Are you planning to go hiking for the first time? Organizing the perfect hiking trip can be exciting and intimidating because there’s a lot to know before you step into the great outdoors.
Nature is as beautiful as it is unpredictable, so no matter where you’re headed, remember to prepare. You’ll need to bring a few items, including light-weight food, navigational tools, water-proof protection, and survival essentials.
If there’s one survival essential that you’ll need to enjoy your trip comfortably, it’s clothing. What you wear (or don’t wear) on a hiking trip can turn what should be a beautiful experience — reacquainting yourself with nature — into a miserable and cold disaster.
Read on to discover a short list of essential items to pack for your first hiking adventure.
Thermal Socks and Gloves
Cold hands and feet can make people feel tense, stressed, and irritated. Having cold hands and feet is also incredibly uncomfortable, and in some cases, can lead to frostbite.
While hiking, chances are you’ll get wet somewhere on your trek, and the last thing you’ll want is to have damp, cold hands and feet — particularly if you’re camping and spending the night outdoors.
Consider Heat Holders socks and gloves — they’re made with a high-quality insulating acrylic yarn that won’t cause any uncomfortable sweatiness. The yarn used to construct the socks and gloves has a long loop thermal pile with lots of breathability. Your hands and feet will stay warm without causing any uncomfortable sweatiness.
You’ll be grateful for warm hands and feet as you trek deep into those woods. Even in the summer, nights can get chilly, and rain can pop out of nowhere.
Protection from Ticks
Ticks are becoming quite a threat to North American hikers, campers, and boaters. Depending on where you are, some regional ticks can cause Lyme disease in humans.
You can plan a safe hike with light-weighted clothing that covers your entire body (don’t wear shorts or sleeveless tops), wear a sun hat with a flap behind the neck, and a high-quality bug spray. Tuck your pants into your socks for extra protection.
Before, during, and after your hike, remember to check all over your body for ticks. If you do happen to find one, don’t panic. However, it must be removed immediately. Find a pair of tweezers in your First-Aid kit, and gently remove the bug. Pull it out straight and steady because you don’t want any parts remaining. Once removed, clean the area with an alcohol swab.
Do some thorough research before your trip. Some areas have fewer ticks than others; if you’re overly concerned about running into the pests, consider a part of the country that doesn’t have a considerable tick population.
Hiking Boots
Invest in a great pair of hiking boots, and break them in before the trip. Breaking them in beforehand will ensure that you’ll feel comfortable — the last things you’ll want are blisters and sores.
A hiking trip is a perfect way to explore the beauty of nature and the outdoors. Just don’t forget to come prepared.