The Essentials Needed for Backpacking and Hiking

By: Shawn Stanley

When choosing an outdoor sport to spend some time in the great escapes of the world, backpacking and hiking are the best of all possible choices. Getting in touch with nature and viewing the world from a spot that is secluded and wonderful are great choices for individuals and families. When preparing for backpacking or hiking, it is important to being along some true essentials in order to make for the safest possible trip one can prepare for.

The suns rays. The sun can be very damaging to many parts of the body. When backpacking or hiking, the sun can be in contact with the skin and eyes the entire day spent walking. Sunscreen that is waterproof and of an SPF of 30 or more can provide just enough protection for the skin. The eyes, on the other hand, are the body parts left unprotected. Including a pair or two of sunglasses in every pack will help to make the trip easy to see and safer for the eyes.

Safety is a priority. Being safe is essential for any backpacking or hiking trip. Safety can be covered in many ways, but one that is often forgotten is the aspect of getting separated from the group. When a backpacking or hiking team member gets lost, a whistle can help. If backpacking and hiking in the winter, make sure to include a whistle that is made of plastic and that does not contain a "pea" that may freeze inside the whistle.

Water, water and more water. Many beginning backpacking or hiking people think the water they need to take is always in the liquid form. But, that is not the best choice when trying to keep your pack light. Today there are many water filtration systems that can filter anything and everything from the water. These are perfect to use as a backup when the liquid of life has run out when backpacking or hiking.

Bring the heat. A firestarter or waterproof matches are essential when backpacking or hiking. A fire will be needed for those backpacking or hiking trips that last overnight. But, even for the day trips, matches and / or a firestarter are needed if only as a safety precaution. Safety is the number one concern and it is always better to be safe than sorry when backpacking or hiking.

First aid first. A first aid kit should be prepared for every backpack used during the backpacking and hiking trip. If only one packer has access to a first aid kit, the other hikers will be unable to provide first aid in the case that the group loses touch with each other. A first aid kit should include a pocket knife and a set of pocket tools for everyone.

Know Your Way. A map and a compass are two things that no backpacking or hiking can do without. These will keep you going in the right direction when things get turned around. Each pack should have their own set for guidance. On a more advanced tip, many backpacking or hiking trips are being centered on the new GPS technologies making getting lost even more difficult.

Hiking and backpacking are great ways to get a little physical activity and become better acquainted with nature and life outside. Together as a team, the backpacking and hiking group needs to make sure that every pack includes these essentials as a base and build the pack from there.

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Before you head into the wilderness this season make sure you're ready to go by checking out our resources on hiking safety and backpacking ready to goness.

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