Whether you’re going for a stroll in your local countryside or taking on the three-peak challenge, you need to ensure you’re prepared. Even short hikes can end in disaster if you don’t have the right gear with you. Of course, you don’t need to spend huge amounts of money to enjoy the outdoors, but it certainly pays to pack the essential safety gear.
In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the must-have essentials that no hiker should go without in the outdoors. They’ll help prevent injuries and provide assistance in case of emergency situations, so you can enjoy the natural scenery and fresh air without having to worry about what could go wrong.
Back Support
Hiking is a great exercise, and a way to raise your heart rate without putting too much stress and strain on your joints. Most experts say you should be walking regularly to stay healthy, and hiking is one of the most fun ways to do it. However, it can lead to strain on your back, especially if you’re carrying a heavy pack or hiking on uneven ground.
Damage to your spine can be serious, leading to mobility issues and chronic pain. However, you can avoid these issues by ensuring you always have the right back support whenever you’re hiking. Back support belts are a simple yet highly effective piece of equipment for redistributing weight and taking the load of your back.
You can also use tools such as hiking poles which take some of the load off your back and knees, and are especially useful when trekking over uneven ground. Make sure you have a good backpack too, preferably one with a hip and chest strap. Check to see if there’s anything you can remove or replace with something more lightweight, especially if you’re covering a larger distance.
Water Vessel
Water is important when hiking, as you’ll inevitably lose a lot through sweat when exercising, even in colder weather. Even if you’re not planning for a long hike, it’s always a good idea to bring a small flask or bottle filled with clean water, as the side effects of dehydration can be very serious. There are loads of different water vessels made for hiking, and the lightweight options are usually best.
You can use a water bladder or hydration pack for simple access to water whenever you need it. These packs are worn on the back and provide water through a small tube. When not filled, you can easily stow them away. On a hot day, you may prefer to use an insulated flask for a cold drink. However, you should bear in mind that these are much heavier.
First Aid Kit Essentials
No matter how long you plan to be hiking, it’s recommended that you bring some kind of first aid kit with you. Even if it’s just a small kit, it’s better than getting injured and not having any supplies at all. Within a standard first aid kit, you should have a few plasters to cover scrapes and blisters, as well as some anti-septic cream for cleaning wounds.
Other first aid essentials include bandages, tweezers and sun cream. Remember that you can always improvise by creating slings and bandages using clothes in case of an emergency.
Electronics
While hiking may be a chance to escape modern technology, there are many electronic devices and gadgets which are worth bringing when getting outdoors. First off, a fully charged and functioning headlamp is vital, even if you’re not planning to be out after dark.
GPS watches are also really useful tools, especially if you’re prone to getting lost. You can instantly check your location and find your way back to the trail if needed and many also have emergency contact functions.
