Hiking is a time-honored hobby for people around the world, and it’s a common activity for overlanders and traditional campers alike. Hitting the trails with your gear for some fresh air, exercise, and beautiful views can be a cathartic experience. Whether you hike for emotional release, healthy exercise, or just to spend some time in nature, it’s important to be prepared with all the essential hiking gear. Heading out on the trails without your essential hiking gear is a risk to your safety, and the safety of those hiking with you. To help you be better prepared for your next hike, we put together this list of essential hiking gear.
Backpack
There are plenty of hiking backpacks available. They come in all shapes and sizes, with plenty of pocket options, and some even include “bladders” of water so you don’t need to bring a bulky water bottle. Whether you’re hiking for the day or planning to camp on the trails, a backpack is important for carrying all your essential hiking gear.
Weather-appropriate clothes
Before heading out for a long overlanding trip, or a daytime hike, be sure to do extensive research on the weather predictions. You should make sure to pack clothes that work for different weather conditions – everyone loves a zip-off pants to shorts transition! Pack extra clothes as well, in case weather is colder than you expected. Even the ground you’re hiking on should be considered. While you can wear regular sneakers on dirt or grass trails, rocky walks require tougher hiking boots.
Food and water
Pack plenty of food and water so you can rest and recharge during your trip. The best foods to bring are energy bars, jerky, nuts, and any other nutritious snacks that are easy to eat. Water is the most important drink, but sports drinks aren’t a bad call either.
Navigation tools
Navigation is necessary for a safe trip. Even if you plan to follow a trail, a short walk off into the woods can spell disaster. Make sure to bring a map of the area you plan to hike and a compass. These will help you get your bearings when you don’t have cell signal. You can also purchase GPS trackers that work via satellite signals for emergency directions and SOS calls.
Emergency kit
Your emergency kit should include a little bit of everything for any situation. This obviously includes first-aid supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical adhesive tape, pain-relief medicine, antihistamine for allergic reactions, and any other medical supplies you may need. Aside from first-aid, your kit should have matches, a whistle, emergency shelter, and extra food and water. Lastly, include a few small tools in your emergency kit. A pocketknife or multi-tool are important to keep on you, plus small gear like zip ties or duct tape.
Hygiene and personal items
Health and hygiene products are important to have on a hiking trip. Pack hand sanitizer, menstrual products, prescription medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, baby wipes, and all other hygiene products you might need while on the trails. Also include personal items like credit cards, cash and ID in your hiking pack.
Whether you’re heading out for a long weekend of overlanding or spending a day on the trails, this list of essential hiking gear will help keep you and your hiking partners safe. If you’re interested in overlanding for the first time, or interested in an upgrade to your current trailer, Colorado Trailer Sales has the trailer for you. Our sales staff can help you find exactly what you need, or help you custom order a trailer to your exact specifications.