Travel

A Short Guide On Preparing for Hiking Trips

H iking has to be one of the most exciting and fun outdoor recreational activities, especially when you do it with friends or family. From exploring nature to spending quality time with your loved ones, hiking offers a chance to do all that and more.

There’s a lot that goes into preparing for hiking trips because preparation can make all the difference between a fun, unforgettable hike and an average one.

This short guide outlines the ins and outs of hiking preparation tips that will help you prepare for one ahead of time and save you from last-minute hassles.

Pack the Right Things

A successful hike is incomplete without all the right tools, resources, and materials that need to go in your backpack.

So, before anything else, prepare a checklist and make sure to pack the right things for your hiking trip.

Here are a few essential items that should be a part of your hiking checklist:

Navigation tools – these include tools like maps and compass to help you with directions and know where all the emergency exits, campsites, and rest areas are located.

Water – you need adequate water supplies on your hiking trip because it can be quite physically draining and exhausting. It is extremely important to stay hydrated on such trips because without enough water, you can’t expect your body to perform at its best.
Food – needless to say, you also need food and extra snacks on a hiking trip because, well, it’s more fun and enjoyable when everyone’s bellies are full.
First-aid kit – unforeseen accidents can occur at any time during a hike which is why you must also bring a personalized first aid kit with you on your trip. The kit should include bandages, blister treatment, gauze pads, medications, tape, alcohol swabs, and antibiotic treatment.
Sun protection – This is very important if you happen to be going on a day hike. Sunscreen will help protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and sunburn since you will be exposed to the sun for a few hours.
Safety items – hiking trips often cover secluded and rugged trails so safety is almost always a concern. You must pack some basic safety items such as a flashlight, a whistle, and a fire starter in case you feel the need to send a signal or call for help.
Rain protection – the weather can often take us by surprise so it’s quite possible for it to start raining when you are on a hike. While you certainly can’t predict these surprises, you can always prepare for them. So, make sure to carry a lightweight raincoat and other rain protection supplies like quick-dry clothes, tissues, and waterproof covers, to name a few.
Toiletries – in case your hiking trail is far away from public bathrooms, it’s essential to pack a few basic toiletries such as hand wash, hand sanitizer, waste bags, toilet paper rolls, and other such necessities. These are meant for bathroom breaks and stops and will make things a lot easier for you and your hiking companions.
Bug/mosquito repellant – you are likely to encounter a range of insects during your hiking trips such as mosquitoes, spiders, bees, and ticks. However, you can prevent these pesky pests from ruining your trip by bringing mosquito and bug repellants with you. Be sure to reapply it every once in a while to keep these pests at bay.

Focus on Your Fitness

When preparing for hiking trips, your fitness is crucial and plays a very important role. There’s nothing worse than experiencing aching joints or a sore back right in the middle of the hike. Therefore, you must focus on your overall health and physical strength since hiking trips require a lot of energy, stamina, and vigor.

Before the day of your hiking trip, you can engage in strength training and do some leg, back and core exercises on a daily basis. Doing so will help you a great deal during the hike by preventing extreme soreness and exhaustion.

It’s not exactly an overnight solution for fitness but will help prepare your body to some extent to be able to respond to the physical requirements of the hike.

Are You Ready for Your Hike?

It is always a good idea to stay ahead of time when preparing for hiking trips. After all, a little preparation will go a long way in making your trip hassle-free and absolutely fun!