5 Items to ALWAYS bring on a day hike
What better way to get out of the house AND stay safe from Covid-19, than to go for a hike? For many experienced hikers, this could be their go-to plan. But, if you haven’t hiked much before, or usually stick to paved paths, you may be considering hitting a more out of the way, rough-and-tumble trail, as to avoid unwanted crowds. If this is your first time hitting an unpaved trail, or even if you just need a refresher on what to bring with you, I have put together this list of important items you should have in your backpack.
1. WATER
I know this sounds obvious, but you would be surprised at the number of people who don’t bring water with them on hikes, or don’t bring enough. I always recommend AT LEAST 2 liters, or 1 liter for every 3 miles, depending on the difficulty of the hike. It never hurts to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. You’d rather have too much water, instead of not enough!
2. A Whistle
This item may seem a little unorthodox but hear me out. In an emergency, a whistle is a very important item to have, especially if you are hiking alone. If something were to go wrong, and you could not safely return to your vehicle or get help, blowing on your whistle is a good way to alert other hikers and individuals that you are in distress.
3. A First-Aid Kit
A good first-aid kit as a keystone item to have with you on any outdoor adventure. At minimum, your kit should contain some bandages, gause, and a disinfectant. Most outdoor outfitters, such as REI or Bass Pro Shops will have first-aid kits available for purchase.
4. Rain Protection
No, I don’t mean an umbrella. Most outdoor outfitters and camping stores sell compact rain jackets and rain pants, along with water-resistant covers for backpacks. Even if the weather is forecast to be “clear skies” on the days that you choose to go hiking, you could still get hit with some surprise showers. Having some form of rain protection is always a good idea, though, I discourage umbrellas because they are often too large or heavy to fit comfortably in your backpack, along with all other other items you bring with you.
5. A Hiking Partner
Ok, so you can’t fit an entire person in your backpack. It’s still a good idea to go hiking with a person or a group. In an emergency situation, having a second person who can tend to possible wounds or go get help can mean the difference between life and death. Plus, hiking with a family member, friend, or significant other can be a great way to bond and create lasting memories.
