Backpack Hiking Essentials

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Hiking is one of the best exercises out there and an excellent way to spend a day or two outdoors. There are many health benefits from hiking, plus you get to enjoy the fresh air and see some new sights. However, make sure to know what you will need on a hiking trip, especially if you are just starting and don’t have much experience. These three are essential for a good successful hiking trip! If you need to learn more on camping or hiking supplies you can check out the site campinggear.com

Navigation

Navigation has become very easy with modern tools like GPS. Most of us have it on our phones. To make sure it will work even in remote areas, without mobile coverage, download offline Google maps, so you can orient yourselves with just a GPS signal, which covers the entire planet. If that is not an option, go old school and use an ordinary map and compass. If you don’t know how to use it, there are plenty of YouTube videos on the subject. You can learn basic skills in no time. Whatever option you choose, navigation is essential, especially if you are hiking in a new area. Even if you are hiking a trail you know, navigation can help you discover new things.

Headlamp

A headlamp is an extremely useful tool for hikers. Even if you are not planning on spending the night outdoors, it can help you find something on a dark forest floor or inside your backpack. With a modern LED, one battery pack will last you a long time. Still, it is a good idea to carry an extra pack or use a combination of rechargeable ones and a solar charger. That way, no matter how long you have to spend outdoors, you will always have a source of light. If something unplanned happens and you are forced to stay out in the dark, you will be very grateful to have a headlamp.

Knife

A solid knife is an incredibly versatile tool that can make your hiking or camping so much easier. You can use it for food preparation, first aid, and emergency repairs. A multi tool is even a better choice, but also a more expensive one.

Firestarter

Firestarter’s come in many shapes and forms. Matches and lighters are the most common. You can also get chemical pads, petroleum jelly balls, and even wood kindling soaked in various chemicals. These are essential for getting a fire going with wet wood.

First Aid Kit

Going on a hike without at least a basic first aid kit is just asking for trouble. Of course, the best-case scenario is that you never take it out of your backpack during a hike, but accidents and injuries happen all the time. Experienced hikers often go one step further and have basic training in applying first aid. If you have a chance, training in wilderness first aid is always a good choice. Unlike in cities, where help is minute’s away, out in the wilderness, it can take hours or even days before paramedics can reach the patient. Ideally, a first aid kit should be compact and packed in a sturdy box. It should contain dressings, bandages, gauze, antiseptic, gloves, a needle, tweezers, and scissors. Depending on the region, you can also include some painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as antidiarrheal and antihistamine pills. Make sure you pack any personal medications you may need, like an EpiPen or insulin.