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hiking tipsEach hike is unique and you should carefully review your particular individual needs.
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Break in new shoes before going for a hike. Sneakers, running shoes and hiking shoes are all good shoes on a hike; brand new shoes are not. Previously unused shoes can mean blisters that can quickly develop into very much unnecessary suffering.
For a shorter trip that does not involve very heavy packing or technical terrain, sneakers and running shoes are good. For longer walks, with heavier backpacks, or more technical terrain, hiking shoes may be preferable to get more support.
A map and compass will not only tell you where you are and how far you have to go, they can also help you find campsites, water and an emergency route to civilization in case of an accident.
One tip is that you can download areas in google maps to use offline in your mobile, perfect when you lack coverage in the forest. For more advanced and detailed maps, there are other applications such as Topo GPS Sweden. An external battery to charge phones, cameras, headlights or other equipment is often useful, plan your power consumption and assess your needs before departing.
Without enough water, your muscles and organs simply can't work as well and the risk of hypothermia and height sickness increases.
Be sure to bring enough water during your hike, or bring a water purifier and know where water sources will be along your route. For a 24-hour water supply, 4 liters per person is recommended. Make sure your water is easily accessible via water bottles or a water bladder so you can drink freely while walking.
As you prepare for a hike, you want to bring enough calorie-rich food to maintain your energy for a long day of activity. Dried fruits and nuts are excellent for eating during the hike, energy and protein bars as well.
Your food choices should be based on taste preference, nutritional value, calorie density of each meal and how easy it is to cook. Freeze-dried food or precooked food in soft pouches fits well on longer trips. Keep in mind that something unexpected can prolong your hike: get lost, enjoy a view, an injury or difficult terrain. Extra food helps you keep your energy and morale up.
Because the weatherman are not always right, clothing in layer is recommended, which makes it possible to adapt to varying weather and activity levels. Including an extra insulating layer even during warm trips ensures that you are safe and warm if the temperature drops unexpectedly.
Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture near your skin and takes a long time to dry) instead use quick-drying synthetic materials and always wear something on your head. A buff is very useful, its light weight and versatility make it a favorite - providing protection both from the sun and the heat and against rain or snowstorms.
Knowing how to make a fire can be a life-saving skill. In order to make a fire easier, we always bring two lighters (one is kept in a dry place as security), a fire-blow pipe and some Tinder Sticks from Light My Fire that are used only when they are really needed. A knife often accompanies and is useful for cutting chips or splitting wood, but is not always necessary. Use the knife carefully and with habit, the consequences of a wound can be much greater in nature than at home.
The heat of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent hypothermia. A fire is also an excellent way to signal for help if you get lost, so is also a whistle. A headlamp is immensely useful not only when hiking at dusk and darkness but also well at the camp site when tents are to be set-up or food is cooked. There are various first aid kits, you can of course pick up your own supplies as needed but for example Lifesystems Trek is well suited for hiking. Sunglasses and sun protection are in certain situations absolutely necessary especially in the mountain environment where the combination of sun and snow can cause sunburn and cause snow blindness.
Zip-bags are good for storing thrash in order to separate it from other packing.
Toilet paper and a trowel are necessary to properly dispose of traces of toilet visits by digging a hole at least 15-20cm deep - either bury the toilet paper deeply or pack it in zip-bags. Hand Sanitizer Gel - Dirty hands are one of the biggest reasons for illness during hikes. Use hand sanitizer gel after toilet visits and before cooking.
Packing and carrying the backpack properly makes the hike a great deal easier and prevents incorrect posture and strain, when renting a backpack at HikeHire you will always be sent the manufacturer's instructions in PDF format, the backpacks have great adjustment possibilities to fit as well as possible.
Keep the packing in the backpack according to the day's need, you do not need your sleeping bag until you arrive at the camp, pack it in the bottom. Pack comfortably but with items needed during the day easily accessible. Place heavier objects at the bottom of the bag and as close to the back as possible to maintain the center of gravity. Rain protection is integrated into our backpacks easily accessible in a separate pocket.
Tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping mats often constitute the greatest weight in the packing. Therefore, we have carefully selected the equipment that we consider to have the best compromise comparative convenience / safety against weight / volume.
As a beginner, it is easy to pack your fears as "in case of" and "good-to-have-things", together they can weigh a lot. You have to decide what is most important to bring. A good trick is to make a pack list first and then weigh what you bring with you. A simple and free online service for managing packing lists is lighterpack.com. You can easily categorize your things and see how much each category weighs. By being aware of the weight of the things you bring, it becomes easier to opt out of the unnecessary.
Choose a campsite with care to maximize convenience and comfort. Make sure you have plenty of time, start looking for a campsite at least an hour, preferably two before the sun goes down.
If you are tired after the walk leave your backpack while you are looking then you will be less inclined to choose the first best place. Make sure to have as smooth a surface as possible to pitch the tent. Prioritize the proximity to water. Avoid risks such as camping under dead branches, where falling rocks can occur or in areas that can be flooded. |
