Imagine this: you’ve chosen the ideal hike and you know exactly how to get there, where to park, how long the hike will take and the route you’ll take. You feel like you’re well prepared… Until you hit the road and realize you’re missing something. Preparation for a hike is more than just knowing the details of the hike. It’s also very important to pack properly – it never hurts to over-prepare when in doubt! Here are some of the items you definitely need to bring with you on every hike, no matter how short or long the trails are.
1. Water
Staying hydrated while hiking should definitely be your top priority. Equip yourself with more water than you think you’ll need – even when it’s cool, especially hot. Dehydration can be deceptive – science shows that once you feel thirsty, you’re dehydrated. You won’t go to the gym without a water bottle, so don’t go to the trail without a water bottle either. Also be aware of weather changes that may occur during the hike.
2. Sunscreen
You know to wear a thick layer of sunscreen when it’s hot and sunny, but you need to protect your skin even on cloudy days. Sunburn is not related to temperature, but to the intensity of ultraviolet rays. More than 90% of ultraviolet light can penetrate clouds. Keep in mind that some surfaces reflect UV rays more than others – it may feel counterintuitive to apply sunscreen before your snowy trek, but snow will almost double the amount of time you’ll be exposed to UV rays. And don’t forget those sunglasses, too!
3. Appropriate shoes
Make sure you know the terrain you’re going to hike so you can wear appropriate footwear. You don’t want to slip on a trail just because you’re wearing sneakers that don’t have a grip, or get your feet wet on a hike near a waterfall because you’re not wearing waterproof shoes. Don’t be one of those people who wear dress shoes on the road either. Yes, we’ve seen them.
4. Snacks
In addition to water, make sure you bring some food with you, especially if you’re on long hikes. It’s great when you want to take a break and rest/refuel, and it’s also important if you’re burning a lot of calories and working hard. After all, no one wants to faint on a hike, and there’s little fun in enjoying nature if you’re hungry. In addition to assorted dried fruits, protein bars, nuts, and jerky are all protein-rich snacks, so be sure to bring some savory snacks if you’re going to drink water. All of them can easily fit in your backpack.
5. Backpacks
You’ll definitely want to bring a hiking-friendly bag for all your essentials. You don’t want anything to strain your back or weigh too much, so a hiking-specific bag is the best option for you. Almost all of them have reservoirs that can help you stay hydrated without having to carry around a lot of bulky water bottles. When you’re just starting out, you can use whatever you have at home, as long as it’s comfortable – with some time and off-road experience, you’ll figure out if you need something with a waistband to lose weight and use shoulders or straps to secure the bag off your back if you’re sweating too much.
6. Raincoat
Depending on where and when you’re hiking, the weather can change dramatically in a few hours or even less. Carrying a thin layer of clothing with you can help you stay warm when you need it and can easily fit into your backpack when the weather starts to warm up. On cool, cloudy days, wearing layers of clothing is also a good way to protect yourself from the sun – on sweaty days, try wearing a moisture-wicking top, or a light raincoat if the weather forecast calls for rain.
