You have planned a walking holiday and are wondering about what hiking gear to pack for your journey. Day hiking gear does not need to be expensive; however there are seven pieces you should always consider:
1. Footwear – first a good pair of hiking boots, suitable for the terrain on your day hike will protect your feet. Your hiking gear needs to also include hiking socks to prevent blisters. Your footwear is the most important piece of essential gear for your day hike.
2. Backpack – your second piece of essential gear for your day hike comes in many different shapes and sizes. For a day hike your backpack can be lightweight, have pockets for equipment and your water bottles. A rain cover is a nice option.
Great selection of backpacks from Eastern Mountain Sports.
3. Food and water – high energy snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, bananas along with a light lunch. Sports drinks and water are also essential. A lack of hydration will cause cramps and loss of energy as well.
4. Map and/or guidebook – you need to know where you are headed so this is also an essential pick of hiking gear. If hiking in a wilderness area it is also recommended you carry a compass and have a basic knowledge on their use. Many hikers today are also using a GPS although it is not an essential piece of hiking gear.
5. First aid kit – always an essential piece of hiking gear on any hike. Your kit should contain materials to treat minor cuts, blisters and burns.
6. Safety items – a cell phone is handy in case of emergencies. Others recommend a whistle however it is only useful over short distance. Depending on the region of your day hike you may require bear spray or a snake bit kit. A flashlight is recommended in case you are still on the trails at dark.
7. Clothes – depending on the conditions your clothing needs to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. This can include a wind jacket, rainwear, hiking pants or shorts, long sleeve shirt and sun hat. Don’t forget to pack the sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent as well.
These hiking gear items are not essential for your day hike and will increase your enjoyment:
· A Digital camera to record your memories
· Binoculars to view the scenery and wildlife
· Hiking poles to take the weight off your feet and assist you
on hills
· Swiss army knife is always handy in emergency situation
· Toilet paper
Now that you are all packed for your day hiking with your essential hiking gear go out and have a wonderful time in the outdoors.
Gregory Jade 25 Pack
Price: $116.1
The ultralight Jade 25 Pack by Gregory combines their JetStream DTS Technology with a pecially designed harness and waist belt configured to fit a women’s body. The Jade 25 has plenty of pockets to keep your gear organized, a front panel pocket to keep necessities close at hand, and ventilated backpanel to keep you cool during all of your adventures.\n\nFeatures:\n\n* JetStream DTS Suspension\n* Women’s specific fit\n* Auto-Fit harness system\n* Dual hydration ports and sleeve\n* Top stash pocket\n* Expandable front pouch\n* Side and bottom compression\n* Quick access waistbel pockets\n* Side mesh pockets\n\nSpecifications:\n\n* Volume: Small – 1525 in / Medium – 1525 in\n* Weight: Small – 25 L / 2 lbs 11 oz / Medium – 25 L / 2 lbs 13 oz\n* Torso Length: Small – 14-16 inches / Medium 18-20 inches
Brand: Gregory
Originally posted 2009-08-26 17:24:59.
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Your hiking or walking boots are your most important piece of gear and selecting the best pair can make a difference in your comfort and safety too.
Tips for purchase hiking boots:
· First start with your socks, which are can wick away moisture to keep your feet dry. You will want to have a double sock or two pairs of socks to eliminate friction and prevent blisters. You should use these socks when choosing your hiking boots for the best fit.
· Measure your feet later in the day as they expand throughout the day and may during your hike as well. And remember to keep your socks on. Experts recommend you measure both feet and fit to the larger foot as it is common that both feet are not exactly the same size.
· What type of walking holidays will you be taking? There are hiking boots for different situations. Hiking shoes can be used on level or gently rolling trails while day hiking as they offer protection to the soles of your feet, but little protection for your ankles. For rough and rocky terrain you need hiking boots with ankle support.
· There are low, medium, high cut hiking boots. The tougher the terrain the higher cut boot is required. A high cut boot provides greater ankle support, important when walking over rocks and branches.
· The hiking boot requires cushioning on the insole to reduce the possibility of blisters and a good tread for walking on rocky and slippery ground
· Gore-Tex provides great waterproofing, with the ability to breath to allow quick drying when finished hiking. You will need to waterproof the boot exterior with appropriate products. Up to 30% Off Waterproof Footwear at Eastern Mountain Sports
· Leather hiking boots last longer and are most weather resistant, however boots made of lightweight synthetic materials at a lower cost.
Purchase hiking boots well in advance of your walking holiday and break them in on short local day trips for you feel comfortable using them.
Choosing the right hiking boots is an important part of planning your walking holiday,, so take the time to chose the right footwear.
Originally posted 2009-09-17 11:32:59.
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