Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities among adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers and fitness freaks alike. You can disconnect from daily life, push yourself physically and enjoy the sights and sounds of natural surroundings for a few days or even a few hours, whatever you can spare!
No matter whether you’re heading to exotic destinations for an extended trip or exploring local hiking spots over the weekend, the right gear can make a huge difference to your comfort and safety. While you don’t want to carry too much equipment, it’s a good idea to load up on basic supplies that will make your trip easier.
Here’s a list of essentials for happy and healthy hiking:
1. Travel Backpack: You need a durable, spacious and waterproof backpack while hiking. Pick one that’s large enough to hold food, water, clothing, basic tools and camping or photography equipment. Size and capacity selection will depend on the duration of your trip as well as the supplies you plan to take. Look for bags with zippered dividers or pouches, and check if your gear fits easily before heading out.
2. Hiking Footwear: If you haven’t already got a great pair of hiking boots, put them on your list. Sturdy and waterproof boots will protect your feet against the cold, rain, dirt, insects and a variety of other threats. Wear new boots for a while before your trip, and make sure to pack comfortable socks as well. Copper compression socks are a good bet, since they’re anti-odor, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking as well.
3. Antimicrobial Clothing: When you’re trying to pack light, it’s important to include clothing and accessories that don’t need to be washed often. Copper underwear, pants and other items made with copper-infused fabrics are a great choice since they’re self-sterilizing. They also fight bacteria, fungi and viruses, protecting you from infection-causing germs and odour buildup when you’re hiking in the wilderness.
4. Food and Water: Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers you face if you’re stuck in the wilderness, but pack enough water to keep you hydrated even for small hikes. Carry at least two litres of water in a strong hard case bottle for a day hike, along with high-energy snacks such as nuts or granola bars. If you’re going to camp out a while, carry extra water as well as water purification filter/tablets.
5. Compression Wear: There’s a reason why athletes and sportspersons love compression clothing so much. Graduated compression enhances circulation and muscle recovery, alleviates joint pain and reduces strain when you push yourself physically. For optimal benefits, pack copper compression clothes that combine the antimicrobial powers of copper with the performance-boosting advantages of compression.
6. Tools and Supplies: A few basic tools always come in handy while you’re camping or hiking. Pack a screwdriver, knife, rope, flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries, matches or lighter, cookpot, spoon and fork, and stove and fuel if you’re planning a long trip. It’s a good idea to invest in a Swiss Army Knife or multi-tool as well since this will save you the trouble of carrying multiple tools.
7. Sun Protection: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses can keep your eyes and skin safe from the harmful effects of sun exposure. Hiking hats are often designed to offer protection against rain, cold and dust as well, so make sure you include one in your checklist. It’s also important to keep a good sunscreen when you’re heading out, especially while hiking above the tree line or in the open.
8. Electronic Accessories: Along with your phone and charger, pack a portable power bank or spare batteries for use in an emergency. If you’re carrying a camera or GPS device, make sure it’s fully charged and you have spare batteries for it as well. If possible, buy lithium batteries for your electronic devices. These are lightweight and long-lasting, which makes them invaluable for hiking or camping trips.
9. First-Aid Kit: No matter how careful you are, there’s always a possibility that you could be injured, bitten/stung by bugs, or face other problems during your hike. Pack a first-aid kit with supplies you may need in an emergency. Good first-aid kits normally include
bandages, moleskin, gauze, medical tape, allergy cream, antiseptics,
antibiotics, pain relief sprays or ointments, medication for diarrhea/nausea, etc.
10. Other Essentials: Depending on the terrain and climate where you will be hiking, you may need to pack special supplies. For instance, you need extra gloves, socks and jackets when you’re
heading to colder areas, as well as blankets and sleeping bags if you plan to camp out. Include an antibacterial copper blanket in your hiking kit, which will provide warmth as well as germ protection.
Avoid over-packing, since lugging around extra weight can make you tired and raise the risk of injury. However, investing in the right gear is crucial. If you’re hiking in a group, certain items can be divided
between other hikers to lessen the load, but make sure that basic necessities are easily available!
Author Bio: Rory is the R&D Director and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Defence a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone. If you’d like to get in touch, email Rory at Rory@copperclothing.com or visit copperclothing.com for copper-infused clothing, pet accessories and more.
