7 Must-Have Hiking Equipment — Don’t leave home without them
Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. It is a beautiful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors.
With your two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you get to discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you’re comfortable with.
All you need is just a little planning and preparation. It’s an activity that almost anyone can do.
To get started as a beginner, follow these steps:
- Find a hiking partner
- Choose a hike
- Gear up
Yes, not more than that and you’re ready.
QUICK TIP: For a beginner, start slow. A short, local hike is best for beginners. Gradually work up to trail with hills or uneven terrain.
Some Health Benefits of Hiking
If you’ve always wanted to try a new thing, hiking should be on your top list. Guess what, if you want to have a long chat with your partner or colleague, hiking is one way to go. Yes, you heard it here first. But is that all?
Studies have proven that all forms of walking have health benefits:
- Help you free your mind
- Help your legs
- Help you lose weight
- Help you lower stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced mental wellbeing
- Help you reduce the risk of heart disease
- Help you lower blood pressure
- Help you lower cholesterol levels
7 Must-Have Hiking Equipment
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, whether you want to go far or stay closer to home, don’t leave home without this hiking equipments. A footballer can forget everything at home but not his boots and chin guard.
- Headlamp
Backcountry travelers prefer a headlamp because it keeps your hands free for many tasks.
EXTRA TIP: Always go along with extra batteries.
2. Navigation
Such as map, compass, satellite messenger, altimeter, or GPS device
3. Hiking Gear
A backpack is important for hiking. For a day hike, a backpack that holds 10–20 liters of gear is enough while you’ll need something bigger for treks where you’ll need more food, water, clothing, and gear.
4. Food & Water
Who goes on such a walk without food and water? Maybe Batman or Superman.
Pack snacks like energy bars, jerky, and nuts that you can eat easily on the trail. Some people bring a sandwich for lunch, too. It all depends on your choice.
For water, never should you get dehydrated. About two liters per person for the day. You can adjust the quantity depending on the length of the hike, weather, and body type.
5. First Aid
It’s necessary to carry a first-aid kit. Add some items like several gauze pads, blisters, adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, over-the-counter pain medication, disinfecting ointment, pen, and paper. Also, add Nitrile gloves.
6. Emergency Shelter
Always go along with some type of emergency shelter to protect you from wind and rain in case you need to rest.
7. Extra Water
Even if you run out of food somehow, you should not run out of water. It’s a piece of expert advice to avoid collapse or dehydration.
With these 7 essential hiking equipment, you’ll be sure to always have the hiking gear you need when out on the trail.
PS: I do not limit the list to this but they are just the top 7 pieces of equipment you need to get hiking. You can as well add more types of equipment you need.
“But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about getting ahead, it’s this: you won’t get anywhere without doing your homework, and then preparing yourself some more.” Leeza Gibbons.
How about sharing this with your friends before your next hike to prepare ahead?