Climbing Equipment and Hiking Supply You cannot Leave Without
Hiking and climbing trips require a great deal of preparation from physical conditioning to gathering the equipment and supply needed survive the trip.
Here are the lists of the important must have climbing equipment and hiking supply:
Climbing Equipment
Rope, cord, and webbing.
The ropes used in climbing are different from ropes used on other purposes. There are two classes of climbing ropes: static ropes and dynamic ropes.
Static ropes are non-elastic ropes which are usually used for rappelling since they reduce the bounce, which makes it easier for an individual to descent.
Static ropes are also used in anchoring systems. Dynamic ropes on the other hand are used as belay ropes since they are elastic.
The purpose of elasticity is to reduce the force and tension created to the ropes and the person should he or she falls.
Belay Devices
Belay devices allow the control of the belay ropes, important to keep the climber safe during accent or descent.
The mechanical friction brake devices lock the rope with a minimal effort making the climb safer for both the person and the device.
Draws or Quickdraws
Quickdraws consist of non-locking carabiners linked by a short, pre-sewn, ring of webbing.
They are used to attach ropes bolt anchors for protection which permit the rope to run through them with nominal friction.
Crab or Carabiner
The crab, a climbing equipment usually made of aluminum, is a metal loop with spring-loaded gate, used as connectors.
There are 2 type of crab: locking, and non-locking.
Climbing Harness
A harness is worn either around the pelvis or chest, which is connected to a rope.
There are other ways to wear the harness other than the 2 mentioned and there are types of harness for a particular outdoor activity such as canyoning and caving.
However, the principle remains the same: to keep the climber from falling to the ground.
Other climbing equipment are figure eight, rescue eight, rack, ascenders, nuts, tricams, etc.
Hiking Supply
Pocket knife or utility knife
Pocket knife is a small folding knife, usually between 3 to 5 inches in length.
The skip joint knife that contains more than just one blade is often used as a soft duty utility tool.
Swiss Army Knife and United States Army knife are two of the more popular skip joint knife varieties in the market.
It contains an array of tool such as scissors, corkscrews, bottle openers, saws, plain edges, and serrated.
Food and Water
It may be obvious to bring food and water on the trip but it is still worth mentioning. If you are planning to cook during the trip, bring your own portable stove.
An ample supply of clean drinking water keeps you from drinking water coming from lakes and rivers you came across, which can be unsafe.
Compass
GPS is good until it runs out of power. A small compass will not be a big weight to carry. Do not forget to bring and learn to use one along with the map.
Map
Okay. It’s just hiking and you’ll find your way in and out of it through the trails. Still, you need to bring your map because you’ll never know when you will use it.
Clothes and Raingear
Bring appropriate clothes on your hiking trip. No short and Capri pants. Just heel closed shoes, long-sleeved shirt, and a cap. Do not forget to bring raingear too.
Equipment Used for Hiking Top Five Essentials
Well of course man has long ago abandoned his leathery footwear in exchange with good looking ones and he has also long forgotten that he has instincts which he could use in the wilderness.
Now that there is still continuous quests to attempt and conquer the wilderness, he returns with more sophisticated equipment that helps him better with mobilization, tracking and of course hiking.
Now that you are planning to conquer the mountains yourself, you might be thinking that you could do as our forefathers have done.
You could attempt but there’s no guarantee of success. The skills man had long ago are quite forgotten now.
The good thing though is that these are being complemented with his inventions to equal, or even surpass the skills versus gadgets.
So the top 5 in your list of essential equipment for hiking are as follows:
Hiking boots
You can go barefooted if you want but of course that would mean prior preparation to condition your feet and perhaps lesser work.
Top these with the lack of comfort for those who are not used to it.
So when choosing hiking boots you must decide on how you would put them in to use. Choose hiking boots in relation to the type of hiking you would be doing.
There are various types that could cater even your specific needs.
Mostly for beginning hikers, the choice of hiking boots are trekking boots.
These are designed specially for moderate off trail and are likely to be lightweight since manufacturers know that this type would be used for several terrains on short distances.
Long distance hiking boots however are normally used by expert hikers.
Other hiking boots are engineered depending on the loads of your backpack or the terrain that the hiking boots will suffer.
Backpacks
What good would it be to travel without a backpack, well that’s practically unimaginable.
The main thing with backpacks is that they must support the weight you intend to carry behind you while giving you additional comforts.
But backpacks go beyond to helping push you on steep trails.
Hiking accessories
Hiking gears vary anywhere from cooking utensils to more sophisticated devices such as night vision.
Be sure to bring only those that you need most while providing you multiple purposes. Heavy accessories with too little uses should be put out of your list.
Hiking map
Unless you want to get lost, you should always be bringing with you a hiking map to help you find the way in and out of the trail.
GPS for hiking
With modernity comes the ease of work. If you want to get better positioning and less hassle on finding trails then you must also bring with you a GPS device.
However, for people who want to experience the real stuff of hiking and camping, it is recommendable that you leave this gear out of your list.
Or, reserve it for more crucial conditions only. That is to say, you can bring it with you and never use it or bring it with you and rely on its benefits.
Remember though that all your choices of equipment used for hiking should increase your capacity, with more uses as compared with all others and should make you both enjoy your hiking experience while gaining some to improve your skills.
There are other things that you should consider bringing and the above five examples are just some of the most crucial things you can never leave out.
Get Up and Go Out, Shop for Hiking Gear!
Now that you’ve done a lot of thinking on going outdoor and hiking, it is time that you give some thoughts on the things that will help you ensure that you will have a great time backpacking.
It is time to shop for hiking gear!
The gear of all gears – the number one, most important item on your list is backpack. When shopping for one, consider the size.
It is imperative that the size of your backpack can carry everything you need for the trip.
Your backpack is your closet, your toolbox, your car trunk, your cupboard, and your pantry all at the same time.
Look for a backpack with thick shoulder straps for better comfort and less strain on your shoulder. Also, consider a backpack with extra padding for support.
Belt straps that go around the waist and chest can help you with weight and stability.
Popular brand of backpacks include: Arc’Teryx, Gregory, CamelBak, The North Face, Osprey, Deuter, Granite Gear, Mountainsmith, Marmot, and Mountain Hardwear.
Price ranges from $50 up to $500. If you are planning for a serious hiking, don’t focus on the price and get the most durable one.
Another hiking gear you should invest your money on is a pair for quality and durable hiking shoes.
You can get mountaineering boots, backpacking boots, hiking boots, trail shoes, approach shoes, trail running shoes, climbing shoes, water shoes, or casual shoes.
Select from different brands including Lowa, Merrell, Montrail, Inov8, La Sportiva, Asolo, Scarpa, Vasque, Keen and Chaco.
The price of a good pair of hiking shoes range from $50 to as much as $400. Tip: Break your new shoes in before you use them at the hike.
Do not forget the proper clothing and outwear. Outerwear provides maximum protection against rain, sun, and cold. They should provide maximum comfort too.
Try to invest on good hiking jackets, pants, and shirts.
Recommended brands include: Arc’Teryx, Mountain Hardwear, MontBell, Marmot, The North Face, Icebreaker, GoLite, Patagonia, JanSport, and Ex Officio.
Start with one set of clothing and outerwear and shop more if you want to do some serious hiking.
Sleeping bags and pads are important if you are planning to stay outdoor all night.
Choose one that can fit you and can protect you from cold temperature and will keep you dry during rainy nights.
Pacific Outdoor Equipment, Therm-A-Rest, Marmot, MontBell, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Kelty, Big Agnes, Sierra Designs, and EMS are some brands that manufacture sleeping bags and pads.
Navigational tools like GPS will keep you on track while you are out on the woods.
Try Garmin, Silva, Suunto, Highgear, Brunton, Magellan, Polar, Nike, Timex, and Lowrance for your selection of navigational tool.
Do not forget to learn how to read compass and map if GPS is unavailable
One very important thing to take note of is the image you are projecting to other hikers while wearing or carrying these gears.
It is advisable not to use your new gears all at once for the reason that you will look like an amateur trying to impress others that you have expensive gears.
New gears are also hot to the eyes of crooks. The point is: try to stay on low profile. Act like you have been hiking before.
This way, you have a great chance of going home will all your gears with you.
Going for Hiking and Backpacking Trip?
Take these Tips with You!
1.) Shop for a good quality backpack.
A hiker can forget his map, compass, flashlight, and knife but he can never leave without his backpack. Invest on a quality backpack that fits you.
“Fit” meaning, when you wear it, you are comfortable with it.
Thick shoulder straps and extra padding can increase the level of comfort when carrying the backpack on a long hike so choose one bearing these features.
Crucial to the selection of backpack is the size. Choose one that can carry everything you need for most of your future hiking trips.
2.) Take the appropriate gear.
Your survival when you are in hiking and backpacking trip depends on the right gear you bring.
Pack clothes that are suitable for every possible weather condition in the area. Expect the worst.
A sunny day hike can turn into wet, muddy, and slippery one so your clothes should be appropriate for any sudden weather change.
Invest on a pair of quality hiking boots. If you are planning for serious hiking and backpacking, a tough, heavy and waterproof pair of hiking boots is a must.
If this will be your first time, shop for the right gear and prepare yourself physically.
3.) Plan your trip carefully.
The secret to great hiking and backpacking trip is planning. Plan your trip early. If you have to make some reservations, do it months in advance.
4.) Bring a friend.
It is not advisable to hike and backpack alone so tell your plan to a friend and bring him with you.
5.) Tell someone about your trip.
Another friend, a relative or someone back at camp should be aware of your whereabouts during your hike.
Inform him about your route and your expected time of return.
6.) Bring communication device.
Bring a cellular phone, a two-way radio or a satellite phone if it’s available. This way, you can call for help in case something wrong happens.
7.) Check the weather forecast.
Although weatherman is often inaccurate, it pays to listen to them. This way, you know what to expect when you are out there on the woods.
8.) Stay away from wildlife at all times.
Even if you are hiking and backpacking on a suburban location, there is a possibility that you encounter wild animals. If you do, keep your distance from them.
Back away slowly. Don’t run.
9.) Bring your portable stove.
Most parks prohibit hikers and campers from making fire using woods so make sure that you bring your own portable stove to cook your food.
10.) Stay close to your things.
There are still crooks even when you are out on the woods so make sure you keep an eye on your things all the time.
Do not bring any valuable items like wallet and jewelry. Avoid showing off your new gear to anyone.
11.) Bring enough food and water.
Energy bars are recommended when you go hiking and backpacking. They are lightweight and easy to carry. Bring other foods at your preference.
Bring enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your trip. Stay away from waters from lake, river, and creek.
They may look clean and fresh but they can make you ill.
12.) Bring insect repellant lotion, hat, camera, toiletries, raingear, navigational devices (GPS, map, and compass), first-aid kit, binoculars, etc.
Hiking Safety: Things to Remember
Hiking is indeed, an exciting outdoor activity; but a one wrong step will get you into instant trouble.
So before you get too excited, here are some safety tips you should remember on your hiking trip:
Never hike alone
If you don’t swim in the open ocean alone, you also do not hike in the woods alone. Both are dangerous especially if you are just beginning to develop the interest.
Always tag a buddy, preferably, the one with hiking experience.
Be prepared… at all times
Because you will never know when you will hit the next dead end, you should always prepare for the worst. Be prepared for weather changes.
Bring appropriate clothing for every type of climate possible. Expect to encounter major bumps along the way.
Take at least the basic survival course so that you will know what to do when problem arises out in the woods.
Bring plenty of drinking water
Although you can live for days without drinking water, it is not worth the risk.
Water may be heavy item to carry but it will keep you hydrated and on your toes the whole hiking trip.
River, stream or lake may look fresh and clean but these bodies of water can make you ill. Do not drink from them.
Bring navigational devices
It is easy to get lost in the woods so better have a handy GPS with you. Do not rely on GPS, though. A map and a compass will save you if GPS fails.
Learn to use them too.
Do not walk off-trail
Walking off-trail increases your chance of getting lost and getting injured. It also destroys the trail.
Tell someone where you are
Let other people know about your hiking plan: both where you are going and when you are planning to come back.
This way, they will know where to find you in case you have not returned at the time they expect.
Always bring a mobile phone so that in case of emergency, you can contact immediately people who can help you.
Keep your distance from wild life
Outdoor hiking is not a trip to the zoo. So whenever you encounter wild animals on the trail, back away slowly, keep your distance, and avoid running.
Beware of poison ivy
There are lots of it in the wild. Do research on poisonous plants and bushes you can encounter on a hiking trip.
Familiarize pictures of poisonous plants so that you can avoid them when you see them.
Be extra careful when wet
Woods can be very slippery when wet. Also, muddy steep ascends can knock you off balance. Be very careful trekking when the trail is wet.
Use hiking stick to improve your balance and assist you in walking.
Know your skills
Level your hiking skill to the right hiking trail. If you are just a novice hiker, try not to attempt difficult trails.
It will not only increase your chance of getting injured, it will also make the hiking trip stressful than enjoyable.
And finally, plan carefully
Safety begins in planning. Get a topographic map of the hiking trail you are planning to take.
Gauge the level of difficulty of the hiking trail in relation to the length and the elevation of the trail. Plan your stops and rests. Pack light, pack right, and pack wise.
Hiking Trip Do’s and Don’ts
The difficulty and enjoyment of hiking depends on where you plan to take your feet.
But no matter where you go, there are things that never change: the safety measures you have to observe and the standard rules you have to monitor.
Do’s and don’ts of a hiking trip are as follows:
Do not bring valuables.
There is no shopping mall out in the woods. And definitely, there is no need to flaunt any jewelry to the trees and plants out there.
Never bring your wallet, jewelries, and other valuable items on a hiking trip because when they get lost, you might have to spend more time faced-down looking for your lost items than sightseeing and enjoying the trip.
Do not pack more than you should have.
Carrying your own weight on the hike is tiring enough so make sure that you do not carry too many things when you go hiking.
Pack clothes enough to last for the whole trip. Bring only the things that you know you are going to use.
All the excess items should be left at home or in your hotel room. The point is, you have to travel as light as you can.
Do plan your hiking trip.
Safety begins with a right plan. Schedule your hiking trip months before your anticipated date so that you have adequate time to prepare.
Identify a hiking site that is right for your skill. If it is your first time, read informative articles about hiking and the things you need during the trip.
Take time go over the safety precautions posted by your hiking site.
If you plan to spend overnight in the woods, make sure that you have everything you need to survive the trip. Plan your itineraries carefully.
Do know the weather forecast.
Either you plan to go for a day hiking trip or you want to spend your nights outdoor, it is very, very important to watch the news and listen the weather forecast of the location of your hiking trip.
This will give you a good head start on what type of weather condition to expect and provide you with the right information as to what equipment to bring.
Do wear proper clothing.
You must wear the right clothes depending on the season.
During summer, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes with hard soles, and a hat are appropriate. No sandals, shorts or capri pants.
During cold weather, wear jacket, sweaters, wool shirt, thermal-style underwear, and layered clothing will keep you protected from the chill.
Do anticipate the rain.
Weather changes unpredictably in the wild. Most of the time, you will never know if it is going to rain or not. So, be prepared!
Bring waterproof clothes and windproof gear on your trip.
Do bring proper equipment.
Survival out on the woods is not easy so make sure that you come prepared. Utility tools should be the number one equipment on your list of “what to bring”.
Also, do not forget flashlight and batteries even if you don’t intend to spend the night outdoor. A portable gas stove is recommended if you plan to cook your food.
Do enjoy your hiking trip.
Bring a set of binoculars, a camera or a video camera to capture you moments during the hiking trip.
Finally… Be safe at all times!
Mountain Hiking Self-Preparation Tips
There are several things that you need to know before you take on a mountain hiking journey you have been planning for sometime now. Here are some of them:
Everyone thinks that mountain hiking could be performed by practically everyone. The sad truth is that it was never meant for everyone to endeavor.
Maybe some people can’t naturally survive away from the usual everyday comforts, some people have no ability to adjust to the ruggedness of the mountain trails and maybe some people are physically incapacitated to experience, learn and enjoy mountain hiking.
But there are always a bunch of adventurous souls that would give everything, even if it means losing some of life’s greatest comforts.
But of course it does not always come to that. But the thing is, some people are more adept to the outdoors while others are more suited for cozy living.
So before you continue planning, it is best that you determine what type of soul you have, are you the adventurous soul or the laidback one?
Second, know everything about mountain hiking. You cannot go to the mountains unarmed.
You need to know what are the essentials of mountain hiking, you need to know where are the best places to hike and you need to know what to bring with you on a mountain hiking trip among with other vital things you should be packing along with your fundamental knowledge.
A little homework will do while an extensive research would give you far better results than what you have first expected.
Know the items you should be packing with you.
Of course there are the usual stuffs like pre-packaged foods, safety kits, camping gears and mountaineering must-haves but you should take note of other essential things you should be packing along with your things.
Some mountain hiking destinations require specific items and you should take note what these are.
Sometimes, a simple mistake could endanger your life, it is best that you protect yourself during the very early stages of planning through carefully preparing the gear and equipment you need.
Know the terrain and check out the usual phenomenon occurring in the mountain hiking area.
In Colorado for example, there are certain places where you are most prone to thunderstorms during summer.
In Alaska, there are snow-clad mountain trails that you should be carefully watching for.
In Canada, there are particular spots where you would be showered a lot. With the exemption of these things, you could be well assured of nice trips.
However, forgetting to take note of them could lead to disastrous results. Thus, you need to get these particular things checked.
Get some good grips. If your hiking boots are new or you are new to mountain hiking, it is best to place yourself in the most strategic positions with the least possible prospect of accidents.
In some mountain hiking areas, the ground surfaces are highly textured while others have peculiarly wet grounds.
If you are not quite careful with the footing, you might find yourself slipping.
Of course nobody wants such accidents so we advise that you firmly step on the ground below you.
You could also be helped well if you have a decent pair of mountain hiking boots.
Prepare yourself for the hike. If you are physically fit then mountain hiking may not be so hard for you.
However, even if you seem to be of optimum health, you still have to condition yourself for the tedious work of mountain hiking.
Be prepared with both the hike up and down the trail and everything in between.
Things to Look into Before Going to Hiking and Camping Trips
Know your skill
Hiking is a physically demanding outdoor activity.
And when we say physical, we mean moving more muscles than you usually do for a prolonged period of time, which, when the body is not prepared may result to injury.
Thus, it is very important that you recognize first what you can and cannot do. Choose a hike that your body can handle.
Know how long can you walk and how long can you stay outdoor. Hiking and camping should be a fun experience.
Do not spoil it by trying to conquer a terrain you cannot handle.
Tell a friend
Think of this: If you will go to a hiking or camping trip alone, who will take your pictures behind great view? Who will tell you that your hiking shoes are untied?
Seriously, hiking or camping alone is unsafe.
Ask a friend to come with you – a friend who does not mind to get his hands dirty, who has an experience with difficult terrain, who has some accidents and missteps, and who has been in a bad situation before.
Do not attempt to hike and camp. Discuss your plan with a friend and make sure that you both understand it before you go.
Check the weather
We all know the weather forecast is often inaccurate.
Nonetheless, you have to listen to what the weatherman says before you even try to pack your bag and head outdoor.
Remember that a sunny day could turn into a life threatening storm in an hour. And a clear terrain can be turned into a muddy one on a 10-minute pour.
It may not or may not happen, but you have to anticipate the worst possible situation. Better come out well-prepared and well-protected.
Do not forget to bring raingear and appropriate clothing when you go hiking or camping.
Always keep in touch with the nature and don’t just go marvel them with your mouth open. Be aware of the changes in the cloud pattern.
Be conscious with the air temperature.
Check the terrain
Any hiking and camping park has a detailed topographic map so that, a rookie like you will understand well the terrain before actually going there.
Going on a 5-mile trek? Don’t forget to check on the elevation. Both the distance of the hike and elevation of the ground will tell you how difficult the trip is.
Learn to read the map with a compass and start planning your hike and where are the good places to take your rest. Using your map, prepare for an emergency plan.
Make sure that the map is current. Terrain changes every time so better get an updated one on your hand.
Check on Permits
You may be already aware of the permit requirements issued by wilderness areas and national parks. Some these are free of charge while others are very expensive.
Make sure that you check on permits of your hiking and camping location.
Tell another friend
Do not forget to tell to another friend back at home where you are going. This is like telling someone about your trip, when you go abroad.
Detailed information about your start time, exact route, end time, and times in between should be disclosed to your friend so that if something goes out of the plan, they will know where to find you .
Various Concerns of a Beginner When Choosing Hiking Shoes
Don’t fall into the same trap that most amateur hikers have when choosing a pair of hiking shoes.
They may not be as plenty as ordinary shoes but they are not rare since there are lots of companies manufacturing hiking shoes.
You may find a whole lot of them once you begin to look for your first pair of hiking shoes.
Don’t spend the whole day looking for a perfect pair but remember not to be too hasty in buying once you find the first pair you think are good.
Never settle on the first or the last pair you checked. Instead, assure yourself a good buy.
What are the advantages of hiking shoes over ordinary shoes?
Hiking shoes are basically and specifically engineered to suffer among highly textured surfaces. Oftentimes, these were designed to deal with frequent dampness.
Ordinary pair of sports shoes may not be able to suffer these conditions.
Thus, it is best to choose a pair that was made perfectly, with threshold maximized, for such incidences.
What makes a good hiking shoe?
Everything, from sole to lace must be in a very good condition. Otherwise, the shoes may not be able to withhold the harshness of hiking conditions.
Aside from several advertisements, hiking shoes are made good when they have brands that are well known in the market.
Low-end hiking shoes may not exactly cater the extreme needs for hiking.
Thus, your best bet is to buy a branded pair which can at least assure you of the workmanship, the quality and the services the brand may provide.
What are the best hiking shoes for you?
Only experience can answer that but as a rule of thumb the best hiking shoes for anyone are those that would fit the needs of the user.
Your choice of hiking shoes will largely depend on the type of hiking trail you expect to use the shoes for including the distance, the terrain and the elements you want your feet to be protected from.
For light hiking, that is moderate to little hiking distance, you could best rely on a pair of day hiker’s which is a more hardy version of your ordinary sneakers for running and walking.
These are made of synthetic materials like nylon which could suffer only short distances and milder terrains.
On the other hand, you could settle for those ordinarily used by expert hikers.
These are perfect for longer distances, rockier trails and hikes that require you to carry heavier backpacks.
Usually, such hiking shoes are higher and have steel or plastic shank to make the shoes stiffer.
This of course boils to better stability and could endure even the most unforgiving terrains.
When should you replace the hiking shoes?
Hiking shoes don’t wear easily, especially with infrequent use.
Once you notice signs of wear – these are smoothened soles, wearing off the padded linings and seems coming off – then it is time to buy your newer pair.
Any signs of wear should be carefully addressed.
It is not hard to find a new pair that would fit perfectly for you and your needs, however be careful that you buy the best among your initial choices.
You don’t practically get to buy new hiking shoes every time so you should really be making the best choice at hand.
What To Bring During a Hiking Tour
Regardless of what hiking tour package or hiking tour destination you choose, there are several general and specific details that you should be aware of.
Among these are the gears and equipment you must bring with you. Here we have a checklist of the items you can never leave behind:
Clothing and additional emergency clothes for temperature changes
The choice of clothing is largely dependent on the kind of hiking trail, the elevation and the strict guidelines a certain park provides.
However it is always important to pack several tee shirts and pants with you, enough to get you through a single day hike or a week of vacation.
If you are hiking on higher elevations that are known for snow and lower temperature, it is best to pack clothes that could protect you from extremely harsh temperatures.
First-aid kit and survival kit
You will never know what to expect in your hiking tour. Though you do not want the idea of accidents, it is best to be prepared.
Thus, it is advisable that you have a complete set of first aid kit.
Flashlight, matches, hiking stoves and other lighting paraphernalia
Wherever you go, especially when you have plans of camping for a night, you will need a flashlight with extra batteries, a lighter or two and water-proof matches.
Hiking stoves, on the other hand, might take some room in your bag but you will need to carry with you something you can easily cook food with.
GPS device or any tracking device, a detailed map of the trail and a compass
Any of these three are not only great additions to your backpack items but are good at keeping you directed.
A detailed map of the hiking tour could be retrieved from the headquarters of the national parks and reservations or through websites.
A compass must never be left-out; it has always been used by all sorts of travelers.
But you will have the option to exchange this with a modern alternative, the GPS devices.
These make use of satellite images fed into the devices to give you a more accurate and recent footage of the place.
Hiking staff
Some people don’t like the idea of having a stick to walk around with but many find it a useful addition among their supplies during the hiking tour.
Hiking staffs are more like an extra leg that will help with your leverage, balance and protection.
It is also useful to test the grounds without having to expose your own legs towards the dangers.
It would also help you step aside vegetations in case you are passing an unmaintained trail.
Tent and sleeping bags
Hiking tours normally last for two days or more. Thus a camping tent is very indispensable since you will need a secured place to stay during the nights.
Sleeping bags will also be good for short hiking tours, it might be less comfortable though.
Night vision, binoculars and ocular devices
You will need a good vision when hiking. Long distances are of course less detailed when seen through naked eyes.
You would have to rely on ocular devices specially when hiking long distances.
Camping food
Pre-packaged foods are better brought with you than fresh ones. These would provide you quick meals.
The disadvantage though is that pre-packaged foods are not your gourmet type of meals.
What You Want to Have from Camping and Hiking Gear
Some people just like it hiking while others want to camp as well.
Whether you’re into a several hours of hiking or you intend to spend days in the wilderness, you still have to get yourself gear that would give you most of everything.
Some camping and hiking gear will only be useful in some occasions but you can expect to see lots of gear in the market engineered perfectly to cater multiple purposes.
However, on most cases the quality of uses suffers from the number of uses the gear hold.
The best thing to do therefore is to find the top listed gears that could provide everything a hiker or a camper needs.
For one, your camping and hiking gear should give the primary purposes they were intended to have plus the leisure of enjoying them on their maximum capacity.
Second, you should look for things that could protect you while enhancing your hiking experiences.
One of the best qualities of camping and hiking gear is their being lightweight.
Remember that several miles of hiking might spend much of your energy that could later deny you of further distances.
If you use lightweight camping and hiking gears, you would be able to go longer distance while not being bothered by the heavy equipment you carry on your back.
On the other hand, if you are frequently suffering from back pains or you have chronic diseases and disorders concerning your back, you should be extra watchful of your back pack load so that your condition would not be aggravated during the hike.
You would also want camping and hiking gear that would rescue you from potential emergencies like accidents.
You may never know what awaits you while hiking or while camping so apart from preparing yourself for unforeseen incidences, you also have to ready your gear to adapt specifically to the demands of emergencies.
You should also be prepared all the time.
This means that your camping and hiking gear are maintained in their best conditions and should always be ready when called for use.
Your camping and hiking gear are typically chosen depending on the type of work you want to do.
A beginner’s pack must have several equipment used for meals, a survival or first aid kit, a good tracking device and a map of the trail and the camping site, plus several other must-haves.
Add an excellent pair of hiking boots, a hiking staff and a backpack.
Most novice hikers and campers tend to load their backs with every imaginable thing they think could be useful during the camp and hike.
The first piece of advice we have is to pack as little as possible and pack only those that are essential within the length of your hiking and camping.
If you are just doing it for one or two days, it is best to be as lightweight as possible.
To increase comfort, you should need to learn in advance the proper way of packing camping and hiking gears.
If you know the tricks, you would be able to keep your gear assembled and organized during the trail.
Apart from being lightweight and multi-purpose, your camping and hiking gear should also be waterproof as you would not want to spoil the experience by having to wear miserably damp clothes or having to wait for your gear to dry before you set off again.
Following some of our advice we have here and the cumulative opinions from your fellow hikers ad campers, you are almost assured of enjoying many good experiences while hiking and camping.
