Today, when stress is known to be a major cause of most of the illnesses, traveling is known to be an extremely therapeutic and stress-relieving hobby. And if the place you are planning to travel to is close to nature such as a trip to the beach, a hiking tour or just a simple lake-side picnic, the experience becomes all the more relaxing.
The lifestyle we follow today is proven to be creating anxiety and depression in the masses. We are more attached to technology, junk food, late-night sleeping routines then we are to things that were supposed to be our innate nature such as waking up early, eating healthy simple diet, etc. Our daily routines have become far from what was given to us by nature.
Hiking trips with your loved ones can help reduce some of the increasing anxiety and stress. Being close to nature, greenery and the fresh air can soothe the human mind. So, the next time you feel that mental pressure tugging on your nerves, pack your hiking gear, call up your friends/family and head out for an adventurous hiking trip.
Planning a hiking trip can be a daunting task itself. We in this article are going to try and make this hectic task a tad bit easier for you by providing you a list of the most essential things you would need to take with you on a hiking trip.
1. Hiking Backpack
This should be the number one item in your hiking checklist. Special hiking backpacks make it easier for you to carry maximum things on you without turning it into a huge luggage. The usual backpacks have many compartments that allow stuff to be folded and kept for minimum luggage. They are shaped in a way to hold as many pieces of stuff as possible without putting undue burden on your back. Since you will be walking a lot on a hiking trip, you need to make sure you carry a hiking backpack that eases the burden on your back.
We have selected three best hiking backpacks for you:
- Loowoko Hiking Backpack 50L Travel Camping Backpack with Rain Cover
- TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack | Free 2-Liter Hydration Bladder | Backpack design great for Hiking, Running, Cycling, and Climbing
- Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
2. Hiking Boots
Probably one of the most essential items to be taken on the trip. Hiking is all about walking and that too usually on uneven, rugged terrain. Without the proper hiking boots, there would be a high risk of you getting your feet injured or, at the very least, your feet might ache badly. Hiking boots have special shoe soles for the purpose of walking on tough terrains. Therefore, hiking boots are a must.
Our top picks for hiking boots are:
- Timberland Men’s Mt Maddsen Lite Hiking Boot
- Skechers Men’s Morson-Sinatro Hiking Boot
- Adidas outdoor Men’s Terrex EASTRAIL Hiking Boot
3. Clothing
Dress according to the weather. Make sure you know the weather conditions of the place you are going to for hiking. If you are expecting a rainy weather, make sure to carry additional clothes, rainwear like jackets and gaiters, etc. if it is expected to be warm make sure to wear moisture-wicking inners. On the other hand, if the weather is cold, you should be carrying warm clothing items, such as fleece pants and shirts, warm hats, mittens, etc.
We have selected a few clothing items that might help you dress up perfectly for your hike:
- Vcansion Men’s Outdoor Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Shorts
- BenBoy Women’s Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Fleece Slim Cargo Snow Ski Hiking Pants
- ARRIS Heated Vest Size Adjustable 7.4V Battery Electric Warm Vest for Hiking Camping
4. Eatables
You sure are going to get hungry with all that exercise once you are on the trail. Make sure to pack energy bars, nuts, sandwiches or anything that you can easily munch on while hiking. You can also pack little easy-to-carry lunchboxes with fruits, nuggets or any item that you would like to have for lunch. However, you would find it easier to have food items that can easily be eaten while on the trail You would also need to take water since all that walking will make you super thirsty. An average amount of two liters of water per person would be ideal. However, you can vary the quantity according to the weather conditions, the length of the hike, your age and the amount of sweating, etc.
Here we list some snack and water-storage options for you to carry with you on the hike:
- CLIF BAR – Energy Bars – Chocolate Almond Fudge – (2.4 Ounce Protein Bars, 12 Count)
- Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Peppered, ½ Pounder Bag – Meat Snack with a Pepper Kick, 10g of Protein, 80 Calories – Made with 100% Premium Beef – 96% Fat Free, No Added MSG or Nitrates/Nitrites
- Embrava 40oz Water Bottle – Large with Travel Carry Ring – Wide Leak Proof Drink Spout | Heavy-Duty, BPA & BPS Free Tritan Plastic | Sports, Camping, Gym, Fitness, Outdoor
5. Navigation
A hiking trip without proper navigation tools is the perfect remedy for a disaster. Of course, to keep yourself in the right direction and on the right path to reach the destination accurately, navigation tools are necessary. Hence, keeping a map and a compass on you while leaving for a hike is mandatory.
Our top navigation tools are listed below:
- Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Lensatic Tactical Compass | Impact Resistant and Waterproof |Metal Sighting Navigation Compasses for Hiking, Camping, Motoring, Boating
- Engraved Explorer Pocket Compass with White Dial Personalized Portable Lenastic Military Navigational Tool for Hiking Camping by Dalvey
- Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS
6. First-Aid Kit
Being exposed to uncertain circumstances and conditions while on a hike can create unexpected situations. Nature can be harsh at times. It is very important to keep a first-aid kit to provide the necessary immediate care and assistance in case of an injury or minor accident.
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Our top picks for medical kits are:
- Surviveware Small First Aid Kit for Backpacking
- I GO Compact First Aid Kit – Hard Shell Case for Hiking, Camping, Travel, Car – 85 Pieces
- MediKit Deluxe First Aid Kit (115 Items) The Most Essential First Aid Supplies for Home, Sports, Travel, Camping, Office and The Workplace
7. Survival Kit/Gear
An emergency survival gear is very important during outdoor trips since you never know when one can encounter any accident. Hiking trips are usually out in the wild and unexpected circumstances may arise.
Keeping this in view we have highlighted our top picks for survival kits:
- KOSIN Survival Gear, 18 in 1 Emergency Survival Kit, Professional Tactical Defense Equitment Tool with Knife Blanket Bracelets Backpack Temperature Compass Fire Starter for Adventure Outdoors Sport
- EMDMAK Survival Kit Outdoor Emergency Gear Kit Camping Hiking Travelling Adventures
- Tianers Emergency Survival Kit 16 in 1, Upgrade Compact Survival Gear, Tactical Survival Tool for Cars, Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Adventure Accessories
Conclusion:
Hiking trips are a great way to shed off some off that extra stress-load. However, if not properly planned, the hiking trip might just as well increase your worry. Go through the above-mentioned pointers we have outlined for you and plan the perfect hiking trip with your loved ones.
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