When you live in a large industrialized city that eats terrain from nature, it is necessary to visit open spaces such as parks, forests or mountains, where you can breathe fresh air. For this reason, hiking is essential to explore nature , and in this article we are going to tell you what are the 10 hiking accessories you need.
Seeing a splendid path in the distance is impressive and invites you to walk along it enjoying the outdoors. For this reason , hiking has become so popular , as it is an indescribable opportunity to walk along majestic, safe and approved paths and get in touch with nature and its natural resources. Are you ready to go hiking?
What is hiking?
It has been considered for some time as the sports practice of walking outdoors on marked trails , with different levels of difficulty and effort or route. It is also classified as a recreational and tourist activity due to its direct connection with nature in parks that allow greater enjoyment of these places by breathing fresh air.
It should be noted that it is not a competitive sport but rather leisure and healthy . You can do it alone or accompanied, self-guided or with a specialized guide. Keep in mind to always practice it with essential accessories for hiking.
Healthy benefits of hiking
Hiking brings multiple benefits to your physical and mental health. It allows you not only to make you feel strengthened and energetic, but also to prevent diseases and improve some health conditions. Here are some benefits:
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system
- Lowers blood sugar level
- Regulates metabolism
- Helps burn calories and therefore maintain an adequate weight
- Increases lung capacity
- Improves the immune system
- Decrease stress and anxiety
- Improves memory and concentration
- Control blood pressure
- Tones the muscles
- Avoid depression.
Cheer up! combat sedentary lifestyle by hiking to be healthy.
Essential precautions if you are going hiking
When starting the adventure of walking nature trails, you must take certain precautions so that your hiking trip is fun, safe and successful. The sayings “a cautious person is worth two” and “prevention is better than cure” take on special relevance in this context, since injuring yourself in the middle of a mountain may not be pleasant or easy to solve.
So make sure you don’t leave anything to chance . Plan all the details in advance, take the possible preventive measures and safety regulations to fully enjoy your hike on local trails of small or long distance in national parks or forests. Among the precautions you should consider are the following:
Research the area where you will go hiking
The conditions of the routes, their levels of difficulty, type of trails, as well as the kilometers and travel time . In this way, you will have an idea of the place, know what you will find and prevent unexpected events.
Check the weather forecasts reserved for the date you will do the walk .
Make sure of the climatic conditions of the place such as the humidity and temperature that normally exist in the area.
Choose both the appropriate equipment and clothing
Take into account the terrain and climate. It is estimated that at least 10 accessories used for hiking would be essential for you.
Inform a family member or friend where you will be and date of return
Before leaving, also leave him a telephone number where he can reach you in case of any unforeseen event.
Do a previous training
Walk weeks before, Routes similar to those you will undertake on your hiking trail to keep you healthy and fit.
It is essential that you take all these precautions into account before embarking on the tour to the chosen places for hiking, since what you are after is to enjoy a healthy, ecological and smooth walk.
If you want to carry out all this sporting practice successfully, you must bring the necessary accessories for hiking. These are the ones you need.
10 hiking accessories that will become essential for you
Selecting the most essential accessories for hiking is a daunting task. Keep in mind that if you carry a lot, you could have difficulty carrying so much weight during your walk, while if you discard some you may need them later during your journey.
It is recommended that you make a list of the main accessories used for hiking. Then it is up to you to determine which would be the most essential for you. Consider the kilometers you will travel, the time you will spend hiking, the weather, the remoteness and conditions of the trails to walk , among other aspects. Here is a list of the 10 most used accessories by a hiker to serve as a guide when making your own.
1.- Backpack for hikers
It is unquestionably the essential accessory, there are different sizes and different compartments. You must choose the one that best suits your needs according to the place, climate and duration. There are ultralight backpacks that are suitable for short walks of a day or a few hours that can hold up to 25 liters, enough for accessories necessary for that time.
If you intend to stay a weekend hiking, the most suitable would be one of up to 35 liters . Whereas, if your intention is to hike for more than four days, the most appropriate backpack should be larger to be able to introduce the most essential accessories for you.
There are also technical backpacks that adapt to your back. In addition, they have enough pockets for the different hiking accessories and they also come in various sizes.
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2.- First aid kit
This first aid kit is more than an accessory, it is a basic kit that should not be missing in your backpack, even if you think you will not use it. It is essential to have him before any incident or minor injury.
Among the essential supplies that a first aid kit should contain when you go hiking are: gauze, bandages, band-aids, swabs, tourniquets, elastic band, adhesive wound dressing, scissors, plastic tweezers, alcohol, gloves. In addition to this, it is advisable to carry antiseptics, painkillers, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories and insect repellent .
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3.- Maps and GPS clocks
It is best to have these tools both electronic and printed, in case the electronic device fails or is downloaded. Therefore, you must have to guide you the printed map, the compass and a written tourist guide of the place.
Given the advances in technology, most athletes have devices that facilitate navigation . They always have: phones with GPS and downloadable maps to use offline. You can also download an application like AllTrails , a detailed guide on everything related to the trails. We advise you to put the mobile in flight mode to save battery while hiking. Similarly, smart watches with GPS are being used lately to know the exact location.
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4.- Appropriate clothing and footwear for hikers
With regard to these accessories, the selection varies depending on the climate and type of terrain where you will practice hiking . However, we present you the clothing and footwear that are used on less rocky surfaces with few irregularities.
Clothing must comply with the 3-layer precept ; that is, the first layer is the one that is in direct contact with your body, which must be breathable and thin. The second layer should be thicker and the last layer, the clothing or jacket, should be waterproof. Long pants , absorbent and comfortable long-sleeved shirts that allow greater mobility are recommended.
As for footwear, it is good that it is waterproof, that covers the ankle, flexible, comfortable and breathable to keep the feet cool and dry.
You can opt for softer, more moldable sneakers or stronger boots if the terrain is rocky . What you should keep in mind is that they are made of durable material and that the sole has enough drawings to prevent you from slipping.
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5.- Hydration and drinks
You need to carry a camelback bottle or thermos with water to stay hydrated while hiking . Drink small doses of water continuously, this will prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
Similarly, it is advisable to introduce isotonic drinks that serve to replace the loss of electrolytes due to sweating . It also reinforces body hydration. Another option you can consider is energy drinks.
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6.- Food
Food is important when energy is wasted. When hiking trails you must be prepared with appropriate food supplies to take to these routes . It is recommended to equip more than all non-perishable foods such as canned goods.
Likewise, you should eat lightly so as not to suffer from indigestion or heartburn . You can opt for fruits, cookies, energy bars, cereals, nuts, bread, among other nutritious and light foods. Include low-calorie snacks to help you feel more satiated.
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7.- Sun protection accessories
The damage that the sun’s rays can cause to your skin or eyes can be partial or permanent. To avoid these consequences, consider wearing some of the essential hiking accessories to protect yourself from the damaging effects of the sun .
Try to avoid as much as possible to expose yourself to the sun in hours of greater solar intensity. Apart from wearing clothing that is conducive to high temperatures. And don’t forget to include these accessories in your backpack:
Sunglasses with UV filter
They are ideal to protect you from the solar ultraviolet rays and prevent eye damage . Also, they can prevent particles of dust, insects, sand, among other external agents from entering your eyes.
Protective cream with sunscreen
Use a cream with an SPF greater than 30. You should apply it in the parts that the clothes do not cover, like face, neck and hands.
Cap or hat
For greater protection, use one with an anti UV fabric and UPD index greater than 40 and insulating.
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8.- Flashlight and fire
If you plan to camp or hike at night, it is unforgivable not to bring a hand or headlamp for night hikes. Since this way, you can illuminate wide paths, caves or simply visualize the terrain you walk on . Also, carry a lighter, matches, or tinder with you to light a fire.
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9.- Multiple tool kit
This kit is one of the accessories for hiking that must be essential for you. At some point in your journey you will need to cut a branch or rope, peel a fruit, repair something or open a can . Likewise, do other actions where you would use any of these tools that make any rudimentary task in the forest or mountain easier.
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10.- Shelter equipment
Even if you do not plan to spend the night on any of the trails that you will travel, it is essential to include among the accessories that you will take for hiking a thermal and waterproof emergency sleeping bag that will serve as a shelter in case it gets dark and it is preferable to stay , to return. It would also be convenient if you include a blanket.
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Conclution
Hiking has become not only a pleasant but also a healthy activity because you will enjoy a recreational and tourist walk that will also bring benefits to your body . You will also feel more relaxed by being in contact with nature breathing in decontaminated air.
Did you have doubts about the most essential hiking accessories that you should put in your backpack? We hope this list has been useful in helping you decide which will be the 10 supplements that will become essential for your next walks .
Make hiking your favorite sport to improve your quality of life!
