Water, food, clothes, proper headlights and a multi-tool are things without which you cannot go hiking. They will contribute towards having a better hiking experience while giving you the needed strength and tools to overcome any obstacle. However, there are some other essential things that are paramount even when going on a short day hike.
Proper Hiking Boots
Even though a lot of you may think that you can go for a hike with your everyday walking sneakers, this is completely wrong. The truth is that almost every activity is in need of specific shoes and hiking isn’t an exception. By wearing the wrong footwear, you can face a lot of problems that would be mainly related to pain and injuries. By wearing hiking boots, you can have peace of mind that your feet will be well-protected even when hiking in muddy and wet weather conditions.
Given the fact that they’re higher than hiking shoes, hiking boots will protect both your feet and ankles. Since they have a great grip, accidents like slipping or falling on a trail will be set at a minimum. By wearing quality boots for hiking, the arches of your feet will also receive the needed support, so the chances that you’ll experience miserable foot arch pain will be reduced. Also, you need to make sure to get waterproof hiking boots.
As you can see, the best waterproof hiking boots are the ones that will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Obtaining all of this is possible, only if you invest in boots that are made of quality materials. Generally speaking, a quality hiking boot is considered the one that is made of leather, quality synthetic material or a combination of one of these fabrics with mesh. Although, nowadays there are many quality synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester and synthetic leather that have proven to be extremely durable, still, nothing can beat the durability and level of protection coming from leather.
Consequently, the price of these boots would be higher, but it’s worth every penny if you’re a hiker. If you’re not and you’re going on hikes every now and then, then investing in the more affordable boots for hiking models would be recommended. It’s said that they’ll provide you with almost the same level of protection and even comfort. And given the fact that you’ll wear them on rare occasions, they can certainly last you for a long time.
Water Purification Bottle
When physically active, staying hydrated is fundamental. And since hiking is a sports activity that consists of hiking on different terrains and under different conditions, taking several litres of water with you isn’t recommended because of the weight. The ideal and easiest solution in these cases is having water purification bottles.
Water purification bottles can filter and clean viruses, bacteria, waterborne parasites, diseases and chemical components while on the move. These bottles look like any normal water bottle with the main difference of being able to make your water clean and safe to drink. Thanks to the latest water treatment technology and the use of quality materials, water passes through the filter’s membrane which acts as a magnet for bacteria, viruses and pathogens. Thanks to this and to the quality filters, these water bottles won’t only give you clean and safe water to drink, but they’ll also make it taste better.
Nowadays, you can choose from the array of purification water bottles, but the idea is to choose the safest option. By any means, don’t put money on top of your list as a decisive factor. In the end, your health is in-game, so make sure you stay safe while having an unforgettable hiking trip should be your priority. On top of that, by investing in such a bottle, you’ll reduce the number of disposable (single use) bottles in the landfill. The last thing to have in mind when buying a water purifying bottle is to choose a spare water filter. This is paramount because the filter should be replaced on a regular basis or to be more precise every 2 – 6 weeks depending on how often you use it. In order for the bottle and filter to last long, you should wash and clean them thoroughly and regularly.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is essential when hiking because it can help you minimise and treat different infections and injuries. When investing in a first aid kit for hiking, make sure the chosen model contains different types, sizes and shapes of plasters, different sizes of sterilised gauze dressings, tweezers, safety pins, scissors, a digital thermometer, non-alcoholic cleansing wipes, antiseptic cream, cream/spray for relieving bites and stings, painkillers, sticky tape, disposable sterilised gloves, antibacterial ointment and a first aid kit manual. All of this is essential so you could treat burns, injuries, scrapes and cuts. Being prepared is always a good idea, even if you don’t expose yourself to hiking under dangerous weather conditions. You can never know when accidents could happen.
Sun Protection
Regardless of the season of weather when hiking, wearing sun protection, especially on your face is essential for keeping your skin safe from the sun. The reasons to wear sunscreen for wearing sun protection are many, so understanding them sooner can only contribute to your better health. When in the search for the right sunscreen (whether physical or chemical) it’s essential for you to choose one that offers utmost protection and one that won’t interfere with sweat. In order to be safe, it would be better for you to choose one that is designed for sensitive skin.
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