Hiking is one of those fun adrenaline pumping activities that one has to at least participate in once in their lives. There are so many benefits of hiking such as keeping you fit, you get to enjoy the beautiful views Australia has to offer, it’s a stress reliever and also its one way of breaking down creative blocks. In order for your hiking experience to be one for the books, you need to have a hiking checklist consisting of all the essentials you need for the experience to be successful plus hiking is most comfortable when comfort is prioritized. Read more to find out what these hiking essentials are.
A Backpack
A backpack is one of the most important purchases you will make when searching for hiking gear. Keeping in mind that you will be carrying it all day, you need to find a quality back that won’t embarrass you by snapping or tearing. Before buying a backpack you will need to do in depth research so that you can get it right. A heavy and uncomfortable backpack will only ruin your experience plus buying a bigger backpack will have you packing things you don’t need. Therefore, before buying a backpack here are some of the things you need to consider. Firstly, ask yourself what will be the purpose of the backpack. Will you need it for a single day of hiking or multiple days. Secondly, find out the capacity of the backpack. For a day hike 20-25 liter capacity is enough whereas for a 3-5 day trip, 50-60 liters will be efficient. Thirdly, look at its features. Does it have enough pockets? What material is it made out from? What padding does it have? and so on. Last but not least, consider the cost. Different backpacks have different prices so it depends on what your budget is.
When looking for backpacks, it’s best that you visit the different hiking gear stores physically. This way you will ensure that you get one that fits you well plus you get to ask for assistance on what you need to look for when choosing a bag.
Navigation tools
The last thing you want is getting lost in the wilderness. This can easily be avoided by packing some navigation tools such as maps, compass, GPS device and your phone. Having multiple of these tools instead of one ensures you have backup incase one stalls on you. For example, when your phone or GPS device runs out of battery, your hiking adventure will still go on. Ensure you have a printed topographic map with you. Before you leave for your hiking adventure, confirm you know how to read a compass and map as well. You may have these tools with you but if you don’t know how to use them the right way, they will be of no use.
Sleeping Pad and Shelter
If your hiking adventure is going to take more than a day, then you should have a sleeping pad and shelter with you. Just because you are outdoors, it doesn’t mean you should be uncomfortable, that is why you need these key items with you. When choosing a sleeping pad, go for one with good insulation, great support, plus it should be one that can be easily folded and not too bulky. Your sleeping pad should not weigh more than 500g. When it comes to your shelter you could go with a hammock, tent, tarp shelter etc. Whatever you choose, ensure it keeps you dry, can withstand high wind and can easily be packed in your backpack. For your shelter it would be best if you invested in it as a good quality shelter can serve you for years. Features you can look out for include, privacy, comfort, durability, price range material, weight, and the number of people it can fit.
First Aid Kit
Wherever you may be, it’s important to have access to a first aid kit. When outdoors, the chances of hurting yourself are high and it’s usually when you least expect it. First aid kits tend to differ as some may contain special medication that you may not need but there are some common key items that need to be in the kit such as Band-Aids, pain relief medication, ointments, antihistamine, blister treatment, cotton pads, latex gloves, disinfectant, sunscreen insect repellent just to mention a few.
Food and Water
When hiking, your hydration and energy levels need to be high to avoid getting excessively fatigued or losing your consciousness. Food is your fuel when hiking so you need plenty of it to keep you going, whereas water will keep you cool in the case where you are hiking during the hot season. Before starting the journey, make sure you plan out your food menu in advance as it may also affect the amount of water you will carry. Avoid bringing food that needs to be refrigerated. Dehydrated food options are usually the best as they are quick and easy to make. When it comes to water, you have to plan in advance ways in which you will access clean safe water if need be. Therefore before you start the hike, ensure you carry with you plenty of water.
Read more: Camping Water Hacks: Conserve and Purify The Water You Use
Clothing and Footwear
Comfort when hiking is key. For clothing, it’s better to go with the layering system. This way, if the weather gets warmer, you can remove the clothes you have on easily. The basics of layering include base layer (keeps sweat away from skin), middle layer (retains heat) and outer layer( shields you from elements such as rain etc.) Note that layers are different for hot and cold weather. Your footwear needs to be comfortable as well. Your hiking boots should have good ankle support, good grip and room for your toes to move freely. Invest in these shoes and don’t opt for the cheaper option. If you don’t have hiking boots, go for trail runners. The important thing is that they fit well and are worn in as new shoes tend to cause blisters.
Join us at Murphy’s Creek Escape for a fun filled hiking experience with lots of camping activities.