Top 4 Essentials You Need to Pack For a Successful Hike For Beginners

Exploring the great outdoors by hiking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature with friends, family, or even by yourself. You can approach it in various ways – from taking on an adventurous walk deep into national forests or taking on the challenge of hiking up mountains.

Of course, the equipment you need to bring primarily depends on the distance and time it will take to hike your destination and the conditions of the terrain. Nonetheless, the list below is some of the essentials you need for a smooth trail when taking on a day hike:

Must-Have #1: Navigation Devices

While it feels good to get lost in the picture-perfect beauty of your surroundings, it’s not a good idea to stray from your path. Even if you’re hiking along an urban park, it’s a wise to have navigation tools that will help you find your way along with landmarks and different trail junctions.

A map and compass are the most fundamental navigation tools that you can’t go without, which helps you learn how to read maps and use a compass if you want to take your hiking seriously. Other tools like GPS receivers, satellite messenger, and altimeter watch are optional devices that can improve your experience.

Must-Have #2: Sun Protection

Sun protection gear may sound basic, but it plays a critical role in protecting you from the direct heat you get when traversing the open land all afternoon. Some of the essentials include sun-protection clothing like pants and long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a full brim.

Failing to shield yourself from the sun can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, trigger premature skin aging, and cataracts in the long run. Not to mention, the heat can also tire you faster.

Must-Have #3: First Aid Kit

No matter how careful you are in your trail, accidents can always happen. With that in mind, bringing a first aid kit is an absolute must as it can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable bag that can cater to your needs – be it disinfecting cuts, treating blisters, or managing pain with OTC pain medications.

Must-Have #4: Firestarters

Firestarters may be far from your mind when thinking about standard hiking essentials, but it can be a life-saver once you find yourself in situations where you need to start or maintain a fire. Compared to matchsticks or butane lighters that easily run out, firestarters can last you for days and can withstand wet conditions.

In addition to starting fires, other heating sources include dry tinder tucked in a plastic bag, candles, priming paste, or heat nuggets, which are chipped wood that is soaked in resin. To that end, it’s an ideal supply to have when you need an emergency heat and water source.

The Bottom Line

Packing the essentials in your trip will come in handy once things go awry, that’s why preparation is always key to achieving a successful hiking day trip, no matter which part of the world you explore.

If you’re looking for a wide selection of hiking equipment and clothing in Oklahoma to improve your experience, browse our website, see what you need, and place your order now!