Hiking into the backcountry, even on an ordinary excursion, calls for the packing of a considerable number of gears. It is true that, if one is inexperienced in this activity, packing the gear could become a cumbersome task.
A lot of people have experienced the hassle of packing several pieces of equipment just because they did not know what to pack or what they should avoid packing. Also, most hiking essentials don’t come cheap. But when you really need a break from the pressure of everyday life, the payoff is totally worth the money and physical fatigue. You can even consider spending some time in front of your system to find a short term loan to get yourself well prepared to take a long backcountry hike.
To help you out with deciding the backcountry hiking essentials that you should bring with you, we have listed a few of them for you below.
1. Navigation:
The first and most important piece of equipment to pack is a navigation system. When hiking, one has to be aware of the terrain and distance that separates them from the area of destination. As much as possible, hikers should avoid getting lost in the dark, as this could be fatal. If a navigation system is unavailable, the hiker should make sure that they are aware of their location and in which direction to go.
2. First Aid Kit:
A first-aid kit is essential, as it comes in handy for treating cuts, burns, scrapes, and blisters. This is a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, however small. It should contain bandages, pain relievers, scissors, a tick removal tool, a hot and cold compress, antibacterial cream, adhesive tape, gauze, and tweezers. The first aid kit should also come with all necessaries listed on a wilderness first aid kit checklist.
3. Footwear:
Walking through rough terrain and steep ascents, hiking is a physically hard activity, so hiking boots are a must. There are a number of hiking boots on the market to choose from, and if you find it difficult to pick the right ones, a hiker should pick the pair that fits like a glove. The boots should be secure around the foot and ankle to make sure that you’re not going to trip over any rock while walking on unsteady terrain. Make sure the boots you pick are waterproof, as you would not like to end up with a foot soaked in water after stepping in a small stream.
4. Sun Protection:
Sweating is unavoidable when hiking. That’s why protecting your skin from the sun is extremely important. An excellent sun protection lotion with at least a 30-SPF and a wide-brimmed hat would suffice. If you are looking for a long-term solution, you can also consider getting yourself a pair of sunglasses with lens coating and ultraviolet (UV) protection.
5. Emergency Shelter:
Emergencies can happen in the backcountry, and it would be helpful to have an emergency shelter. The shelter should be a small and lightweight survival bag. It should have a zipper or a drawstring to open it, which allows a person to easily crawl inside. To carry that around, you can buy a waterproof stuff sack or get a thin stuff sack and find a lightweight tarp. Not only will it protect you from wind and rain, but it should also help you stay warm with your body heat. In addition to these things, you should also have a compass and a whistle to alert people who may come to locate you. Remember that your safety is always your utmost concern when it comes to embarking on a backcountry hike; thus, your primary equipment should be safety equipment.
Conclusion:
Hiking may seem like a leisure activity, but it is not. Hiking may be risky and may end up with injuries. It is important that you are properly equipped and have knowledge in order to hike safely.
