Hiking is an amazing outdoor activity. People that hike do so by exploring mountain trails. Hiking is an amazing physical exercise but at the same time a great way for a person to explore nature and enjoy its beauty. You can hike all year round, regardless of the weather conditions providing you have the proper hiking gear.
A Big and Versatile Backpack
The hiking backpack should be one that can endure weight and diverse weather conditions, but at the same time, it needs to be comfortable for you to carry. Hikes usually last long and during that time you need to be focused solely on the trail and not on how heavy and irritating your backpack is. Is a hiking backpack worth it? Yes. A regular backpack is not fitting for a hike. You need to exclude that option right from the start. There are a lot of hiking backpacks to choose from and you can also find ones that are affordable.
You should opt for a backpack that’s made from waterproof materials and one that has an additional waist belt. The belt helps with weight distribution and will prevent the backpack from weighing you down. For added comfort, pick a backpack that has foam padding on the back.
It is also important for the backpack to have a lot of pockets and compartments as well as an internal layer that reflects lights and improves visibility so that you can easily organize everything.
High-Quality Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are usually made out of aluminium or carbon fibre. These materials are lightweight but very strong and both features are important for hikers. The poles are supposed to be very easy to use at the same time strong enough to endure the weight of the hiker but also the rough terrains. There is a debate whether or not trekking poles are necessary. But they can help hikers a lo0t in conquering trails that are not that easy to conquer.
The length of the poles is adjustable and they can be folded which makes them easy for transportation. A trekking stick with an EVA foam grip is the best option because it is super soft and comfortable. You also want a moisture-wicking strap. The tips are usually made of rubber and they can be replaced with new ones once they get too damaged.
With the walking poles, your hikes will never be the same. You’ll never want to go back. Why? What are the benefits of hiking sticks? Trekking poles remove some of the weight the whole body endures during climbing up but also going downhill. You’ll have way more balance and hiking on uneven terrains will be a piece of cake for you with the backup the poles offer.
Thanks to the hiking poles, your upper body will be as included as your lower body is. You’ll get a full-body workout and strengthen the muscles in your back, neck and arms at the same time burning more calories. Trekking poles also help you keep a good posture while hiking. This is also important and can prevent unnecessary strain and back pain.
The most important thing is to get the right hiking pole length for your height. Or if the poles are adjustable, you need to adjust them to fit you perfectly. How do you determine the right length? A basic rule is that your arm should have an angle of 90 degrees while you’re holding the trekking stick. Your forearms need to be parallel to the ground.
Get Hiking Attire
When you’re choosing hiking clothes you should keep in mind that the clothes need to be comfortable and warm. The best materials for hiking clothes are polyester, nylon and Merino. These materials have good moisture-wicking properties and will keep you dry and warm during your hiking trip. Cotton is not the best material for the occasion because it retains moisture and if you start sweating it will make you feel wet and uncomfortable. You need base layers but also regular pants and a jacket that is waterproof. In case it starts raining or snowing, you’ll be protected. Waterproof jackets are essential winter hiking gear.
A hat is a small accessory but very handy when it comes to hiking. It can protect you both from the harsh sun and also from the rain and the cold. During summer you need a brimmed hat while in winter you can go with a warm beanie.
And Good Hiking Boots
The boots are supposed to protect your feet, offer support and improve your performance. As I said before, the trails can get rough and you need boots that can get you through that without trouble. Hiking boots are waterproof and have a strong sole. You can go for boots made of leather or ones made out of synthetic materials.
Apart from picking premium materials, you also need to get the size right. Boots that don’t fit you well will affect your performance. Make sure your boots are a perfect fit. Boots too tight-fitting or ones that are too loose won’t do the trick.
Navigation Equipment is a Must
On top of everything else, you need navigation that can help you figure out your location. Mistakes happen even to the most skilled and experienced hikers. It is better to go prepared than wander in the middle of nowhere searching for the right turn. You don’t have to bother with maps and compasses. Instead, you can acquire a GPS unit that’s compact, easy to use, affordable and reliable. GPS units give precise location thanks to the satellite connection and have batteries that last quite a long time. You’ll be able to navigate the trails with ease. You can even get a GPS smartwatch which surely is the most convenient navigation tool in existence. With the GPS watch, you won’t have to survive getting separated from your group.
And so is a First Aid Kit
The first aid kit contains everything you need to treat a minor injury while hiking. You don’t have the luxury of calling a doctor or going to the hospital right away so you need the second best – a first aid kit. What should the kit contain? Bandages, antiseptics, pain medication, gauze pads, antihistamines and medical tape. These are the mere basics and will come in handy if you have cuts, bruises, sprains or suffer an insect bite.
