Lots of hikers and campers start getting excited when summer months come. Hiking and camping are physically demanding but still enjoyable especially for nature lovers. To ensure you are doing it right, you need a great selection of high quality essential gear. Packing for hiking or camping depends on what kind of trio you plan to have. Your trip’s period and distance will decide what essentials you need to pack.
Packing the right items for hiking and camping
Keep in mind that the weight and ease of packing are essential to decide what kind of hiking and camping gears you need. And here are some of the must-have items you need for hiking and camping trips:
Must-have hiking gears
Hiking is comparatively riskier than camping because you will have to trek various grounds and spend more time to reach destination. Some of the most important gears to have include:
Sightseeing binoculars
If you have extra cash, it’s recommended to buy a digital binoculars that will automatically record everything you see. This will positively enhance your hiking experience to the next level.
A good pair of sunglasses
You need a pair of good sunglasses that will help protect your eyes from UV radiations. It helps you to see your surroundings better while the sun is too blinding.
GPS
A mediocre phone connectivity may hinder your hiking. Thus, it’s recommended that you invest in a durable, long-lasting GPS unit with comprehensive geographic maps that also serve as a compass.
Hiking boots
Hiking is physically demanding and the one that hold the burden is your foot. Thus, you need to invest in a pair of high quality hiking boots that provide support, balance your movements, protection, and rigidity. Regular sneakers may be fine for a short hiking trip. However, you need more reliable hiking boots for longer trip.
Hydration material
You need to carry as much water as possible to stay hydrated and it’s recommended to invest in a hydration pack or Iodine tablets that attach to your backpack and allow free movements.
Trekking poles
You will need trekking pole, hiking stick, or walking stick. It helps you pass through the steep landscape and provide more support on rocky terrain.
Must-have camping gear
For camping, you need essentials as follow:
Reliable tent and sleeping bags
Choose a tent in the size and price that you prefer. Also, invest in a bedroll or bivy sack if you travel long distance. They are robust, shapeless, and waterproof bags that can convert into sleeping bags.
First aid kit
You need to pack first aid kit and fill it with bandages, aspirin, gauze, bug sprays, cream for blisters and burns, and painkillers. Do some research before heading out to make sure you pack the right essentials.
Backpacks
You may not really need backpack for a camping trip but if you decide to carry one, choose the right category according to your need. Choose the one that fits you perfectly as to prevent blisters or backache during the journey.