Hiking Equipment

By Karen Dreyer

Hiking can either be the most relaxing or the most exhilarating experience, depending on the location and the length of your hike. You can hike to a serene waterfall and stay there for some much needed rest and relaxation. Or, you can go up to the very summit of a mountain and conquer the lofty peaks. Basing on the type of trip you prefer, there are certain hiking equipments that you will need to bring with you.

Clothes

Many people wonder about what kind of apparel they should use for a hiking trip. When, actually, the answer is pretty easy. Those things that you have on your closet should be more than sufficient. Make sure, however, that you pick practical clothes. When people think of hiking, they automatically assume that it's better to wear shorts and tank tops. Actually, it is much more practical to use pants and long-sleeved shirts as they will be more useful through different kinds of weather. Do not forget that the sun gets hotter as the day nears noon. You might hugely underestimate the heat, especially if you start out early on in the morning where the weather is cool and breezy. In cases like these, long-sleeved shirts will really provide more protection from the sun. Also, if you have some cash to spare, you might want to buy those vests with lots of pockets. The more pockets you have, the more equipment you can bring; like matches, a compass, a telescope, a small first aid kit, your canteen, etc. You should keep the vital items close to your person at all times if you ever lose your bag somewhere along the way.

Footwear

You will also require specialized shoes. Your feet are probably going to be the ones that will take a beating from the long hikes, so you need them to be as comfortable and as strong as possible. Shoes will also help you move through different kinds of terrain. A good advice is to find water-proof shoes, as you might have to wade through brooks when hiking.

Backpack

Backpacks are an absolute must for hiking. This is where you'll keep your sleeping bag, your extra clothes, and also your tent. It is important, therefore, that you pick the right bag. Find one with several pockets where you can place your things. Another very important factor that you have to consider when it comes to choosing a backpack is durability. You wouldn't want your bag to tear while you're hiking. So, when it comes to the bag, don't hesitate to spend a bit of extra cash. - 31517

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