Hiker Must-Haves: 8 Things You Should Not Forget

Hiking is one of the most relaxing yet physically challenging activities that can help improve your health and overall state. It is an activity that involves walking long distances, observing nature, and breathing fresh air. The experience is encouraging that a lot of people get drawn to this type of adventure. It helps you forget about all your problems, stress, anxiety, and worry. Reaching the top of the mountain also makes you feel accomplished and proud. 

Before engaging in this activity, you need to prepare for all possible circumstances. No matter how physically fit you are, you still need to have all the necessary items for emergencies. As a responsible hiker, you should have the following in your backpack:

1. Stay hydrated with water

Drinking loads of water is essential for anyone doing extreme activities like hiking. If your body is dehydrated, it cannot perform its function correctly. Moreover, you will be more prone to altitude sickness, heat stroke, hypothermia, and more without enough water. If your stomach is sensitive, you might need to buy a water container with a filter or purifier. It is essential to have when you need to do a refill. 

2. Prepare food for emergencies

You will never know when you will need extra energy or how long it would take you to travel your trail. That is why you need to have extra food in your bag for these types of emergencies. Prepare easy-to-eat and long-lasting meals that are good for at least one extra day. This item is also a must-have if you are hiking with the family. 

3. Be ready with your first aid kit

Accidents happen unexpectedly, and hiking is an outdoor activity that is prone to scratches, bites, and injuries. You should always be prepared for all the possibilities, especially when hiking alone or with the family. You can create your kit or buy a ready-made first aid kit from outdoor or camping stores. Make sure you also know how to use them and which type of first aid treatment is needed for what kind of injury. 

If you want to take hiking seriously, consider enrolling yourself in a first aid course that is specially made for mountaineers. 

4. Let there always be light

Not all hikes finish in a day. Some routes may require an overnight stay or two, and some need to start their walk in the wee hours of the morning. In these situations, you need to have a source of light. A flashlight would do, but make sure to have an extra bulb and batteries too. 

5. Protect yourself from the sun

Hiking up in the mountains means you are nearer to sun rays and are absorbing more UVA and UVB. Your skin is more prone to sunburn and other skin damages. Always protect yourself by wearing sunscreen no matter what weather there is. Sunscreen should also be frequently applied throughout the hike. 

Furthermore, being at a higher altitude means the sun shines brighter in your location. You also need to have eye protection, especially when you are hiking on snow. 

6. Have the necessary emergency tools

A knife, a multitool kit, and a duct tape are some of the important things to have in your backpack. You will never know when you will need a knife. It can help you open a food pack, prepare food, cut bandages, and more. A duct tape, on the other hand, is useful in fixing a lot of things—from your ripped boots to holding up tent poles.

7. Tools to start a fire

If you need to stay at one spot for a long time, you may need a fire in cooking and keeping yourself warm. Consider bringing waterproof matches or a cigarette lighter to make fire creation easier for you. 

8. Bring your map and compass

The most important thing on every hike is knowing where you are going. If you have a guide, then you can relax, but if you are doing it alone, you need to be ready. You cannot always rely on your smartphone or GPS units because the signal is different for various places. Having the traditional map and compass, and knowing how to use them is already enough to help you find the right path. 

Conclusion

Hiking is not just about working your body out. You need to be a disciplined hiker that knows how to take responsibility for himself. Before you go on that adventure, make sure to have everything on this list in your backpack. You will never know when you will need them, so come prepared.

If you lack any of the items listed above, check out our shop for your hiking needs. We have lights, first aid kits, the best hiking shoes, and more. We have thousands of products on hand, and we are ready to ship anytime! Shop now!