Don't Get Caught in the Woods Without the Right Hiking Equipment
There’s no feeling quite like a hike on a beautiful day. A stroll down a trail through woods and fields can help a person get back to the roots of mankind. In addition to providing stress relief, hiking is an excellent form of exercise that allows you to stay fit. There’s no need to hike alone either, as many people find it a great way to connect or reconnect with friends and family.
However, if you want to get a good hike in, you need to do it right. That means, having the best equipment possible. You need to consider your hiking environment and prepare appropriately. The farther you’re intending to go from civilization, the more prepared you need to be. Thankfully, what you’re going to need isn’t complicated. Hiking is popular and everything you need to enjoy your adventure should be easy to find or buy if necessary.
Hiking Footwear
There are different types of hiking shoes and boots to choose from. Hiking offers a very different type of terrain than simply walking through a city or town, so footwear designed for it can be quite important. The main types of hiking shoes and boots are:
- Trail Running Shoes - These are designed as running shoes with some extra support for potential hard surfaces, but are grippy to provide traction.They are light and breathable, but don’t provide much protection against water.
- Day Hiking Shoes - These are low-cut hiking shoes and have flexible soles. They are a bit heavier than trail running shoes and have more durability.
- Day Hiking Boots -These are the first option that are higher cut and provide some ankle support for those potentially rough or uneven trails. Day hiking boots trade off some of that comfortable breathability for more waterproofing.
- Backpacking Boots - The heaviest quality of hiking boots are backpacking boots. These are intended for seriously rugged terrain and are quite heavy. They do a great job of keeping water out, but it’s at the tradeoff of being breathable.
Backpacks
Some people may not realize how important a good backpack is while hiking. A backpack is vital because it allows all of the other useful things needed while on a hike to be brought along. It’s tempting to buy a backpack online, due to the potential savings.
However, there’s a reason that buying online can sometimes be a mistake. Not all backpacks will fit the same. Finding one that actually fits a person’s body better is more important. You don’t want to find that some straps rub the wrong way. This can result in painful chafing and sores that occur in the middle of a hike. That kind of encouragement isn’t going to make a person want to return to hiking again!
Other Equipment
There’s a lot of other hiking equipment that should be considered. The proper clothing is important. Moisture-wicking technology is great to keep you feeling dry. Shorts and pants should be made of material that dries quickly in case of moisture or river crossings. Also, you should always bring additional clothing like rainwear or cold weather gear in case of an unexpected temperature shift.
The rest should be designed on providing help if you somehow get yourself injured or require assistance on the trail. Food and water is key. A map and compass are helpful as well. Finally, a first aid kit can prove essential. It should also include some kind of multi-tool or a knife in case one is needed.