What Are the Essentials for a Hiking Trip in USA?
Here's what should be on your hiking gear list and how to prepare for a journey from packing to everything else.
Hiking with friends and family or by yourself is a lovely way to discover the USA. Whether you go deep into the mountains or remain closer to town, there are various options. Many state and national parks, as well as national forest areas, have extensive trail networks.
To select what to pack for a day trip, consider the distance you want to trek, the remoteness of the area, and the weather prediction. It is safe to say that the longer or more distant the trip and the more adverse the weather, the more clothes, gear, food, and water you will need.
Here are some essentials you might not want to forget before you start your hiking adventure.
Clothes
You should avoid wearing cotton on a hike. It soaks up sweat and water and does not dry. But that does not mean you need to drop money on high-end hiking clothes. Instead, wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing for your first hike.
Running shorts, track pants, yoga pants, and an athletic T-shirt will do in summer. In winter, start with warm, non-cotton base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers.
Always pack extra clothing, even if you do not think you will need it. For example, if you stop moving, something to keep warm and rain gear should always be in your pack. For cooler days, consider a hat and gloves.
Water
Begin with two to three liters of water. Never forget to take the tools necessary to create more clean water if necessary, such as a filter or iodine pills, in case you are out longer than anticipated or drop a bottle and spill all your water. Iodine tablets or anything similar may be tucked into a first-aid box in case of an emergency.
Food
Pack enough food for your intended hike, plus a little more. Assume that the hike will take longer than anticipated. In such a scenario, more food will help you maintain your energy and spirits and assist you in making sound judgments. A full day's worth of extra food is a decent rule of thumb, ideally non-perishable.
What foods should you consume? Refuel before you set foot on the route and bring a mixture of carbs, fats, and proteins to eat during the journey. Carbohydrates produce rapid bursts of energy but might result in a "crash" and subsequent weariness.
Fats and proteins are more slowly metabolized and affect our long-term energy levels. Nuts, cheese, chocolates, meat sticks (jerky), dried fruits, energy bars, and crackers make excellent hiking, mountain biking, and camping snacks. Additionally, carry post-activity snacks or make a plan for where you will eat on the way home.
Navigation
Pack tools that will assist you in returning to a trailhead if you get lost or stray off-trail. Avoid relying entirely on GPS watches, cellphones, or other electronic navigation devices, since their batteries or functionality may fail. Rather than that, bring a topographical map and a conventional navigation compass and be familiar with using them.
Before setting out on the trail, use your map to plot your itinerary and get acquainted with the region you will be visiting. Perhaps the most critical skill to master is map reading. When combined with a compass, the map becomes much more powerful.
Take note of the distance and elevation gain, water sources, possible dangers, and any land management limitations associated with your desired trip. Have a plan B, or escape route, for your hike if the weather changes or another obstacle arises. Before you go, waterproof your map!
Pack your map and compass in a readily accessible location throughout your journey. Consult your map often, particularly while approaching trail intersections.
Lights
You should always take a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries in case you have to spend the night in the woods. Consider a lamp with a lock mode so that it does not switch on by mistake and a red mode for night vision. Before setting out, make sure your headlamp is working and is in an easy-to-reach location in your pack.
First-Aid Kit
Preventive measures are always better than cures. Nonetheless, if diseases progress or are combined with additional difficulties or accidents, the results might be more severe.
In other words, take care of minor issues before they turn into major ones. An essential thing to remember is to eat healthily, drink enough water, and layer correctly.
In unforeseeable accidents or illnesses, having a well-stocked first-aid box is essential. Make your kit if you can, but pre-made kits are okay. You must know how to utilize each item in the package.
Sun Protection
Do not overlook the significance of protecting your skin and eyes from the sun when out in the open air. Reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen often to all exposed skin. Polarized lenses are better for reflecting light off water and snow, so pick sunglasses and goggles with UV protection.
The UV rays are higher if you plan a trip to a higher altitude like Mount Kilimanjaro. For example, every 3,000 feet above sea level, UV radiation intensity rises by roughly 10 to 12 percent. So keep that in mind as well.
Fire
Anyone venturing off the beaten path must be able to start a fire. Using fire as a signal is particularly effective at night. A fire's smoke may also serve as a warning throughout the day.
For more than just keeping you warm, the flames of an open fire are an invaluable source of encouragement and inspiration for those in need. It is possible to find fuel in the area or bring it in your pack. To help you get started with wood-burning, try using a few cotton balls or tissues as fuel. They are convenient and take up very little room.
Tools
A high-quality knife is a unique piece of equipment. Screwdrivers, files, and a slew of other equipment may all be found in a multi-tool if you need to wait for help or spend the night outdoors without shelter. In addition, the first treatment, shelter building, food preparation, and numerous other tasks may benefit from a sharp knife.
Conclusion
It is usually wise to have your identification, credit cards, insurance cards, and cash on a hike. You never know when you may need them, and it is always prudent to be prepared. Hiking can be a great outdoor venture that can improve your well-being. So keep the aforementioned tips in mind and have a great hike. Good Luck!