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On every hike, you should always have these ten hiking essentials with you or on you – whether this is a short day hike or a multi-day hike!
The best thing about hiking is that it takes you back to the roots of human evolution.
Away from the crowds. Into the wild. And close to nature so you can observe and appreciate the true beauty. Truly magical.
But do you know what’s the worst thing about hiking?
When you walk into a forest, you become vulnerable to a number of risks and fiascos that may crop up.
Thankfully, not all of them are inevitable. With the right gear, you can avoid several dangers. And aiding to the same, this post will tell you what the ten hiking essentials include.
Packing the ten hiking essentials whenever you step into the backcountry is a good habit to keep at all times – even on day hikes. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it, right?
Before we get to the ten hiking essentials, you need to be dressed appropriately and have something to put the essentials in, right? This includes a good pair of hiking boots [already broken in is preferable for everyone involved], hiking clothing that is durable and comfortable, and a backpack that fits your frame and allows ample space for your hiking essentials.
A Pair of Sturdy Boots
As you are going to walk a lot and that too on several uneven surfaces, your everyday boots may not be the best fit for this situation.
Regardless of their aesthetics and quality, they may become uncomfortable after a point and may even get damaged.
Reason?
Simply because they aren’t made for the rugged outdoors.
So, what to do? Get a pair that is made for the wild. For example, a pair of tactical vegan hiking boots may come in handy on a trekking trip. Or even a low-cut pair with flexible midsoles can work wonders when it comes to day hiking.
The idea is to maintain comfort even on the most rugged surfaces.
Backpack
The next important thing you need while gearing up for your hiking journey is a comfortable backpack that is spacious and strong at the same time.
Imagine yourself in a situation when your backpack’s straps start piercing through your shoulders. Or start showing signs of breakage during your trip. Or the bag doesn’t have enough space to accommodate your essentials.
Things will get inconvenient.
So, do yourself a favor and make sure that you get a backpack with enough space, strength, and comfort.
The Right Clothing
We know that hiking may involve lots of walking, climbing, running and even jumping in some cases.
It’s evident that a pair of jeans can not be the best fit for such activities.
That’s the reason why it’s important to get the right hiking clothing suited for enjoying an uninterrupted hiking experience.
And what does the right clothing comprise of?
For starters, a hiking jacket and hiking pants may do the job. You can also go for Propper tactical pants for the best comfort and more pockets. And, who doesn’t lock pockets, amiright?!
The Ten Hiking Essentials
As you are traveling through the backcountry, more often than not you may feel the need for using a number of essentials like a magnetic compass or a sharp knife for being able to use wood pieces for a bonfire.
But the bummer is that you aren’t going to find any of these tools so you’ll have to pack them in with you.
So, carry these along. For reference, are the ten hiking essentials:
- Navigation: could be a map [topographical would be best], compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon, or a satellite messenger
- Light: headlamp with extra batteries
- First Aid: including insect repellent, foot care, and other items
- Knife: and anything else needed to repair gear
- Sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Fire: matches or lighter
- Shelter: can be something simple for day hikes
- Food: carry more food that needed
- Water: more than needed
- Extra clothing
Final Thoughts
Hiking through a jungle may seem tricky, but once you learn the art of preparation, you can nail every hiking adventure that you take up.
With this post, we talked about the right gear that you may need while hiking in the woods and backcountry.
I'm also a freelance writer and creator. You can see my published work here. I've been featured by Impact Travel Alliance as a creative who is transforming travel, and by Matador Network as a vegan travel blogger you should be following on Instagram.
When I'm not writing, I'm traveling, reading a book, trying not to kill my houseplants, worshiping my dog, or having an existential crisis.
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