What To Pack For A Hike

Just because the summer months are nearing an end doesn’t mean that the weather is entirely miserable. In fact, now is the perfect time plan a hike while the weather transitions. Not only does this mean more enjoyable weather to walk in, but it also provides for great scenery.

If you love the idea of a hike but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading for some tips that can help.

How Far Can You Go?

When you are planning how far you can walk you need to be realistic about your fitness levels and just how far you can go. If you don’t, you can end up on the side of the trail panting for breath every five minutes because you overdid it.

Look for beginner trails in your area and work your way up. While they may not be challenging, simply getting your body moving and performing the actions is the best way to prepare yourself for a more intense hike in the future.

Wear the Right Gear

You don’t need to look your best while you are hiking, however, you do need to make sure that you are wearing the right gear for your own health and safety. The Groupon Coupons page for Columbia is a great place to start your search. When you are browsing, look for the following:

• An appropriate pair of hiking shoes or boots
• Clothes which offer a solid level of ventilation and draw sweat away from your skin
• Clothes which offer sun protection
• A large brimmed hat

What to Pack

Now that you know where you will be going and what you will be wearing along the way, it’s time to think about what you will take with you. After all, if you take too much then you can be left carrying around a heavy backpack. Conversely, if you pack too little then you can get stuck without essential items. When packing, pay attention to the following:

• First aid kit
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Bug Repellant
• Water
• Healthy Snacks
• Emergency battery for your phone
• Water

You may have noticed that water was mentioned once on twice on the list. This is because it’s the single most important item that you can pack into a hiking bag. Without it, you and your body won’t be going very far at all.

How to Stay Safe

It doesn’t matter if you are going hiking on a trail that should only take a few hours or one that will take a number of days, be sure to tell people where you are going and when you are expecting to return. This way, if you get stuck on the trail and you don’t have a way to call for help, your friends or family can alert emergency services when you don’t arrive home at your specified time.

Hikes are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and to keep your fitness levels up. Keep these tips in mind when you are planning your next hike to help make it a safe and enjoyable adventure.