Hiking involves traversing over a variety of different terrains, so it’s vital that you’re aware of what to expect on each and every route you take, and that you wear comfortable footwear first and foremost. Since you’ll be wearing a backpack for the entire duration of your hike, you’ll have to emit some items and choose only the ones that are going to be the most useful to you. You should ensure that possessions you decide to pack are lightweight so as not to slow you down and tire you out before you’ve finished. Hiking can be treacherous if you’re not experienced, so you must stay as safe as possible and take the recommended essential items with you.
Experience
That’s right, you should take your thinking hat with you when approaching the prospect of hiking, especially if you’re going alone. You will need to think logically, and use your common sense to help you navigate getting around. You should be familiar (through map reading and research) with the paths you’re planning to take, and have a head full of suggestions, recommendations, and advice from experienced walkers and hikers. If you’re relatively new to hiking, then be sure to begin with the simple climbs and work up from there. Hiking in Bryce Canyon, for example, allows you to choose from five trails starting with Navajo Loop and increasing up to the more challenging hikes like Peekaboo Loop and Fairyland Loop.
Maps
If you’ve decided to go off grid for a while, then you’ll have to rely on the guidance of an area map and a compass. Before departing, always make sure that the map you’re using is the newest one to date, and that the compass you’re using is reliable. Track your route as you go, so that you know how far you’ve walked and how many more meters you have to go before you finish or find a camp. This way, you can figure out where you’ll be come sunset, and how to ration food and water if necessary. Keep the maps you use in a waterproof sleeve to ensure that you can use them come rain or shine.
A Safety Box
Inside this box, you should include matches, a windup torch, a whistle, and a first aid kit. Safety is paramount when you’re hiking, and you have to remember that you could potentially run into danger at any time. To signal distress, you should give three short blows on your whistle, and consider starting a fire to alert others to your need for assistance. Ensure that the box itself is robust enough to survive a fall from a height should it be knocked out of your bag and down a rock face, while still being lightweight and waterproof.
Calorie Dense Foods
Always remember to pack high-calorie foods with you when you set off in search of a hiking and trekking adventure. Routes and trails don’t always go exactly to plan, and you might find yourself lost, or accidentally having added many more miles onto your journey. Pack your bags with enough energy bars to last you for the entire trip, and preferably with ones that contain the likes of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, oats, honey, and dark chocolate.
Tammie~