People who love to go hiking will tell you that it is one of the most wonderful and exhilarating activities in which you can engage. It’ll lift your spirits, clear your mind and leave you feeling refreshed, invigorated and ready to take on the world once again.
But only if you return from your hike safely and unharmed. Otherwise, it could be one of the most terrifying experiences of your life! Whether you’re new to hiking or are looking for some helpful pointers, we have good news for you – read on to learn about the ten essential things you should carry with you when going on a hike in the wilderness.
Many trails around the world are relatively safe, but some aren’t so safe. If you’re venturing off into places that aren’t frequently explored by hikers, then it would be best to err on the side of caution in order to keep yourself out of harm’s way as much as possible.
Reputable Map
Let’s start with the obvious one. A map can be your best friend when you’re out in the wilderness, especially if you’re traveling to places that aren’t frequently explored by hikers. If you don’t know the terrain, you might not realize that that creek you’re trying to cross is actually a raging river! If you have a map that shows the terrain and what the different geographical formations look like, you’ll have a much easier time getting around.
People often like to use their phone’s GPS when in unfamiliar territory, but the reception is often very poor when you’re out in the wild, sometimes even nonexistent. What’s more, if you have to make an emergency call, your phone’s battery will die very quickly. A paper map doesn’t need to be charged, and it won’t suddenly lose signal.
Tent
If you’re traveling to a remote area, you’ll want to make sure that you have a suitable tent with you. When choosing a tent, you’ll want to make sure it’s large enough to fit your sleeping bag and, ideally, another person. If you’re traveling to an area where temperatures get very hot, you’ll want to make sure to get a tent with a waterproof coating on the outside. You’ll also want to make sure that it’s easy to set up and take down, as you won’t want to be struggling for hours trying to figure out how to put it together.
Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bag is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you’ll need for a successful wilderness excursion. You’ll want to make sure that you get the best sleeping bag possible, as this could mean the difference between a pleasant experience and a sleepless night of shivering and sweating excessively.
You want to look for a sleeping bag that’s filled with synthetic material or down feathers. If it’s filled with down feathers, you’ll want to make sure that it’s treated with a special type of coating that makes it waterproof. If you’re going to a place where temperatures could potentially get very hot, you’ll want to get a sleeping bag that’s lightweight and made of breathable material.
Trekking Shorts/ Chaps/ Pants
If you are going for an overnight trek, you should wear trekking shorts as they are lightweight and quick drying. If you are trekking during the monsoon season, you should wear trekking chaps as they are thicker and protect you from the rain. Trekking pants are thicker and have an extra layer of insulation to keep you warm during the cold weather.
Trekking pants have an additional pocket that can be useful to store your mobile phone or wallet. If you are trekking with your family or children, it is a good idea to carry a spare set of clothes for them as well. This can come in handy if someone gets their clothes wet during the trek.
Trekking Shoes/ Boots/ Hiking Socks
If you are going for an overnight trek, it is best to wear trekking shoes. These are specially designed for trekking and are lightweight and have a good grip, making it easier to walk on rocky terrains. If you are going on a longer trek, it is better to wear trekking boots as they have more support as compared to shoes.
For safety, it is advisable to wear shoes that have a good grip, especially if you are trekking on a trail that has loose rocks or pebbles. Hiking socks are thicker and made of wool or synthetic materials and are breathable. They keep your feet warm and dry even in extreme weather conditions.
Flashlight
If you’re hiking in the summer or early fall, you won’t need a flashlight unless you’re going to an area that experiences very long and dark winters. You might want to bring one just in case, though, as you never really know what could happen. If you have a flashlight with you, you’ll feel a whole lot safer if something unexpected occurs.
You can find flashlights that are incredibly compact and lightweight, which makes them a great choice for hikers. You’ll want to make sure to get a flashlight with a really bright beam so that you can see where you’re going as clearly as possible.
Water Purification Device
You never know what could potentially be in the water you’re drinking, especially when you’re traveling to remote areas that don’t get many visitors. You could end up contracting some nasty diseases, or even something as serious as dysentery. Your best bet is to get a water purification device that you can use to filter out any impurities.
If you’re traveling to a place that has public water you can drink straight from the tap, then it would be a good idea to get a water filtration device with a carbon bladder. Carbon is an excellent filter that can take out many of the impurities in water, such as chlorine and harmful chemicals.
Basic Tools
You never know when you might need a basic tool, such as pliers, a screwdriver or a wrench. If you’re going to a remote area, you never know what could break and what you’re going to have to fix.
You can put together a small toolkit that contains some basic tools and keep it in a small pouch or bag that you can easily attach to your bag or belt. You don’t have to have a full toolbox with you, but you definitely want to have basic tools on hand if you need them.
Water and Snack
You don’t know how long your hike will last, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of water on hand. You’ll ideally want to have at least a gallon of water with you, as you don’t know how long it will take to get back to civilization again. You also want to stay hydrated, as this will help prevent you from getting sick.
You should also bring along an energy bar or some other type of snack, as you’ll get really hungry when you’re hiking. You don’t want to go out on a hike with low blood sugar, as you might become dangerously dehydrated.
Headlamp
A headlamp is a great item to have with you when you’re out on a hike, especially if you’re going to an area that gets very dark at night. You’ll want to make sure that you have a high-quality headlamp with you, as you don’t want something that’s going to break or stop working when you need it the most. If you’re going to an area that experiences very long nights, you’ll want to get a flashlight that has a very bright beam. This will help illuminate your path and make it easier for you to find your way around.
Bug Repellent
If you’re going to an area where bugs are prevalent, you’ll want to bring along some bug repellent. You don’t want to get bitten by a mosquito or other nasty insect and have to deal with the itching and discomfort that comes with it. You can find bug repellent in a variety of forms, such as sprays, lotions and even wipes, so you can choose what works best for you. You can even find some bug repellent that’s safe to apply to children, which is great if you’re traveling with family. If you’re going to a place where diseases are prevalent, such as a jungle or a swamp, you should probably bring along
Raincoat or Poncho
If you are trekking during the monsoon season, it is best to wear a raincoat or poncho. A waterproof jacket or poncho can help protect you from the rain and can double up as a makeshift blanket during the chilly evenings.
First Aid Kit
As with any other outdoor activity, there are dangers involved in trekking as well. You will be travelling through areas with minimal facilities and may not be able to reach help easily in case of an emergency.
This is why it is important to carry essential items while you are on a trek. A first aid kit can be helpful in such situations. It should include bandages, antibiotic ointments, painkillers, antiseptics, and other essentials. If you are trekking with your family or children, it is a good idea to have a first aid kit that has items suitable for children.