Outdoor Basecamp

Tips about Hiking Equipment

Jun
15

If you enjoy the outdoors, hiking can be a great adventure for you. Yeah, it looks like a lot of work, but it can be so relaxing in the open, enjoying all that nature has to offer. There are tips about hiking equipment to consider, however, as all that work is for a reason, and most of the carry-on equipment is for your safety and benefit, and to ease the activities on your hike. There are many important things you must remember as you prepare for and begin your hike, ensuring that your equipment is appropriate and your hike is safe and fun.

Remember Your Essentials
On any hike, whether forest terrain or mountain, there are essentials in equipment you should bring. In fact, there are 10 specific essentials that should be carried on every single hike, no matter how short or long.
1. Map
2. Compass
3. Tent
4. Boots
5. Food
6. Clothing
7. First aid kit
8. Fire starter
9. Pocket knife
10. Flashlights

These 10 essentials may have various components that must also be taken with you on the hike, including batteries for the flashlight, waterproof matches for starting a fire, and the various items within your first aid kit.

Never Snuff Technology
Getting outdoors is definitely a way of escaping the daily grind of life and the constant buzz of everything that is going on today. However, this doesn’t mean that you should snuff technology all together. You want to explore different measures to remaining safe, which could include a GPS unit these days, which will ensure you stay on course during your hike and choose the best spots for camping and resting if needed.

Plan Your Hike Second to Second
Whether you plan on stopping to look at plants, taking time to eat, or have a constant path to a camp out you should plan your hike for every second. If you are going on an overnight hike, you want to know what you will need through the entire adventure, which is only possible if you plan every second of the hike specifically. Allot some time for rest or any other activities in order to ensure that you give yourself enough time on the hike, which is necessary to remain safe. If you are only going on a day hike, you want to know the exact equipment you will need, as well as any that may be possible.

Check Your Equipment Before You Go
On any hike you venture upon, you will have various pieces of equipment to carry with you. Although you may think that everything is there and up to standards, there are possibilities that there may be something missing from an important component to the equipment, to equipment itself. Checking to make sure that your first aid kit is complete, even down to the band-aids and the things you may not think you need. You never know what could happen and you want to be sure that everything is there. Also make sure that none of your hiking equipment is damaged, especially the more critical equipment.

Make Your Checklist
Create a hiking checklist for before, during, and after your hike. Be sure to include any full-night hiking items and daytime hiking items to be sure that everything is covered at all times. If you don’t need the equipment, you can make a note after full evaluation, which is necessary to fully evaluate your need. You may find that some equipment is useful during various times. You want to have something written as well, that will ensure you have everything, as it is quite easy to forget something. From loading the equipment to unloading and even as you use the equipment, note on your checklist in order to be sure where everything is.

Whether you utilize technology on your hike or stick to the basics, there are many different pieces of equipment you will need and may just want to bring with you. There are certain items used for various activities like fishing and camping that you want to keep with you if these activities are planned and ensuring you have your equipment under control is important to be sure that these activities go off without a hitch. Following tips about hiking equipment will ensure you are able to do the job right.

This post was written by

JasonJason – who has written posts on Outdoor Base Camp.
Jason is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Kayaking, hiking, trail riding, and any chance to get outdoors.

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