When taking a caravan or camping holiday you really can appreciate nature, and hiking can play an important part. Seeing the country side whilst keeping fit must be one of the best experiences you can have. This week I was about to add some information on hiking and came across this short article. I hope you find it interesting.
Going hiking is the best! The best thing about hiking is really getting out in nature and truly feeling self reliant. This experience will fill you with confidence and happiness, unless you go out unprepared. The hiker who does not bring what he needs is the hiker who returns home with blisters, sunburn, and other on trail ailments. To keep you safe, happy and loving life, follow these ten essential tips.
Have a plan. The last thing you want is to be lost somewhere in Saguaro National Park with nothing but a cactus to keep you warm, and rocks to talk to. Creating a planned route and being prepared with maps and a compass can save you hours of worrying and searching. It may even save your life.
Footwear. This one is not so up front. There are many options of footwear. Everything from trail runners to plastic mountaineering boots are available. You should choose shoes that are appropriate for what you are going to do. If you are moving quickly on a relatively well maintained trail, trail runners are most likely all the support and weight you'll want on your feet.
You can find a good selection of hiking equipment on eBay
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However, if you are climbing K2 you might want a little more support. More appropriate footwear will keep you safe, and keep you feet happy.
Hydration. Again, there are a lot of options here. Some people enjoy a drink mix that contains some electrolytes and carbohydrate while other people choose simple and plain water. It doesn't matter so much what you pick, only that you use it. Staying hydrated can keep you from a host of on trail sicknesses. Drink before you feel thirsty because thirst is the first sign of dehydration. Make sure you pack enough, and plot a spot to refill along the way in case you use more than you planned.
Nutrition. Nothing is worse than getting hungry while hiking. Packing some food can be worth its weight in gold. Some people bring energy bars, and others trail mix. Again, the choices are not as important as actually having them. Know that you are burning lots of calories and that you will need to stay energised.
Illumination. There are two main types of illumination you can take on the trail: headlamps and flashlights. Headlamps offer the convenience of hands free while flashlights are a little more versatile. Having one with you can make a huge difference. The last thing you want is to be caught outside in the dark with nothing to light your way.
Tools. Bringing a tool with you will be the best choice you have made in a long time. You will be surprised just how often you need it, from repairing a tent stake, to cutting a strap on your pack. You'll be glad you brought it. Common choices are a Swiss Army Knife, or a Leatherman.
Sunscreen/Bug repellent. Being sunburned is terrible, and nothing is worse than West Nile. Save yourself from these little problems and you're sure to have a good time. This way you'll be able to get out and do more future hikes since you are not peeling and itchy.
Rain Protection. No matter if it is a Wal-Mart poncho or an Arcteryx Jacket, it will be your best friend in a surprise shower. Everybody hates being wet and uncomfortable while they have to hike. In the cold, keeping dry can be your best defense against hypothermia. Great quality rain protection these days is light weight and packs small, so it is definitely worth it.
Take a friend. Bringing a friend can make the time on trail more enjoyable. In addition hiking with someone will always keep you safer. Many people have been hurt on the trail and they could not find the help they needed because they were by themselves. Hiking with at least one other hiker is always a smart idea.
Communication. Having a way to get a hold of someone in an emergency is a good safety precaution. In most places, a regular cell phone will work. Even if the phone doesn't get service, they usually have a GPS transponder built in. So in an actual emergency, paramedics can use the GPS to locate you.
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