Hiking is the perfect activity to get healthy, appreciate the beauty of nature and spend time alone or quality time with loved ones. There’s nothing worse than getting blisters half way through the day or being caught out by wearing inappropriate clothing. You don’t want your day being ruined by a garment malfunction or poor equipment so take a look at the essential kit list for ultimate hiking adventure.
Your core items should include a good quality backpack. It needs to be lightweight, durable and strong rather than attractive. Don’t compromise on this one as it will be your best companion, you need to carry it for long periods of time so it needs to be comfy too.
Boots are also up there as the important elements of successful hiking. You need your feet to stay dry, your ankles to be supported and your toes not compressed. Shop around, try on different brands and remember that support and comfort are paramount.
Trekking poles might not be something you’ve ever considered but once you try them, you’ll never look back. They come very handy when carrying your backpack and trying to descend a hill. They help reduce the stress on your knees, keep you better balanced and offer all -round support in often tricky terrain.
Polarized sunglasses might sound like a luxury but they’re really not. Protecting your vision, avoiding sun glare and wind and preventing the need for constant squinting will make your hiking much more enjoyable.
Suitable clothing for layering is also crucial. You need to look for the right fabrics that will keep your body temperature regulated during the hike. When hikers return home from a hike especially if it’s a colder climate all they want to do is get warm so they could use a Stoves Northern Ireland business with websites like http://www.stovebay.com/stoves#.XPYrbYhKhPY to give them a roaring fire to return to. Firstly, take care of your feet and invest in quality hiking socks. Cotton shorts with plenty of useful zip pockets, a fleece, a vest, an outer jacket, a waterproof with hood, waterproof rain trousers, a poncho, liner gloves, sun hat and cotton bandanas are all perfect for hiking.
A map and a compass are also items that you should consider. Many people will be using the GPS on their mobile phones but good old-fashioned maps and compasses will still work when phone batteries die.
Sunscreen and insect repellent are further items that can prevent a day being ruined by discomfort and skin irritation so make sure you don’t forget to pack these two lightweight items in your backpack.
It’s a great idea to be kind to the area your visiting and leave things as you find them. For this reason, packing a couple of rubbish bags is useful for taking your waste away with you without messing up the inside of your backpack.
Packing a few first aid items can also vastly improve your day should minor ailments strike. At the very least, a blister kit should be an essential as well as plasters, an antiseptic cream, disinfectant wipes and some antihistamines. A roll of toilet paper and some hand sanitiser is also recommended should nature call in remote places!
