Best Hiking Equipment and Reviews

 

 

When embarking on a trip outdoors, be it up a mountain or onto woodland, the kit you carry is all you will have to rely on. It is important to ensure that whatever you take out with you will make the hike comfortable, fun and above all safe. Failure to bring the right essentials may mean a disastrous trip or worse.

A key point to consider when packing your kit is the length of your trip and the remoteness of the location you will be travelling through. Also, ensuring you pack for all weathers is essential.

Considerations for basic hiking equipment may include the following items-

⦁ a tent with a sleeping bag- for shelter, protection from the elements and to rest. Always ensure that the tent is large enough to accommodate all of the people (and animals) that will be using it to sleep. If buying online, it may be worth checking the berth of your desired tent by visiting an outdoor equipment store to get a feel for the size of the tent before purchasing. It is also advisable to bring along a tent carpet (or rug) as tents and sleeping bags can lose heat quickly, even in warm weather.

⦁ cordage or string- in case tent needs extra pegging, can also be used for binding or a potential on site washing line to dry damp clothing.

⦁ first aid kit (basic)- include own personal medication (pack extra), sunscreen, antibacterial wipes and gel, mosquito repellent wipes, bandages, plasters and toilet roll.

GPS systems– handheld devices that allow for accurate location- the technological equivalent of a compass and map combined! In recent years, many have had potential hazard identifiers added (such as thermometers) to help the outdoor explorer stay safe.

⦁ walking polls- lightweight, fold-able for easy storage and transportation, retractable and extend able, walking polls are a common accessory used by walkers to maintain stability and rhythm on rough terrain. Some polls are designed with spring loaded sections to reduce wrist strain along with minimising knee pain. They are useful to judge the depth of mud, water and can often double up as tent poles to set up emergency shelters.

⦁ torch/head torch- needed for night time walking along with finding ones way around a potential campsite at night to find the toilet. Also useful inside the tent to locate items in the dark.

⦁ water bottles- essential for storing water safely, water bottles come in different sizes and any sort is useful on a hike. Lightweight aluminium water bottles with a wide mouth are more durable than plastic ones, can stand more bumps and knocks and often times have a clip on the lid that can be attached to backpacks and belts. The wide mouth also ensures easy, fiddle free refilling.

⦁ multi tool/ Swiss army knife- a sturdy knife useful for cutting cord, opening cans, unscrewing bottles, sawing wood, for preparing food and a multitude of other uses- a must on any outdoor trek!

⦁ backpack- a sturdy, durable and comfortable backpack that evenly distributes weigh across the body is a must have for any hike and is often the most important piece of hiking equipment. Most that are used whilst hiking have a large compartment area for storing food and additional pockets and areas for storing items such as water bottles, plasters etc. The size of your chosen backpack should be influenced by how long you intend to wear it each day and the amount of weight it can carry. Many hiking backpacks are also waterproof/water repellent, so it is best to pick one you feel will be most suitable given and fore-casted weather for the duration of your hike.

 

Summary
Hiking
Article Name
Best Hiking Equipment on the Market
Description
When embarking on a trip outdoors you will want the best hiking equipment on the market, be it for going up a mountain or onto woodland, the kit you carry is all you will have to rely on.
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Outdoor Equipment Review
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