Top Essentials When Backpacking or Hiking For an Extended Stay

By Shawn Stanley | February 4, 2009

Backpacking and hiking are two of the most thrilling choices in outdoor activities. These sports are being chosen by more and more people every year as a means of relaxation and physical fitness. Even families are getting in to the backpacking and hiking action. But, for the newer backpacking or hiking person, there are a few items that are required to stay safe and secure while backpacking.

The suns rays. The sun can be very damaging to many parts of the body. When backpacking or hiking, the sun can be in contact with the skin and eyes the entire day spent walking. Sunscreen that is waterproof and of an SPF of 30 or more can provide just enough protection for the skin. The eyes, on the other hand, are the body parts left unprotected. Including a pair or two of sunglasses in every pack will help to make the trip easy to see and safer for the eyes.

Safety First. Many people forget about safety when backpacking or hiking, but there can be problems and when there are, a whistle can help. Depending on where you are backpacking or hiking, a whistle with no “pea” (the small ball in the center) may be the best choice. If the backpacking or hiking is taking place during cold months, the “pea” could freeze. Along those same lines, a plastic whistle will be sure to never stick to your lips in the cold.

The fluid of life. Water will be the largest part of the backpacking and hiking trip. With constant movement comes the constant need for water. Every team member will be packing water for the trip, but for safety, a constant water supply will need to be assured. An outdoor water filtration device can turn any water into drinkable water in a few minutes.

Bring the heat. A firestarter or waterproof matches are essential when backpacking or hiking. A fire will be needed for those backpacking or hiking trips that last overnight. But, even for the day trips, matches and / or a firestarter are needed if only as a safety precaution. Safety is the number one concern and it is always better to be safe than sorry when backpacking or hiking.

Treating Injuries. Even though every backpacking or hiking trip would ideally be without injury, no one can assure this will happen. A first aid kit needs to be prepared for every pack, not just one. Carrying an individual first aid kit is the right choice just in case one of the people backpacking or hiking gets separated from the rest of the group. The first aid kit should include a pocket knife and pocket tool set, as well as the general first aid supplies.

Don’t get lost. Getting lost is one of the worst feelings of all time. A compass and a map can help to keep all backpacking and hiking team members on the right trail throughout the trip. These two essentials are the ones that are forgotten a lot of times when packing the bundles for the trip. Every member of the backpacking and hiking team should have access to a compass and map.

Choosing backpacking or hiking as a sport is a great choice and a fun choice, especially when friends and family come along for the hike. When new to the sport, it is important to keep all of these items in every pack in order to keep the team safe and productive during the backpacking or hiking trip.

Before you head into the great outdoors this season make sure you’re ready to go by checking out our tips on hiking ready to goness and backpacking ready to goness.

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