There’s nothing as relaxing as going for a good long walk surrounded by nature. And if you’re going a bit further than just a stroll in the park, you’ll probably want to prepare a bit better. Hiking is an activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages and physical ability, and it has so many benefits. So, if you’re thinking of going for a hike that is going to take you more than just an afternoon, here are the things you should be thinking of and that you most certainly don’t want to forget!
Food and Water
If you’re going to be in nature, far from civilization, you have to think about your basic needs, and that starts with water. If you’re going to be away for more than a few days, it’s irrational to think that you’ll be able to carry all the water you will need. However, collapsible water containers that you can bring and refill along the way are the perfect thing to have. If you’re not sure whether or not you’ll have access to clean water, water purifying tablets are a must-have. It’s best to look at a map of the route ahead of time to look for water sources. As for food, you can either plan to stop along the way in guest cabins, gather berries and fruits along the way, or – the best option – bring dehydrated rations, similar to military rations, that you can easily prepare along the way to fuel yourself up.
Comfortable Clothes
When you’re going up a mountain, the last thing you want to be thinking about is how your shirt sleeves are really itchy. Before you set off, you want to make sure that all of your clothing is as comfortable as it gets. Working from the feet up, you’ll first need some good footwear. Something waterproof and sturdy that will get you over any terrain you encounter, and that will under no circumstances cause blisters. Next, you’ll need your bottoms; you want to go for something long, like full length tights that will protect your legs from any stinging plants and bugs. On top, you want to layer clothing: a comfortable shirt, lightweight hoodie and a waterproof jacket over it. Once the weather gets warmer, you can take them off one at a time. You’ll also want to protect your eyes and your head, so a hat and sunglasses should be on the list, especially if it’s a summer hike. Bring one change of clothes in case you get caught in a storm and your clothes get wet.
Somewhere to Sleep
Admittedly, there are plenty of ways someone can go hiking. You can plan your hikes to go from one cabin to another so that you have a place to sleep, or you can bring your own camping equipment. Still, most mountain homes aren’t equipped that well, and you might want to have a sleeping bag with you anyway. You should also have a fire starter kit to make sure you can stay warm and prepare food, and depending on the area you’re camping in, a smoke tablet you can throw into the fire to keep bugs and insects away.
Emergency
Of course, nobody plans on getting into trouble, getting lost or needing emergency help. However, these things do happen and you want to be prepared to deal with the situation, especially if you are alone or if the group is very small. Firstly, you will want to have a satellite phone. Regular cellphones often can’t get a signal when you are deep in the woods or far away from any town, so a satellite phone means you can call for help and let people know you’re okay. Secondly, in case of emergency, you should have a flare with you, because even if help is coming, it can be very difficult to spot someone in the middle of the woods, especially if it’s dark (make sure that your jacket is brightly colored, or at least has fluorescent details!). You also want to have a first-aid kit so that you can deal with any injuries or illnesses on the road. No need to pack all of the pills from your medicine cupboard, but a broad antibiotic, some painkillers and bandages along with any prescribed medication you need to be taking should have you covered.
Hiking is a great way not only to connect with nature and get some exercise in, but it is also a time to explore your nifty side and be alone with your thoughts. If you’re scared of a long trip, go for a short hike first and work your way up to the big ones.