By
Chase Scott
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Are you a hiker new to the trails? Do you find yourself wondering what to bring along with you on your day hikes? Deciding on your hiking gear is a very personal thing. What ever you decide to bring should depend on the situation and your experience. As a starting point, here are a few items that a hiker shouldn't leave home without.
Here is a list of items that have been most useful for a day hike
1. Hiking Boots
Do yourself a favor and get some good hiking boots. After a few miles on the trail, a bad pair of boots will kill your knees, back and feet. I can't stress enough how bad hiking boots can ruin a trip very quickly.
2. Water
Behind hiking boots, water is the most important item to bring on the trail. You will be perspiring as you walk even if you don't know it. A large water bottle should be ok for shorter hikes although I suggest investing in a hydration system of some type. Personally, I use a Camelbak backpack because it gives me extra room to store my camera gear and other hiking items. Water belts are also good so you don't have to carry the water bottles for the entire trip.
3. Trail Map and Compass
It's always good to have a trail map when departing on a hike. Even if you know the trail, it is easy to become disoriented. If you are going in a group, one trail map will suffice so long as the group sticks together. A compass can come in handy to orient yourself on the map.
4. Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
The forest tends to be a buggy place, especially during the summer. Before going out on a hike do yourself a favor by applying some sunscreen and spraying some insect repellent. Be sure your sunscreen is water resistant and of a decent SPF.
5. Camera
Some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever witnessed has been on the trail. Having a camera with you to capture the sights is good if you want to remember where you have gone and to share your experience with other people. It might even be a good idea to create a journal with a few pictures, dates, and thoughts on where you have been.
6. A Snack
Hiking is a strenuous activity causing your body to exert a lot of energy. It is always good to keep your body fueled with a mid-hike power bar or a bag of trail mix. Without food, your body will not perform as well as you want it to. After a few hours of hiking without a snack, you will most likely start to feel tired and sick. My personal favorite is the trail mix bars; they keep my sugar levels up and my hunger pains down.
Remember this is just a beginning. As you hike and gain experience, it will become evident what pieces of additional gear will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Now that you have your basic items, get out there and hike. See you on the trails!
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1 comments:
These are really the necessary and most useful things for a day hike. hiking boots and water is the most important items to bring on the trail.
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