Hiking Gear
Hiking is an unpretentious nature activity that requires simple planning and simple equipment and gear. Though not complicated, it is important to have an understanding of the basics and necessities of everything that is essential. The following sections cover the different pieces of hiking equipment that should be on your hiking checklist.
There are so many options when it comes to hiking gear that it is sometimes hard to decide exactly what suits your needs best. For a typical day hike you will always need suitable hiking apparel, a great pair of hiking shoes, a backpack, a water bottle and some trekking poles. These are the things that can make or break your hiking trip. For longer hikes that require overnight stay of a few days or more you will need to add a few things such as tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad, a water purifier, cookware and fire. Make sure that you have chosen these items with respect to their quality, comfort and ease of use, and you should be well on your way to exploring the great outdoors.
Hiking boots and backpack
First things first, you will want to have the right gear for your feet. Something with a nice thick and rubberized sole with good grip is going to be the best type of shoe possible. If you are unsure of the type of shoe you should be looking for check out some reviews and ask questions of other experienced hikers, (go to a forum if you don’t know any hikers personally) they are usually willing to guide you in choosing the right fit and style for your needs. For your backpack, you will want to find something that is nice and light, with a few pockets to store small stuff and hopefully, less than twenty pounds once it is packed. A backpack that is water proof to protect any belongings that would be affected by rain or contact with a river would be ideal.
Water
It is critical to always have enough water at all times. Be sure to pack a couple bottles of water for shorter trips and or a water bottle with purifier for overnighters. There are combination water bottle and water purifiers available. These are good because they help keep your travels light, just make sure to check the packaging to see that the filtration system works immediately. You wouldn’t want to be parched while waiting on your water to filter. Trekking poles are accessories that are particularly helpful in maintaining your balance, especially when hiking on irregular terrain.
Overnight Gear
The last thing that is an absolute must for an outdoor overnight trip is a good tent and sleeping bag and pad. There are plenty of tents and sleeping bags that are known for being light weight and packing into small spaces. These are the easiest to use when traveling outdoors, but they may not feel as warm as other options. When choosing a tent and sleeping bag, be sure to balance the warmth and strength of the fabric with the ease of packing and carrying them. Don’t forget the pad. The sleeping pad gives added comfort on a hard ground.
Once you have picked out these basic pieces of gear, all you really have to do is toss your first aid kit, some clothes and food into your backpack and get going. Choose equipment that are light and easy to carry and are appropriate for the type of hiking involved. Learn how and when to use them and you will enjoy using these pieces of equipment for a long time to come.
