Summary
The place you visit, type of hike and the weather condition are some of the factors that help you select the right hiking accessories. But there are a few accessories that you should carry every time you’re out on trails. 5 of the most important ones are discussed in this post.
Content
Hiking is an excellent way to spend time with your friends, family, or just by yourself. But this wonderful experience can quickly get uncomfortable without the right preparation. Once you are out in nature, you’d surely need a lot of accessories to enjoy the journey at its best and make sure you are comfortable and safe.
The accessories a hiker should carry depends on many factors like the place one selects for hiking, the type of hike it is and the weather condition of the area. However, there are a few accessories that are a must-have no matter where or how you decide to hike. 5 of the most important ones are-
- Hiking or Trekking Rucksack
If it is just a single-day hike, a small and durable rucksack should be adequate. But if it is a multi-day hike, a larger backpack with enough space for carrying all the accessories is needed.
For simple, short hikes, go for a rucksack that can hold at least 10-20 litres. Prefer backpacks with a capacity of 50 litres or more for longer hikes.
- Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is as essential as the rucksack, especially if you’re going to a place with colder weather. Check the shape, insulation, and size of the sleeping bag to pick one that best suits your requirements.
Prefer sleeping bags that are light in weight as you’ll be carrying it on your back throughout the hike.
- Water Bottle
A water bottle can be a saviour in several ways when you’re outdoors. Your body starts dehydrating when you hike. You dehydrate even if the weather is cold and you’re not sweating. Thus, it is imperative to keep regularly sipping throughout the hike.
Carry a good-quality water bottle and refill every time you can from the natural streams along the path.
- The Right Clothing is Essential
If you’re planning to go to a place with a considerably colder climate, carrying heavy winter wear is actually counter-productive. What you instead need to do is to wear multiple layers of clothing to beat the cold and yet be flexible depending on how hot or cold you may be feeling.
Generally, it is better to wear 2-3 layers of clothing and a down jacket on top. Make sure that you also carry polarised sunglasses and a hat; the sun can be quite strong in the mountains. Do note that while trekking in the day, your body temperature rises considerably due to the hike and the sun. A sleeveless light jacket will come in handy during the trek.
It is during the evenings and nights when you will need maximum clothing. A beanie cap or hoodie is also an important clothing accessory that must be part of your list.
- Trekking Shoes
If you’ll be doing a lot of walking or trekking, it is better to invest in a good pair of hiking shoes. The durability, built, cushioning, and weight of such shoes is different than a standard sports shoe, making them a better choice for hiking or trekking. Most importantly, these shoes provide excellent grip which is much needed especially when walking on rocky terrains. Prefer reputed brands for the purchase to make sure that the shoes can easily last for a long time.
While the accessories one needs to carry depends on a lot of factors, the ones mentioned above are recommended no matter where you go. Make sure that you do a lot of research and ask your trekker friends before you’re out hiking to make sure that you have everything that you’d need apart from the must-haves discussed in this post.
