Hiking is a great way to get in shape while also exploring the majestic beauty of nature in all its glory. However, going for a hike unprepared is one of the most foolish things you can do, as it not only sets you up for an unenjoyable experience, it also heightens your risk of encountering mishaps and safety hazards during your journey. On the other hand, bringing the right gear and supplies will ensure that your hike is fulfilling and convenient from start to finish. With that said, here are 10 gear categories to keep in mind when packing for your next hiking trip:
1. Footwear and Clothing Tips
When packing clothes, it is always best to prepare for the possibility that the weather could become wetter, windier, and colder than expected. Be sure to bring plenty of socks, quick-drying pants, moisture wicking underwear, a raincoat, and a hat and jacket with decent insulating properties. Of course, you should also bring a sturdy pair of comfortable boots, and if you’re going to be hiking in an area where snakes are known to be present, it would be wise to opt for the best snake boots you can afford.
2. Recommended Electronics
Some people like to keep things minimal when they are hiking, but for the sake of safety, it is best to bring at least a few essential electronics such as a GPS-capable device, two-way radios, a reliable watch, a satellite messenger, or a personal locator beacon. It is also a good idea to bring backup batteries, a solar charger, and a waterproof case for your most essential devices. You may want to bring a decent camera as well instead of relying on your phone’s camera, as doing so will drain the battery unnecessarily.
3. Navigation Tools
In addition to the abovementioned devices, you should also bring a good compass and a map. Instead of storing the map folded up in your backpack and unprotected, it’s a good idea to pack it in a protective/waterproof map frame. Experts recommend taking two compasses – one digital and one analog so that A) you can be sure you’re headed in the right direction, and B) you’ll have a secondary backup in case one gets lost.
4. Lighting
When the sun goes down and the night time portion of your hiking trip goes into full effect you’re going to want more than a candle for illumination. Be sure to bring a powerful flashlight, along with backup batteries; as well as some sort of lantern. You might also want to take a headlamp to light your path hands-free during times when you can’t use one hand to hold and aim a flashlight.
5. First Aid
There are plenty of ways to get injured during a hike, so you should always bring at least a minimal first aid kit to accommodate any mishaps that might arise. You can build your own custom kit or buy a pre-made one online or at a local sporting goods store. If you are making your own kit, you will want to include some antiseptic wipes, bandages, bandage adhesive, gauze pads, sterile pads, adhesive tape, pain relief medication, blister ointment, antibacterial ointment, antihistamine, tweezers (for splinters), insect sting relief ointment, and safety pins.
6. Food and Beverages
When you’re heading out for a hike, you want to take enough food to last you the whole day, plus extra in case you wind up getting stranded or losing some items. Snack bars are great because they’re lightweight and you can carry a bunch without taking up too much space. Bottled water is a must, but in some areas, you can get by with less if you have a camping water pump and filter if there are sufficient natural water sources like springs and rivers nearby. If you do have to resort to drinking water from nature, be sure to filter and boil it first.
7. Emergency Shelter Supplies
Bring a compact and easily foldable material that can be used to create emergency shelter, such as a tarp, tent, reflective blanket with a bivy. With one of those basic components, you can construct a makeshift shelter using branches, trees, rocks, and other items that are abundant in nature. Pick something sturdy and big enough to get the job done, but not bulky enough to weigh you down.
8. Toiletries
Unless you’d prefer to wipe with a leaf then it would be best to bring some toilet paper, paper towels, plastic bags for waste, hand sanitizer, and any other applicable hygiene products. A toothbrush and mouthwash are optional additions but are certainly recommended if your hiking trip is going to last longer than a day.
9. Repair and Rescue Tools
If you’re ever in a situation where you need to build a shelter or fire, or if you need to signal for your own rescue, you’ll want to have certain tools on hand. For starters, you may want to bring a flare gun and/or smoke signals. It’s also good to have a strong multi-tool like a Swiss army knife, as well as fire starting gear like magnesium fire starters, matches, lighters, and a bundle of premium kindling. Having rope for cordage also tends to come in handy.
10. Sun and Insect Protection
Finally, you may want to bring a couple of topical creams or sprays to protect you from insects and the sun’s UV rays, particularly if you’re going to be hiking in a sunny environment. Aside from sunscreen and insect repellent, a pair of sunglasses, some SPF-rated lip balm, and sun hat may also be in order, depending on the climate.
Other Miscellaneous Suggestions
While the above list is a good starting point, you’ll undoubtedly think of other things that will make your hiking trip easier and more enjoyable. Binoculars, a drinking cup, a whistle, a weatherproof journal, trekking poles, dining utensils, backup itineraries, field guides, and hiking books are some of the extras you might want to bring along to make sure everything goes smoothly the whole way through.