Planning Your First Hike: Essential Items People Tend to Forget!
Photo: Pexels
There are so many reasons why you will love hiking. Being surrounded by nature, feeling free, and enjoying the views of the area are just a few things we like about it. And there are so many great places to go for the ultimate trekking experience. You can find many on our blog which should be on your to-do list. But if you are new to hiking, you need to ensure you adequately prepare for the trip. After all, it’s so important to stay safe while on the hike. We've put together a few items people often forget to take on their adventure, but they are must-haves for a first hike!
A Sun-Shielding Hat
When you are out on a hike, you are exposing yourself to the sun. After all, depending on the area, there may be no cover when you are hiking in the outdoors. Therefore, you are putting yourself at risk of getting sunburned if you are not properly protected. And while people often remember to put on sunscreen, they don’t always remember to protect their head. But it’s so important as you don’t want to end up with sun stroke after a long day hiking. So, picking up a good sun-shielding hat which will protect you in the hot weather, is a must. Remember to choose one which is comfortable and allows your head to breathe, so that it doesn’t irritate you during the hike!
A Pair of Wrap Around Sunglasses
A lot of people forget about sunglasses when they are planning their first hike. If the weather isn’t that warm, eye protection is likely the last thing on your mind. But sunglasses are an essential which you should add to your list. They will protect your eyes from any dust and dirt you may encounter during your hike. After all, if it’s a windy day, you might struggle to see where you are going without proper eye wear. The best ones to get are wrap around sunglasses which will keep your eyes protected. You can find the top recommended ones online, such as this shortlist at Sunglass Picks. Choose a pair which has 100% UV protection as well, so that they can protect your eyes from the glare of the sun in the summer months. It will save you forking out for another pair next summer!
A Headlamp or Flashlight
If you are going out on a hike, you need to be prepared for all situations. For example, you might get lost on your trek for hours, and it might get dark. And you don’t want to be in the position of not being able to see in the pitch black! Therefore, you should make sure you get a headlamp which you can use to guide you back to safety. Or a simple flashlight should be added to your backpack to help you at night. It could potentially save your life if you do get stuck on your hike.
Photo: Pixalbay
And remember to take plenty of high-energy snacks with you on your journey. That way, you can keep refueling so that you keep your strength up and complete the hike!
These were just a few of the ten essentials which you should bring along with every hike. To see a full list follow this link to REI's article.
*This post was written in collaboration with an anonymous contributor.
Happy Trails!
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The only thing better would be being there yourself!