Do you love hiking? Are you planning for your first hike with friends? If you are a hiking enthusiast, there are some essential items that you should have in your backpack. While some items are mandatory, others are optional but can make your hikes much more enjoyable. This blog post will discuss six things that every hiking enthusiast should own. Let’s get straight to the list.
A Flask
When going hiking, you may want to carry some water with you. However, if you’re like me, you get sick of drinking the same thing over and over again. A flask is a great way to carry around some different drinks you can enjoy on your hike. Whether it’s iced tea, lemonade, or even beer, a flask will help keep you hydrated and refreshed during your hike.
There are different flasks you can choose from, so make sure to pick the one that best suits your needs. As seen at www.ironflask.com, there are iron flasks that are perfect for keeping your drinks cold and are durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of hiking. The good thing is that they come in different sizes so that you can choose the best fit for your needs.
Hiking Shoes
One of the essential items you should own as a hiking enthusiast is a good pair of hiking shoes. Not only do they provide traction and stability on difficult terrain, but they also help protect your feet from sharp rocks and other objects that you may encounter on the trail.
There are a variety of hiking shoes on the market, so it’s essential to do your research and find the pair that is best suited for your needs. These shoes include waterproof shoes, shoes with good traction, and lightweight shoes. So make sure to do your research and find the pair of shoes perfect for you.
A Map or GPS
It’s always a good idea to have a map or GPS with you when hiking, especially if you’re going on a hike that you haven’t done before. A map can help you plan your route and ensure that you don’t get lost. A GPS can also help you get back to the trailhead if you get lost.
There are various types of maps and GPS on the market, so it’s essential to do your research and find the one best suited for your needs. There are handheld GPS units, smartphones with mapping apps, and even GPS watches.
Sunscreen
It’s essential to protect yourself from the sun when hiking, especially if you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended period. Many people ignore this fact and end up with a sunburn. Sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun.
When choosing a sunscreen, it’s essential to choose SPF 30 or higher. It’s also essential to choose a waterproof sunscreen, so it will stay on your skin even if you get wet. Do not get anything that’s not approved or one with a high percentage of zinc oxide. This might create more damage to your skin than good.
Bug Spray
If you are going hiking in areas that have a lot of bugs, it’s essential to bring bug spray with you. Bugs can be a huge annoyance when hiking and sometimes make the hike uncomfortable.
When choosing bug spray, it’s essential to choose one that has deet in it. Deet is the active ingredient in most bug sprays and will help keep the bugs away. You can also consider getting a bug spray with picaridin, an effective ingredient in repelling bugs. With these, you’ll be able to hike in peace without having to worry about the pesky bugs.
A First Aid Kit
It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit with you when hiking, just if something happens. A first aid kit can help you treat minor injuries and will help you feel safe while hiking. You can treat things such as cuts, scrapes, blisters, and even snake bites with it.
There are various first aid kits on the market, so it’s essential to do your research and find the one that is best suited for your needs. There are small first aid kits that you can carry on your hike, or you can get a first aid kit that is larger and includes more items. You shouldn’t carry a bulky one as it can make your journey uncomfortable.
There are many things that you should own as a hiking enthusiast. These items will help make your hikes more enjoyable and safe. So be sure to research what items would work best for you and purchase them before your next hike. Ensure that they are of the best quality and will last long. Happy Hiking!
