includes going somewhere specific then a map will always help you get there quickly and with ease! A map can be easily bought at an outdoor store or even online so don’t worry about not being able to find one when needed.
Hiking is fun, but updating your gear will make it even more so. You’ll need waterproof equipment and proper footwear. If you run out of water, make sure your water bottle has a filter so you wouldn’t get any diseases and have a first-aid kit for illness and injuries. Make sure you apply sunscreen throughout the day and bring a map so you don’t get lost. Have fun hiking!
Featured image: Carlos/Unsplash
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