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What Are The Five Most Important Things You Should Take With You When Hiking? (You Can't Do Without!)

A hiking male with a backpack enjoying a mountain top view

So you're planning a one day hiking trip? Then the 5 most crucial outdoor resources on this list will benefit you. As the duration of your journey increase, so will the requirements realistically measure up.

Another point to consider is the realistic needs associated with the terrain. For instance; you need a strong rope for rocky mountain trails. While you may also need an icepick for snow.

For the sake of this article let's assume you're starting small, by hiking somewhere near your home town.

1. Dress Suitable Hiking Clothing

There are specific types of fabric and clothing designs; most suitable for long distance walks; in the heat or rain for that matter.

You should therefore by flexible in your selection. Because only you know where your journey leads to. Realistically choose the most type that fits your hiking requirements.

It should also be weather, location, terrain and trail; specific. Depending on the season you're planning to walk and the path you're choosing.

Some Examples Of Essential Clothing Are:

Irrespective of rainy, sunny or windy conditions. You can't do without the following items.

Although you may have checked the weather estimations, or selected a good date. Believe me, global warming is a reality. So make room for sudden weather changes.

Besides, weather predictions is an estimation and never written in stone. As a mature hiker you must always plan with variables in mind.

2. A Good Quality Backpack

You need a suitable hiking backpack with at least four main compartments to keep most of the above belongings in one place.

There are sophisticated lightweight designs uniquely constructed to limit the actual weight of your items; while foot to ruff terrain.

Make sure you choose one with padded shoulder straps, back cushions and posture supporting design. The last thing you need is creating future back related issues. Right?

3. Food and Water

Make use of the latest convenient backpacking foods to make your journey less daunting.

Besides you're going on a hiking trip. You don't want to spend most of your time cooking meals in your outdoor kitchen! Do you?

I know you might be tempted to think; that the countryside is filled with natural water streams. But I highly recommend you take your own water bottles.

Make sure you choose a bottle that can contain as much water as you can carry.

If you normally drink two litres daily, take four, or more litres while traveling.

Because for some reason you're likely to use more water than usual. For wetting your face, washing hands, or keeping your throat wet; while walking the walk.

4. A Compass

I know you're not planning to get lost. But hey! For some mathematical reason; traveling outdoors has a lot to do with directions, or simply finding your way around.

So it's kind of obvious that you might want to know where you're at or going. Unless getting lost is part of your intentions.

Even more so; if you're surrounded by similar looking mountain peaks, tall trees, or look alike landscapes. There's no road signs and addresses in rural areas, be prepared!

5. First Aid Kit And Emergency Phone

I highly recommend you hike in a group, but if you're a reclusive loner. There's only so much of you to go around. That's why you need this hiking emergency essentials.

Even experienced groups understands the importance of putting your health and physical wellbeing first. Besides, without it you won't be taking this long walk to freedom. Now would you?

In Summary

The five most essential items you you must have on hiking trips; may differ from time-to-time. Because it's ultimately determined by many other key variables.

Such as location, nationality, season, mountain trails, terrain, weather, or perhaps your personal health requirements.

However, ankle supporting footwear, sweat absorbing socks, safari like appeal, a backpack, compass , etc. Are simply outdoor equipment you can't do without.