When hiking for the first time, it can be daunting planning your trip. This is especially true for what you decide to take. Whether you’re going for a short or a long hike, or going alone or with friends, there are many items that you just have to think will come in handy. While there are many optional and versatile supplies you can take hiking, there are some things that should be at the top of your list. In this blog, we’re gonna go over some of the most necessary. Here are the things you should pack in your hiking bag.
Appropriate Clothing and Footwear
Get dressed before you go out for your wild adventure! Layer up with some activewear underneath something that covers your arms and legs. This is important to prevent you from getting bites from bugs, predators, and prevents pesky branches and poisonous plants (such as poison ivy). The activewear underneath will allow you to move efficiently, and provides an extra layer in case you’re hiking in the cold. As for footwear, it’s best to find a nice pair of boots. If you are hiking on a trail, you might be able to get away with tennis shoes, but boots give you more leverage and efficiency on certain terrain. Lastly, layer up more with rain or snow coats, scarves, and hats for extra protection.
Water and Food
Be sure to pack your largest water bottle, and consider bringing another spare just in case of emergencies. Water is essential for staying hydrated while you exhaust your body. Take lots of breaks, and try to conserve your water as best as you can. The same goes for food. Even if you’re not planning a long trip, food can come in handy in the case of an emergency. It’s best to pack something light such as sandwiches, granola bars, or things that are easily stored. If you want to plan for a long trip, bring a pot and something to start a fire with. You can fill the pot with water or soup in order to cook up a nice meal.
A First-Aid Kit
It goes without saying that your essentials revolve around emergencies. While you may have packed and planned well for bug bites or you can deal with cuts or bruises, not everyone can and sometimes you expose yourself to something you didn’t realize. First aid kits often come equipped with band-aids, ointments, and rubbing alcohol that can help treat anything. Be sure to take any personal items with you inside this kit, such as allergy medicine. If you’re traveling in a group, ask others to bring a first-aid kit as well, that way you can avoid the awkwardness of someone asking “I thought you brought the first aid kit?”. If everyone commits to this decision, there won’t be a worry.
Maps and a Compass
In the age of cell phones, it can be troubling to go hiking and find that you can’t seem to find where you’re going. While there may be some locations with decent service or applications that provide maps, you should try to conserve your battery as much as you can. A physical map helps in the case of emergencies, and provides a natural fun exploration tool. Compasses help tell you which direction you need to be going. Without them, you could be going the wrong way and will need some help.
The Proper Tools
A lot of hikers often use a stick to help them traverse the mountain. It can also be used to fend off anything dangerous, and waved around to knock down branches. A multi-knife also comes in handy when you need to cut, screw, or pop open a particular thing. Lastly, if you’re deciding to bring a tent it’s best that you bring a large mallet or hammer in order to pitch your tent properly. Ropes come in handy as well in order to tie up certain things, or follow your way back to a trail. While you may not need all of these tools on your first hike, you will definitely need to use them at some point in future hikes, so it is best to carry them in the case of an emergency.
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