Top 6 essentials for your hiking checklist

Hiking is a phenomenal experience. Not only does it give you a fresh perspective on life and life itself, but it is also a great stress reliever. Various research evidence also shows that hiking carries exceptional health benefits as well. If you have ever done some hiking before, you will definitely second these benefits that hiking brings along.

But hiking comes with its own set of challenges for amateurs as well as professionals, depending on the hiking terrain of your choice. Nature is very expansive and is full of awe-inspiring beauty. It also has another face as well, which is very harsh and unforgiving. It is true that you plan a hiking expedition with a lot of fun and excitement in your mind, but you must know that things can go south at any time. And if you are well prepared, you will definitely be in a much better position to deal with any kind of situation.

As the famous adage goes on to say,

"Hope for the best. But be prepared for the worst. "

Therefore, it is very crucial that you carry the appropriate equipment on your hiking expedition. This post will share some of the key essentials that you must always carry with you whenever you plan to go on a hiking trip. Making these essentials part of your hiking checklist will definitely help you have a pleasant and safe hiking experience. So, without much further ado, let's learn what the top 7 essentials are that you must always carry with you on every hiking expedition and why.

1. Navigation tools

For any hiking trip, the use of working navigation tools ensures that you don’t lose your path in the middle of the wild. Thinking of the wild animals that are mostly ready to prey, accompanying the right navigation tools can prove to be a life-saving essential.

There is a long list of navigation tools that can be helpful on any hiking expedition. However, the following four navigation tools are the most essential ones.

• A Topographic Map

• A good Compass with

• GPS device

• A basic altimeter

A topographical map is a must for long, confusing hiking terrain to help you chart your path accurately in case you have any doubts.

Similarly, a standard baseplate compass will help you ascertain your direction in relation to the map. It will make sure that you don’t go in the wrong direction. If you need to go north, you will go north using a simple but effective standard baseplate compass. You might be wondering, as all smartphones carry a digital compass, so why are we asking you to carry a traditional compass with you? Firstly, the baseplate compass is very lightweight. Secondly, you should carry a baseplate compass, as, unlike a smartphone, it does not require any battery.

Moreover, a GPS device and an altimeter will come in handy to track your location on the map and chart your path easily.

2. Backpack

Choosing the right backpack is the key to a comfortable and resourceful hiking expedition. Unlike many other tours, a hiking trip needs backpacks that are more robust and sturdier. Therefore, hiking backpacks are usually made of nylon. This is so because hiking terrains get rough at times and a fragile backpack can easily tear at any moment, which you would not like to happen at any cost.

For routine sightseeing tours within a city, you get the help of automobiles. Also, you have plenty of stores around where you can buy anything easily. So, you might not even need to carry a backpack on city tours.

On the contrary, during hiking, even in the form of a group, you are primarily on your own. You have to carry your own food, a torchlight, water, an extra pair of shoes, spikes, and many other necessary accessories. As others have to carry their utilities as they trek uphill, everyone has to take their accessories themselves. Therefore, the role of a backpack becomes extremely critical in any hiking expedition.

You must choose the size of a backpack for a hiking trip according to the severity of the terrain and the required time to complete the expedition. For smaller, easier hikes, you can use small backpacks as you have to carry fewer commodities. Whereas for summit hiking, as you need to be fully prepared for everything, you will need a bigger backpack.

3. High Energy Food and Water

Human functioning requires caloric intake. On average, human beings need around 2000–2500 calories per day. However, on a hiking trip, you need more energy or caloric intake. Also, the uphill hike will require frequent rehydration through water intake. So, you must never forget to carry high-energy food items such as chocolates and enough water with you as essentials during a hiking expedition

4. Appropriate clothing

Hiking involves several tough and physically demanding tracks. In some places, you even have to get the help of ladders and harnesses to continue your hiking expedition. In such a situation, your clothing becomes very important. Some clothes are simply not suitable for hiking, such as baggy pairs of jeans or stiff pants, as these will retard your movability.

The right clothing can greatly enhance your performance and make you comfortable on many difficult terrains.

If you are still wondering what would be the best outfit for your next hiking trip, the Macabi skirt would be a perfect choice for you. It is not only a comfortable clothing choice, but it is also carefully designed apparel for adventure seekers like you. It can quickly and easily transform from skirt to pants to shorts via the Macabi pant crip system and back again to accommodate any situation you might run into throughout the day. Aside from being a comfortable and functional skirt, the Macabi skirt also comes with two over-sized pockets, one security zipper pocket, and one small inner pocket. This 100% Nylon Supplex wicks away moisture and dries quickly, making it suitable for all types of leisure activities

So, grab a Macabi skirt for your hiking trip as soon as possible.

5. A multiple-featured knife

Another top essential for a hiking trip is a knife. It will help you with food preparation, first aid, clearing the path by cutting shrubs, and gear repair.

It would be much better if you chose a multipurpose knife. Such a knife also carries screwdrivers, scissors, and a can opener, which saves space in your backpack as well.

6. First Aid Kit

Last but not least, a first aid kit is also a vital necessity that every hiker must carry alongside. Not only must it be carried, you must also learn the use of first aid kit items in case of an emergency. Pre-assembled kits usually include all the required first aid essentials. However, if you want to make a personalized kit, you must remember to include bandages of different sizes, adhesive tape, disinfectant gel, painkillers, a pen, paper, and nitrile gloves.