Picture this! You are on a beautiful hike with your friends, soaking in nature and chatting carelessly. Suddenly there’s a huge downpour, and you, an unprepared hiker, don’t have hunting boots NZ, a raincoat, or a plastic bag to keep your map and phone safe.
Exaggeration? You would think otherwise if you were stuck in a situation like this. And trust us, you will if you are not prepared enough.
Don’t worry.
We are going to help you out. Here’s a list of 10 essential items that can save your life (literally).
1.Hunting Boots or Hiking Shoes
A good pair of hunting boots in NZis essential if you want to enjoy the hike comfortably. Hunting shoes are ideal if you want to hike in the snow or on an off-trail path. Otherwise, you can go for hiking shoes; they are lighter and less expensive. Comfortable shoes provide support to your ankles and knees and are water resistant.
2.Water Bottle
Hiking under the sun can dehydrate your body. Make sure to carry sufficient water according to the distance of your trail. However, we also recognise that water is the bulkiest thing to carry in your bag, so make sure to pack a water filter as well. You can then use water from the streams along your route.
3.Hiking Tent or Bivy
If you are hiking for a few days, make sure to pack a hiking tentto sleep in at night. But, even if you are hiking for a single day, keep a bivy in your bag. Firstly, weather can be unpredictable at times, and secondly, you can underestimate the duration of the hike. The bivvy will come in handy in case of an emergency.
4.A Map
Good old maps are the best when you are in the wilderness, where network access can be an issue. You can download your trail map beforehand or collect one at the start of the trail if they offer one. Keep the map in a map sack or plastic bag to protect your map from the rain.
Keeping a compass handy, just in case, is also a wise idea. You never want to be lost, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. If you don’t know how to read a map or use a compass, make sure to learn them; otherwise, they won’t be of any use.
You can also use GPS on your mobile device, but again, you can’t rely on technology and electric devices in nature, where weather and connectivity are dynamic.
5.First-aid kit
It’s always good to prepare yourself for the worst. We hope you never have to use it, but you should still pack a small first-aid kit with some basic bandages, bandaids, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, and other medications you might need. The most common injuries hikers face are blisters, cuts, and bruises, so pack accordingly.
If you don’t want to make your first-aid kit, you can find many pre-packaged ones in supermarkets.
6.Sun protection
The sun can be extremely harsh on your skin and eyes. Always keep some sun-protective items with you.
Keep sunscreen for your face and body, an SPF lip balm for your lips, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a wide-brimmed hat. Wearing sun-protective clothing is also a wise choice; they have a label of UPF clothing on them, in case you don’t know how to look for them.
7.Snacks
Hiking is exhausting. So pack a light lunch you can eat on the go, but also bring some nutritious snacks like protein bars, fruits, and dried fruits in case the lunch won’t be enough. Also, don’t carry food in heavy containers; instead, use zip-lock bags; they are light and don’t take up space.
8.Extra Clothes
Check the weather forecast before leaving and pack accordingly. If it’s going to snow, keep a jacket, gloves, and a cap to keep you warm. If the forecast calls for rain, then pack a waterproof raincoat. Also, wear and keep clothes that quickly dry because nobody likes to walk around soaking wet. One more tip: wear pants and full-sleeved tops to save yourself from mosquito bites.
9.Headlamp
It’s easy to underestimate the time it will take you to complete the hike. One minute you are busy walking while admiring nature, and another minute it’s dark, and you have no idea where exactly you are. And the minute it turns dark, the internal panic kicks in. This is when a headlamp can be a lifesaver; use a headlamp instead of a torch because it keeps your hands free.
10.Multipurpose tools
Right now, you might think of this one as a stretch, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. A Swiss knife is helpful if you need to cut bandages, open food boxes, or chop branches to clean up the trail. A multipurpose knife is always good to have.
Duct tape is also useful to have. It is versatile and can be used to repair torn hiking tents and shoes. You can even use it on the ankles to prevent blisters.
A few other items you might want to keep:
- Hand sanitiser.
- Insect repellant.
- Portable charger.
- A pee bag, toilet paper, and a small shovel.
- A lighter.
Some more tips:
- Carry a backpack with padded straps for extra comfort.
- Let your family know when you will leave and come back, and also leave a copy of the trail map with them.
- Keep 2-3 extra zip-lock bags to store your phone and other essentials in case of rain.
- Carry a garbage bag to collect your trash and any other trash you find along the way.
- You can keep a foldable trekking stick to support your knees.
That’s all. With all these essential items in your backpack, you are all set to leave on your next hiking trip.
