Hiking offers you the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life while giving you a pretty good workout. It is convenient, it requires little preparation, and it's an excellent way to spend some time with your friends while exploring the great outdoors.
However, to make the best out of it, you still need to ensure that you have all the required items with you. The following list will make it easy to pack, and your experience will be tremendously improved due to these essential accessories for hiking.
1. Get the right backpack for the job
It all boils down to what kind of hike you have in mind. If it's a one-day hike, a backpack that can hold 10-20 liters is pretty much enough. However, if you plan a several-day trip, you should get a much larger one. This way, you will make sure that there will be enough room for all the gear you must carry around with you.
2. Quick-drying clothes
There is no way of telling what weather you will have to face. Sure, you can check the weather forecast, but in the mountains, the conditions can change in the blink of an eye. To keep yourself healthy, a good idea would be to invest in some moisture-wicking, quick-drying clothes. They are made for hikers like you, and many people prefer them when performing athletic activities.
3. Footwear that can handle tough terrain
Your regular sports shoes won't cut it. You need proper footwear if you're going to walk for hours on steep hills and face numerous challenges. Depending on what hike trails you'll adventure on, you should pick from hiking shoes and trekking boots. What's equally important as their ruggedness is the comfort they can offer.
4. Energy food and enough water
One thing a hiker needs to bear in mind all the time is how much room he or she has to use for each item. You can't go too far without food and water, and here is a strategy to bear in mind. While you might find some space for your phone scope mounts, you should also have enough for snacks and water.
An average person needs around 1-2 liters of water daily. Carrying a water bottle or a hydration pack is a must. Refill it whenever possible from trustworthy sources. As for food, some energy snacks are your best bet. They don't take up a lot of room in your backpack and will keep you satiated.
5. Navigation tools
A map and a compass used to be your go-to essentials for hiking when it came to navigation. While it's still good to use traditional methods to find your way around, now you can also use modern technology. GPS devices and even your smartphone can help you find routes and navigate your surroundings with ease.
6. A first aid kit
For any hiker, this item is a necessity. You never know when someone scrapes a knee or suffers from a stomach ache. Be prepared for all situations and have something to alleviate the issues that might appear.
7. Basic hygiene products
When you pack, don't forget how important it is to have all the necessary hygiene products with you. A hand sanitizer, wipes, sun protection, any prescription medication you might need to take, are all necessary and shouldn't be amiss from your list. Don't forget about toilet paper and sunglasses. Additionally, you can bring some insect repellant, too.
8. A multi-tool
A multi-tool is always a great idea to have on your hike. With its help, you will be able to perform small repairs, cut through a dense thicket, uncover unknown treasures, and do whatever crosses your mind. After all, a multi-tool can offer you many pleasant surprises.
9. Binoculars
It doesn't hurt to have a pair of binoculars with you, as well. Whether you want to be capable of exploring your surroundings better or just watch the birds and animals in the forest you pass through, you will find this accessory to be pretty much indispensable.
10. Essential personal items
No one leaves his or her home today without a phone. While that's essential, don't forget your ID and at least one credit card. It is a good idea to have some cash with you, too.