6 Essentials to carry while Going on Hiking

Whether you like to go hiking with your close friends and family or a large group of people, it is always necessary to carry essential items with you on the hike. Since there are usually no settlements in hiking areas, you must have every necessary thing with you.

6 Essentials to carry while Going on Hiking
[image: pexels by andrew burns]

But it isn’t possible to carry many things with you if you intend to hike and explore. In this article, we have listed six of the essentials to carry while going on hiking.

Essentials to carry on a hike:

1. Portable shelter

Whether your hike is for a few days or a few weeks, it is important to carry a portable shelter with you. You never know what wild animals, harmful insects, or even dangerous people might be out there where you decide to settle for the night. It is always advised to carry the best hiking tent with you that can fit 1-4 people to ensure your safety on hikes.

2. Water & Other Hydrating Drinks

Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the most critical things you need to do when on a hike. The constant walking and being under the sun for hours can make you extremely dehydrated and sick. We suggest you carry enough water per person along with some hydrating fruits and also carry a portable water reservoir. You can use the reservoir to store freshwater whenever you find a source of drinkable clean water. Staying hydrated and healthy ensures an enjoyable hike.

3. Navigation tools

Getting lost while hiking is a very common phenomenon, and it can happen to you as well. Whether you’re in a small group or a large one, it is always necessary to carry navigation tools with you. So don’t forget to carry a good compass along with an accurate topographical map of the area you intend to hike. If possible, also do some research regarding the area, the roads, and possible climate patterns the area has before you start your journey. It will prevent you from getting lost and help you finish your hike on time.

4. First Aid Kit

One can easily get a scratch while on a hike. The roads are not well-made, and the areas are covered in trees and spiky branches. It is not uncommon to get injured while on a hike. Hence, we suggest you carry a first-aid kit with you for immediate treatment. If you just clean wounds with water and leave them like that, there can be an infection due to prolonged exposure to dirt and air. It is important to apply an ointment and wrap up the wound as soon as possible.

5. Sun protection Creams

A lot of people think that the only disadvantage of being in the sun is getting tanned when it is way more than that. Tanning is definitely an outcome of bringing under the sun too much, but the rays of the sun can be bad for your skin. That is why it is recommended to carry sunscreen on your hikes. Also, sunglasses and self-protection clothing are necessary things to carry when going on a hike. You need to protect your body from getting dehydrated and from the harmful effects of the sun's rays. 

6. Food

Funding fresh and healthy food on a hike is difficult unless you will cross towns on your way to your destination. Hence, you should carry non-perishable food, nutritional bars, and dry fruits. If you can, you can carry instant noodle cups with a water kettle that everyone can use. Avoid carrying cooked eggs or meat as they are for sure going to go bad very soon on the hike. You should also carry equipment to be able to light a fire easily where you can cook your food. 

We have come to the end of this blog, but we hope to have given you a list of essentials to carry while going on a hike. Hiking is a fun activity, but not if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Stay hydrated, safe, and well-prepared with proper nutrition to enjoy a good hike. Let us know what you thought of this blog in the comments!