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9 Things You Need to Pack for Your Hiking Trip

Do you need to do a hiking vacation, but you don’t know how to pack for it?

Hiking might be a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise at the same time. However, if you don’t have the right supplies with you, it can become a problem. It’s also important to have a companion with you during a hiking trip, especially if you’re a beginner.

Wondering what supplies you should pack? This article takes a look at the essential hiking things you need to pack. Read on to discover what they are and why they’re important to have when you’re hiking.

1. Hiking First Aid Kit

You should bring along anything you may need to address basic injuries and ailments you, your family, and fellow hikers may experience during your journey. Typical items in your first aid kit are adhesive bandages, sanitary wipes, antiseptic, gauze, scissors and tweezers, pain relievers, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, insect repellents, and snakebite kit, along with any required prescription medications and allergies medicine. 

2. Emergency Shelter

This could include a tent, a hammock, a tarp, or a bivy sack. If your shelter is a tent, pack the poles, stakes, and rainfly (if necessary) along with the tent. Additionally, if the weather looks inclement, be sure to also include a ground cloth to provide an extra layer of protection.

With any shelter, you will need to make sure you bring along some type of cord or rope to secure your shelter. Lastly, if you have a lighter or matches, adding these to your pack can be great for on-the-go fire-making. 

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3. Navigation 

Pack maps of the area, a compass, and a GPS device. Maps can help you plan your route, while a compass and GPS can be used to make sure you stay on the right track. If you plan on traveling at night, consider bringing a headlamp or extra batteries for a flashlight.

Don’t forget important navigational tools such as a whistle, a mirror, and flagging tape to mark your path. Having a cell phone with offline maps is also a great way to stay safe on your hiking trip. However, having practical items such as a map and compass is still the best way to navigate the backcountry.

4. Headlamp

A headlamp is a must-have item to ensure safety and comfort in the wilderness. It’s incredibly lightweight, and its LED light emits up to 200 lumens. It’s also water resistant, so there’s no need to worry if it happens to get wet. The adjustable straps make it easy to wear, and the battery life lasts up to 8 hours.

You can also choose from a wide range of light levels, from dim to bright. With the headlamp, you can set off with the peace of mind that you’ll have reliable lighting for your trip. It’s also a great item for finding your way around at night when it’s time to return home. Don’t forget to bring extra batteries, just in case!

5. Stone Glacier Outdoor Gear

Stone Glacier outdoor gear is designed to go the distance. At the top of the list should be a quality backpack engineered to carry your essentials over the long haul. Their Skaha X, Badlands X, and Skyar X backpacks offer generous cargo capacity with the comfort and durability you need to pack everything you need and more.

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To protect yourself from the elements, check out the UltraLite rain and wind jackets, made from a lightweight, breathable material and offering full coverage during those wet and windy days. And for those backcountry days, you can’t go past their Avail and Astrum Trekking Poles for extra stability and security on those tricky trails. 

6. Extra Layers

Even on warm days, temperatures can dip at night, and you’ll be grateful for every extra piece of clothing that you have. Pack a warm jacket or thick sweater, a scarf, and maybe a wool cap or beanie. It’s also a good idea to bring a few tank tops or T-shirts, along with breathable, lightweight, long-sleeve shirts.

Your legs will benefit from the extra coverage and warmth of long pants, such as leggings or sweatpants. Make sure to bring a few pairs of socks, as well as gloves and a light hat. These items will come in handy if you find yourself freezing in a cold environment on a hiking mountain trail.

7. Sun Protection

Whether it is a hot summer’s day or a cloudy one, the sun will still be out, and you will still need to shield yourself from its damaging rays. Sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses are key items that you must ensure to bring. Sunblock should be made up of broad spectrum protection, which helps to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

A hat should be lightweight and wide-brimmed to offer optimal coverage. Sunglasses should have UV protection and either wrap-around or close-fitting lenses to provide full protection. 

8. Repair Kit & Tools

You should pack an array of items to any trip, such as a multi-tool, vise grips, pliers, a screwdriver, scissors, a hammer, extra nails, screws and washers, extra tent poles and pins, a folding saw and sharpening tool, a tube of super glue, a roll of duct tape, zip ties, and a bungee cord or two.

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Additionally, a sewing kit and a means of starting a fire are also recommended. All of these items fit perfectly into any repair kit and tool combination, ensuring you have what you need when you need it to handle any situation you may come across while on your hike.

9. Extra Food 

Packing enough snacks and meals to last throughout the day is key to having a successful and safe trip. A few items to consider packing include high-protein snacks such as beef jerky and trail mix, pre-prepared meals like dehydrated foods and backpacker meals, and protein bars and nut butter for an extra energy boost. 

If staying overnight, be sure to have food for the evening, such as soups, ramen noodles, and instant mashed potatoes. Also, don’t forget to bring extra snacks for the return hike.

Don’t Forget The Little Things When Packing For Your Hiking Trip

Overall, hiking trips are a great opportunity to explore nature outdoors, but they require a few items to ensure your safety and comfort. Packing proper clothing, plenty of water and snacks, the right equipment, first aid, and extras like sunscreen and binoculars are essential for an enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to start planning your trip today!

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