Whether you are new to hiking or have many miles under your belt, you may wonder what is equipment is the most helpful when you are out on the trail. Here are some pieces of gear that are necessary for hiking in the wilderness.
Wear the Right Stuff
There are many options for hiking and camping clothing Canada, but not every item is completely necessary or affordable to everyone. It may be fairly obvious that your clothing needs will vary by season, but you should make sure you are aware of the weather where you are going. A good rule of thumb when you are out enjoying nature is to dress in layers that can be adjusted to your comfort throughout your trip. It is also generally advisable to include long pants or leggings and long-sleeved tops to protect yourself from the elements, bugs and poisonous plants. You don’t need to have expensive technical clothing to have a good experience hiking, but you should consider investing in a pair of well-fitting hiking shoes or boots since most likely you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Stay Hydrated
You should always bring enough water to drink when you are on the trail, adjusting amounts depending on temperature, number of people with you and any dogs you are bringing along. For shorter hikes, you can bring a water bottle that you carry or put in a backpack, but for longer hikes, you may consider buying a waterskin or backpack that can hold a larger quantity. It can be cumbersome to lug water around when you are out in nature, but it is very important and can be potentially life-saving in an emergency.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
However unlikely it may seem, emergencies do happen on the trail, and being prepared for a variety of scenarios is smart. If you typically only do shorter hikes that take less than a day, you can pack a little lighter with emergency supplies, but backpackers and backcountry hikers should have a more robust first aid kit. There are a lot of outdoor-specific kits on the market that you can purchase or you can put one together yourself, as long as you make sure you have the right supplies for the climate and length of your hike. For example, if you are hiking in an area where bears are known to live, having bear spray is an excellent idea.
Outdoor gear is a big industry, but these are a few of the necessities that any hiker should consider before hitting the trail.
