An Overview of What You Will Need to Do Regular Hiking
If you are the type of person that likes to go outdoors, specifically to do a lot of hiking, there are certain pieces of equipment that you will need to bring with you if you are going to be successful and safe. There are essential components to hiking or backpacking; that must be brought along when you go to your next hiking destination. Here are several of the most important items that you need to bring so that every hike that you do is successful.
Hiking Map
Always Bring A Map
Although most people will bring their cell phone with them because it can coordinate with GPS satellites, you may get into an area where there is no service. If this occurs, you could find yourself getting lost very quickly, and that is why you need to at least bring a physical map. This could be a map of the general area that you are in, but a better decision to make is actual to print a map that shows you your exact location for miles in all directions. These can typically be acquired by doing a Google search, and printing out what you find on Google maps, or you can use one of the many hiking websites that can do the same thing for you automatically.
Bring A Compass
In the same way, that your GPS may not function you are out of service, your compass app will not work either. This is not always the case, but there is always the possibility that your phone could go dead because you forgot to charge it. This is very common if you are taking pictures and videos along the way, and you neglect to bring some backup battery supply. If you get into a location where you are not sure which direction you are going, a physical compass is one of the most important tools that you can bring.
Bring a Flashlight
It is also important to bring a flashlight with you, even if you intend to go simply out on a hike that can be completed in just a couple of hours. If you do get lost, and you find yourself in the wilderness all by yourself, at the very least, you’re going to want to have a flashlight. If you are going to be in the dark, the flashlight can illuminate the area around you so that you can set up your tent in case you need to spend the night. Without having this light with you, you would simply have to sit until someone found you, or wait until morning before trying to hike your way out.
People that can bring a map, compass and flashlight will be able to get out of potentially dangerous situations. These are very important items to bring. It is also important to bring some form of eye protection, a first-aid kit, and supplies that can last you for at least a day such as plenty of snacks and lots of water to drink. The more prepared that you are, the less likely it is that hiking will put you in any danger. It’s always good to go out in the wilderness, and as long as you are bringing these essentials, you should have a great time out in the wilderness.
