Hiking
is a lot of fun. You get to spend time with friends, bask in fresh air and
wonderful views, and get in a ton of exercise while you’re at it. You feel
alive, grateful, and literally, on top of the world. But don’t go haring off on
that adventure unless you’re prepared. Make sure you pack the right gear.
Otherwise, that trip to the mountains could turn into a nightmare in under a
few minutes. Here are some tips on what you should pack and wear.
Consider
Where You’re Going
What’s
the temperature like? Will it be hot or cold? Make sure you pack along an
insect repellant. It might be better, too, if you go with long pants and long
sleeves to protect you against any exposure. Shorts and a light tee-shirt might
seem a good choice, but they don’t offer much in the way of protection. It’s
better to stay on the safe side of things and keep yourself as covered as
possible. If you’re worried about sweating it out too much, you could always
pick lightweight materials.
Choose
the Right Socks
You
might think that socks aren’t all that high on the list of important things
you’ll need. But anyone who has ever hiked before knows socks—the right
kind—matter. You’ll be on your feet all day or at least, for hours. You need to
make sure your feet are comfortable and ready for that climb. Hiking
socks that offer full feet cushion, that fits you right, that
wicks moisture away so you don’t end up with sweaty feet while you’re climbing
to the top are the kind of socks you’ll want to have on your feet and in your
backpack. Also, some socks are good for climbing during sunny weather and
others are best for the cold. Keep that in mind when you shop around for
options.
Pack
Along a Jacket
If
you think it’s going to rain, pack a rain jacket. Even if you don't think it’s
going to rain, pack one in your bag anyway. There are plenty of windbreakers
around or raincoats or slickers that get the job done. And by that, we mean
that they offer you excellent protection while still being convenient enough to
pack along with the rest of your hiking gear. I’d suggest getting those
windbreakers that come in a pouch so they’re tiny enough to fit into your bag.
That way, wherever you’re headed, you’ll have that along with you and you’ll be
ready for any sort of weather you’ll encounter.
Pick
the Right Shoes
