Hiking is one of the toughest yet adventurous experiences. The lovers of hiking are growing in number. This is because hiking has abundant benefits including, health, physical, and spiritual boons. Hiking rejuvenates the heart and mind of an individual and makes him tough to face any attack of a disease. You need a few things for hiking that you may not know if you are naïve in hiking. I’m listing a number of essential items that you will need before going for hiking.

Navigation Tools:

Navigation tools are of ample importance during hiking, in and out of your country.  If you are hiking in the Andes, Appalachian, or might Karakoram Range; you need a compass, GPS device, map, altimeter watch, and personal locator beacon (PLB). A topographic map is really important as it inculcates travel time, finds favorable campsites, and plans the best route to your destination. A base plate compass is of sheer importance as it impedes you from disorientation. With the help of a GPS device, you can locate places digitally. Another important tool of hiking is altimeter which uses the barometric sensor to measure air pressure and give you an accurate estimate of your elevation. PLB is another essential item that finds your location via satellite in case of an emergency. It connects with a commercial website to find your accurate location if you are stuck in some serious problem.

Headlamp or Torch Light:

A source of light is inevitable during hiking because you have to hike for hours and days and nights. You can also take a torch with you to see the things and ways from far away. A headlamp is another important tool that keeps your hands free. With the help of a headlamp, you can perform important activities like cooking with free hands. Moreover, you can walk with a light on your head which leaves your hands free and easy. One thing that should be kept in mind is to keep extra batteries with you.

Sun Protection:

When you hike at high altitudes, you become vulnerable to the harmful rays of the Sun. Too much exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of Sun can lead to Sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer issues. To avert this problem, you need to have sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun protection avatar. The quality of glasses should be supreme to protect yourself from harmful sun rays. In case of your trip to snowy areas, you need extra darker shades that are also known as glacier glasses. The use of sunscreen helps in limiting skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

First-Aid Box:

The first-aid box is very important in long hiking tours. You must know the use of all items in the kit. You can also assemble your first-aid kit as per the needs of the tour. The kit must have all the vital items to cure blisters, gauze pads, disinfecting items, pain killers, bandages of different sizes, disinfectant ointments, pen, and paper. You should also keep Nitrile gloves and masks.

Water and Food:

Water and food are of supreme importance. You should carry water and food for one extra day if you are planning to go on a day trip. The food of one extra day is because of precautionary measures. The food should be mostly comprised of dry fruits and light items instead of carrying your complete kitchen shelf.

Nothing is more important than water. You need to fulfill the need for water of your body to continue your journey. The human body needs a little amount of water after a few minutes to maintain the hydration level. You must know that you can face extreme hot and cold during your journey. You have to carry water as per the demands.

Emergency Shelter:

Emergency shelter is an inevitable part of your journey. One can ever be faced with natural calamities and must be prepared to cope with them. You can carry camps, ultraviolet traps, an emergency space blanket, or a large plastic trash bag. Your tents should not be kept in your camp but with you. This is because emergency shelter should always with be you.