With hiking becoming increasingly popular due to all these lockdowns we’ve been having, hiking has become increasingly popular. People are falling in love with it and don’t have the right equipment, well a lot of people don’t have equipment. I see people out on hikes in snow and ice or going up against big mountains in Snowdonia in trainers and no bag. So I’m writing this post to give you essential things to get for your hiking bag.
NUMBER ONE – FOOD:
Food, Carrying food when you go out is essential. Even if you are only going out for a little while, you may get hungry or tired, and the food will give you a little boost.
Alternatively, you may end up staying out longer. For several reasons, you may carry on or get lost. In both circumstances, you will want to have some food.
You may not need the food on the hike, but when you get back to your car, you may feel the need for it—even a little snack to tide you over until your next meal.
Have enough food to accommodate additional requirements due to heat, cold, altitude, exertion, or an emergency.
NUMBER TWO – DRINK:
Having a drink is so important on a hike. As you are doing something physical, you will get thirsty, especially if the weather is hot. Without water (or any drink), you may get dehydrated, faint, or even pass out. This could be very dangerous, especially if you are in extrema weather (hot or cold), scrambling, or on a ridge. I always carry two bottles as I have been dehydrated climbing mountains, which is unpleasant. It makes it so difficult and scary.
Have enough water to accommodate additional requirements due to heat, cold, altitude, exertion, or an emergency.
NUMBER THREE – EXTRA LAYERS:
Extra Layers, whether you come into some shade and feel cold or the weather drastically changes. You may need to have different layers not only for comfort but for safety as well. You never know what can happen in the mountains or the forests; you may have to wait hours for rescue. In all these situations, having more layers could be curtailed. E
Ensure you check the weather beforehand, as you may need more than you think. I always pack a coat, gloves and a hat as anything can happen in the mountains. I recommend you carry that too. If the forecast looks like it may take a turn while you are out, you may want even more. Such as fleece, socks and underwear.
NUMBER FOUR – EMERGENCY SHELTER:
Having some shelter such as a bivvy bag or emergency storm shelter. This could be the difference between life and death if you get outdoors in a bad situation. The outdoors is to be enjoyed but respected. It would be best if you were aware things can (and do) go wrong. Be mindful of this. Having something just in case you get lost or injured may keep you safe till help gets to you or until the bad weather passes and it’s safe for you to carry on.
Hopefully, you won’t need to use one of these in an emergency, but it’s good to have it and not need it rather than not have it. Also, try your emergency shelter out, and know how to use it before you get into a bad situation. Always be prepared.
NUMBER FIVE – NAVIGATION:
Some way of navigating is essential when outdoors. You’ll need more than just a phone. Using a phone is OK to do… That is how I do 99% of my navigation, but what if your battery runs out or it gets too cold for your phone to work? Then what? That’s when you need a paper map and a compass (and be able to use them). You can buy a map or a printout of the area you are going to.
Also, make sure you know your route and where you are going, along with telling someone and an ETA. This will help if you get lost or hurt; if you don’t show up close to your ETA, you may need help. Then your friend or family will hopefully know where you could be.
NUMBER SIX – A TORCH:
A torch is vital if you find yourself lost or injured and it’s going dark. Not the one on your phone; have a proper one with full batteries. Not only will it help you see if you’re out and it goes dark. If you need someone to come and find you in the dark, they may see your torch; this may help them know where you are.
NUMBER SEVEN – FIRST AID:
As I mentioned a few times, things go wrong, and injuries happen outdoors. Having some supplies to patch yourself up if you do get a cut or bur can be helpful. In some cases even life-saving. First aid kits come in all sizes; get a small one with what you may need and have it in your bag. They are inexpensive, considering they could save you or a friend.
I also have painkillers and caffeine tablets in mine. If I feel tired or in pain, these may be what get me to safety if anything were to go wrong.
BONUS – SUN PROTECTION:
If it’s a hot day, sun cream and sunglasses may come in handy.
Having the glasses will… well, you know what they’ll do. They will help the sun not have as much of an impact on your eyes. The sun in your eyes isn’t only uncomfortable, but if you are on a technical part of your hike could be extremely dangerous too.
Then having sun cream will help dampen the effects of the sun on your skin. The sun can be very damaging to your skin. This will be painful while out on the hike and could worsen, such as sunstroke. This can also be very damaging in the long run because too much sun exposure can cause Melanoma (Skin Cancer).
