It’s a beautiful day and you’re gleaming with energy ready to challenge yourself by conquering that hike you’ve been planning. The weather is just right and you’re about ready to start your adventure, but wait, are you sure you have all that you need for your mountain hiking adventure?
It doesn’t matter if you’re embarking on a casual everyday hike or challenging yourself on a more demanding trek, it’s important to be prepared for anything and everything. You don’t want to find yourself midway hike running out of water or battling the weather. Being prepared could be the difference between life or death in some scenarios. Given below are just some of the necessities you should pack or do before going on a hike.
Mountain Hiking Pre-Preparation
Educating yourself on your trip beforehand is seen as essential and brings you several benefits. This research lets you know how much stuff you need to pack, the kind of shoes you should wear, and the amount of sunblock you need. The reviews may even let first-time hikers judge whether they are fit enough for the trek or not and what to look out for on specific hikes.
Before the hike, you must familiarize yourself with the area, the routes to take, elevation, and any other significant detail that could help you if you happen to get lost. It’s important to know what areas reside in each direction, whether there will be rest stops or if there will be any at all. The average time it takes to complete the hike and the overall quality of the terrain. A map or two along with a compass will make sure you are in good hands and always know where you’re going, significantly reducing the chance of getting lost.
Water Is Your Best Friend
Staying hydrated is the single most effective method of regaining and preserving your energy during a hike. Drinking water can freshen you up on a warm sunny day and keep your blood flowing when it’s cold. You should be hydrated before, during, and even after the hike to avoid injuries to your body.
It’s important to know how much water we should drink and how much we need to bring on the trek, hence the research beforehand. Carrying too much water means a heavier load to carry and bringing a limited amount of it may force us to cut our journey short and go back. It is also just as important to know when to drink water and how to preserve it, our end goal is to prevent dehydration.
First Aid Supplies
A crucial essential to pack beforehand is a first aid kit and know how to use it as well. Hikers usually prefer to carry a lightweight first aid kit to save on storage space and reduce the carrying weight. First aid kits always come in handy and sometimes if not for yourself you may need to help someone else on the trail too. It is equally important to replace everything you used after every trip and with every trip. Every trip will give us more experience and teach us what to include and what not to include to lighten the load a little.
Protection From The Sun
The sun may warm you up and keep your blood flowing on cold winter hikes however unpredictable weather changes can make it just as deadly. Sunburns, dizziness, and snow blindness are just some of the harmful effects you may incur when you spend too much time in the sun.
It’s important to carry sunscreen and reapply it often to minimize the risk, SPF lip balm also comes in handy to protect your lips. When carrying sunscreen and lotion, make sure to store them someplace safe where they won’t leak and spill spoiling the other contents. You can also purchase a separate container like the ones made by essential oil bottle manufacturers Roetell to make sure your lotions stay safe and spill-free. Sunglasses not only look good but also protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Similarly, if you want to go the extra mile, SPF Protective clothing is also an option that will defend you against the sun.
All Geared Up
On a difficult hike in the mountains, the right gear can go a long way in getting you up on your feet. Rugged hiking boots make sure your feet aren’t too sore after and during the hike. Gloves give you a better grip against most surfaces and avoid wearing denim and cotton clothes. Go for durable and all-weather-resistant clothes that will make a difference in how comfortable and safe you are.
Mountain Hiker Equipment Conclusion
Hiking can be a fun activity to pass the time with or during one of your other ultimate life goals like camping and rafting. Either way, it is of the utmost importance that we are prepared beforehand and know what to do and bring. The essentials mentioned above give you a sense of direction on all of those things so that alongside the excitement and adrenaline rush, you won’t have to worry about the risks included.
