Hiking is a great activity that can be done almost anywhere. It’s cheap and is one of the best ways to get away from it all. But you need the right gear to accomplish this feat and make your day hike as enjoyable as possible.
Here are a few must-have items for your next day’s hike with friends or family!
When you’re on the trail, you will no doubt be stopping frequently. It is essential to have a backpack that doesn’t just carry your gear but is also comfortable and secure. Look for a bag with padded shoulder straps, and make sure to adjust them properly so that the weight does not dig into your shoulders too much.
If you’re hiking with kids, it’s a great idea to bring along some hydration system. Kids tend to get tired more quickly than adults, and they don’t know when they’ve had enough liquids. The last thing you want is for your children to suffer from a heat stroke! A hydration reservoir will let them drink as much water as they need at any point in time.
It’s also a good idea to bring a first aid kit. You never know when you might have to treat an injury—cuts and scrapes may occur on even the best-planned hikes.
Another great item to bring along on your hike is a portable toilet. If you’re going somewhere that doesn’t allow people or animals, and this is an easy and sanitary way to deal with your waste and toilet paper.
A good compass is a must-have item when you’re hiking. If you know how to use one, it will help you get back to where you started. The same goes for a map, although most compasses can point out where you are on the map too!
It’s also a good idea to bring along some light source. Although the day may be clear and sunny, this does not mean that it won’t turn out to be dark or cloudy when you set out on your hike. A flashlight or lantern can help you see where your group is going and keep you from getting lost!