A hiking trip can be a source of fun and happiness. It can also be a source of frustration, anguish and pain. What would you want it to be? With proper backpacking and hiking equipment it can be either of the things because there is a very thin line between a great trip and a nightmarish one.
Know Your Resources and Pack Good Backpacking and Hiking Equipment
A hiking trip is a trip where you are required to be extremely careful of your resources and their use. The aim of this article is to highlight a few dos and don’ts that you need to make a checklist from and ensure that you are well within its limits:
1. Do not ever buy cheap hiking gear, however tempting it would appear. No matter how expensive is the original (or well known brands) are, always go for well known brands. In many instances, the cheap variety will not be able to stand the test of the land and you will find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with faulty gear or apparatus. Therefore, buying the cheaper variety is never the solution.
2. Do invest in a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. There are many recommended shoes out there which are “guaranteed” to provide you comfort and safety. But unless you have a good pair of hiking shoes, you will definitely run into trouble. A small blister formed from sweaty feet in an uncomfortable boot can be disastrous in a hike. Ensure you have boots which allow your feet to breath, support your ankles and has good grip on the road while walking.
3. Do be very careful in choosing the right tent. The tent is one of the primary items of your backpacking and hiking equipment. Ensure that you have a good brand, which can keep you dry and certainly protected. Ensure that the ropes, pins, hooks, and all the paraphernalia are of high quality.
4. Do buy a good camping stove. It should be light weight, easy to light and easy to put off. Insist on acquiring a camping stove which can work with least inconvenience to you and the environment out there in the hiking camp.
5. Do buy good sleeping bags, because without it any backpacking and hiking equipment set would be totally useless.
Do not miss out on any of the above tips. It is important that you also add to your list a few most needed medical supplies, first aid kit, a radio for communication, spare batteries, a good torch, and light but nutritious meals.
Filed under: Hiking