Hiking and camping is increasingly
becoming popular among individuals who enjoy nature and adventure to the core.
Not only does hiking offer a chance to get up close and personal with nature
and wildlife, but also tests your survival skills and the level of endurance
you have out in the wild. However to enhance the pleasure and enjoyment of the
adventure, it is essential that all necessary hiking gear is taken along.
Individuals, who opt to camp out
during their trip owing to either love of enjoying raw nature or in order to
save some cash spent in motels and hostels, require having proper hiking gear
checklist before leaving. This allows them to optimally enjoy the trip without
the hassle of finding out you forgot something and ending up in a situation
that completely destroys the whole experience.
The list of camping and hiking gear
highly depends upon the location and climate of the place you have chosen to
hike. There are extended lists available online that explain what a hiker can
possibly take along, depending on where he is off to. Here however, since I am
focusing on the essential hiking gear to take along, I will be discussing the
most basic requirements, as I have experienced myself the longer the list goes,
the more tempted you get to carry almost everything on it.
So here is the most basic of my
hiking gear list
Tents and Sleeping bags
The kind of tent to carry along depends on the weather and how light or tough trails is chosen for your hike. You can choose from a variety of sizes, shapes and prices as well. You can choose a simple bedroll or swag for light travelling in dry areas, or for wet terrains and jungles, a waterproof travel hammock hiking gear is good to keep you off ground. You can even find these with mosquito nets. Choose a heavy duty tent only if you are planning a long trip.
Also your sleeping bag should be
selected according to climate; however a sleeping mat should be taken along for
extra comfort and insulation against ground coldness. Generally the more money
you pay for a sleeping bag, the more compact it gets to carry.
Hiking Pack
Choose a waterproof one to keep all
your things, especially clothes dry. Make sure the pack is big enough to
contain everything you want to take along, and never over pack. Make sure it is
comfortable and as compact as possible.
Clothing
Choose the best quick dry, light trek pants
you can afford, preferably of a breathable fabric in your camping and hiking
gear. For rainy or windy terrains take a rain/wind jacket along with a
microfiber towel that dries instantly and absorbs more moisture.
Hydration Packs
A wineskin or a water bottle can be
easily carried along the hike; however of you wish to keep your hands free,
investing in a hydration pack is a good idea. It is a simple tube connected to
the water sac in your pack.
Trekking Poles
This is an essential item too,
especially if you are going on a long or tough terrain hike. They help keep off
the extra strain on the knees, however on light terrains; they can best be kept
home.
Basic Kits
My hiking gear also include basic
kits including the first aid kit along with headlamps, torches, matches, insect
repellents, sunscreens, water purifiers, solar chargers, GPS system (A proper
one, depending on your cell phone can let you down sometimes, as they have poor
battery life) and knife. Again depending where you are hiking, take heat pack
along if you will be camping at a cold place at night. Also for icy areas, an
ice pick is recommended.
Other Items
Other things to take along are the
ones you will need on long trips, such as cooking stoves, coffee mug and
coffee. I recommend the insulated cup that comes with a portable filter.
This is my essential hiking gear
checklist that has allowed me to enjoy every hiking trip I have ever been on.
You can of course depending on the duration and terrain you are visiting, add
on the essential items you may need on the way. Happy hiking!
For more info and gear review you can go to here: trekking gear