How to Choose the Right Trail Hiking Equipment
A hiking trip is generally a great outdoor activity, and it gets even better when the proper supplies and right type of clothing are taken along. This assumes that the trip is more than just for one day on an easy to navigate locale which does not require any special considerations. Of course this means proper planning and especially the right kinds of footwear, because a hiker’s feet will soon get worn out when the wrong type of shoes are worn on a long trail. A broken-in pair will be the best bet, but hiking boots are definitely the right choice here.
When headed to a more challenging area for a longer getaway, it is definitely likely that the choice of gear will have to change. Of course this means that the hiking boots have to be of a premier quality and not just a cheap pair picked up at the local department store. Sore arches and blisters have long been the bane of hikers everywhere who didn’t provide the proper protection for their feet. This is due to the rugged trails which don’t afford any level of comfort to hikers without a decent boot with at least a half high shaft. These types of boots are the bare minimum required on any extended trail, and the optimal choice would be a higher cut pair in order to provide protection for the ankles and arches because these two areas are prime candidates for injury. It is very important to be able to stay on the trail in the mountains, because often it is not very wide and footing can become a little treacherous in certain areas.
Another great feature to have is waterproof capability, since there are often streams and other small bodies of water to negotiate. Any hiking boot with the Gore-Tex material is a good choice here since this is almost impervious to water. Besides being able to withstand moisture, they also allow the feet to breathe, meaning that they won’t sweat as much inside the footwear. One more accessory that should be considered is a set of spurs in case there will be an icy terrain that will be encountered. The right boots will also come with the proper laces, with an appropriate length to tie them securely.
The proper backpack is one of the key elements to any good expedition because it holds most of the equipment. For an extended adventure, this is definitely a must. For a trip lasting more than a couple of days, the amount of equipment that is needed goes significantly up. There is the need for extra clothes, food, a sleeping bag, utensils, a heater of sorts, and many different small items that would prove to be useful here. It is important when making this kind of purchase, that the unit is large enough to hold everything and more importantly whether it can be safely carried. Some of the larger ones these days also come with a hip belt in addition to the shoulder straps. This will help to evenly divide the load between these two areas, providing some relief to weary muscles. Most users have reported a much easier time with a model of this type.
In the high country, another way to move around more easily is through the use of a pair of walking sticks which can help to provide another point of contact. They help to stabilize the ground surface and can ease the force on the legs joints considerably.
For a longer hike, the proper jacket is also very important to provide protection from the elements. Obtaining one that is impervious to water, is comfortable to wear and will also breathe are definitely major considerations for purchase. Of course the obvious choice is the Gore-Tex fabric that was mentioned earlier. A jacket can be the first line of defense against the cold winds that are so prevalent in the mountains. If this trip is made during the colder weather, a sturdy pair of gloves and a warm hat will complete the ensemble. Having the right equipment will make that hiking trip a whole lot more enjoyable, and the proper considerations have to be made in order to get the supplies needed to make it a success.