Hiking has become increasingly popular since the pandemic among people want to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and they want to experience nature first-hand. But to enjoy a wilderness experience, you need to take your time to plan ahead. Otherwise, you may find yourself in an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation.
Backpack
There are so many different types of hiking backpacks that you can easily get lost in the options. You can find a backpack for any kind of hiking, whether it’s a short walk or a multi-day trip. If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite, you should be prepared and bring only the essentials. A heavy bag will just weigh you down and cause discomfort.
It’s essential to buy backpacks that fit your body well. If the part resting on your back isn’t comfortable, it’ll cause pain after some time, and if the straps aren’t adjustable, they won’t hold the backpack properly. The first thing to consider when buying a backpack is its capacity. It should be able to hold all your belongings without weighing too much.
The second thing you need to consider is the number of compartments it has. The more compartments it has, the easier it’ll be for you to organize everything in the bag and have easy access to all your essentials whenever needed. Some bags have hidden pockets on the hip belt while others include an integrated rain cover or even a built-in hydration bladder compartment with an opening for a tube.
There are also many materials that are used for making hiking backpacks. You can buy backpacks in different colours and patterns depending on the person’s choice of design and quality. Backpacks are generally made of nylon, canvas or leather. Nylon and canvas bags are mostly used because they are durable, water-resistant, lightweight, breathable and flexible. Leather bags offer a sense of luxury but can be heavy and require special care.
Backpacks may have adjustable straps to distribute weight evenly throughout the body. The design of the strap allows weight to be placed on the shoulders and hips instead of on one specific part of the body. The most commonly used backpacks for hiking have enough space for all your essentials without ignoring comfort. Pockets may be included to keep items organized and accessible.
Clothing and Footwear
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing that can withstand the weather. For example, if it’s going to be warm outside, shorts and a t-shirt are fine, but if it’s cold, you’ll want something more substantial such as jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. You should wear shoes that provide good traction on whatever surface you’ll be walking on.
This is especially important if there is snow or ice on the ground because those conditions can make it very easy for you to slip and fall. Also, make sure your hiking shoes are waterproof so your feet don’t get wet from stepping in puddles or streams along the way!
Sleep Kit
Keep your sleep kit light and simple. Pack a sleeping bag that’s rated for the temperatures you expect, and a closed-cell foam pad to go underneath. Packs with an internal frame are more comfortable than ones without, but don’t spend extra money on a fancy suspension system: what you really want is something that will hold the pack’s contents off your back so air can circulate.
Bring a headlamp instead of a flashlight. Flashlights can be extremely irritating in a tent because they bounce off the walls and blind everyone lying in their path. You’ll want a pillow. A good choice is a compressible pillow. It’s made out of open-cell foam, and it compresses flat for packing. It also weighs only three ounces.
Water and Food
It’s important to stay hydrated and fuelled when you’re out on the trail. Bring plenty of water, preferably up to four litres for a full day hike. A hydration pack makes it easy to drink while you’re hiking, but if you don’t have one of these packs, you’ll need to bring along at least two water bottles in your chosen camping backpack. You should also take along some high-energy snacks such as energy bars, granola, or fruit. If you’re hiking in bear country, be sure to store your food properly.
First Aid Kit
When going on a hike, one of the most important things to bring with you is a first aid kit. You can purchase pre-made kits from any sporting goods store, or you can make your own. No matter what type of first aid kit you have, make sure it includes:
- Bandages: Bandages are used in a variety of different situations when hiking. Make sure you have a variety of sizes and shapes of bandages, including butterfly bandages for deep cuts and gauze pads for large wounds.
- Antiseptic wipes: These are helpful for cleaning cuts or scrapes before bandaging them. They also provide an additional layer of protection against infection.
- Antibiotic cream and ointment: This should be applied after cleaning the wound but before bandaging it. The antibiotic cream will protect the open wound from infection while it is healing. The ointment is intended for blisters, burns and other skin irritations that may occur while hiking.
- Pain reliever: Aspirin or ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, are both helpful to have on hand in case of injury.
To Sum Up
No matter if you’re a complete beginner or an experienced hiker, take the time to carefully plan your hiking trip so that you can enjoy every moment and make sure to stay as safe as possible. The tips in this article should help you do just that.
