| Hiking can be a rigorous and physically-taxing | | | | 5. First aid kit. A first aid kit is useful when you |
| hobby, but the magnificence of nature makes all | | | | have minor cuts, blisters, burns, or punctures. A |
| the hard work in hiking worth it. For the hiking | | | | first aid kid may also help you if your trek causes |
| novice, the ultimate hiking checklist is composed | | | | broken limbs, fingers, cardiac conditions, |
| of the Ten Essentials which was developed by | | | | hypothermia, hypoxia, insect and snake bites, |
| The Mountaineers in the 1930s. The Mountaineers | | | | allergic reactions, frostbite, or hyperthermia. You |
| is a hiking and mountain climbing club which is | | | | can also include your personal medications in the |
| considered as an authority in hiking, backpacking, | | | | first aid kit. |
| and mountain climbing. Here are ten of the hiking | | | | 6. Knife. Don't go hiking without a knife as this can |
| equipment essentials that hikers, backpackers, and | | | | come in handy while you are building your shelter, |
| climbers should have to stay safe and | | | | preparing food, shaving wood as tinder, cutting |
| comfortable in the wild: | | | | rope, and other uses. If you are planning on going |
| | | | off-trail, you might need a bigger knife to hack |
| 1. Map and Compass - These two items will help in | | | | away thick growth. If you could, you can also |
| navigating unknown territory and will aid in | | | | carry an axe for collecting firewood. |
| reducing fear and anxiety. This will also lead to | | | | 7. Match or fire starter. Matches or firestartes |
| fewer physical injuries as you will be able to make | | | | such as heat tabs, magnesium sticks, or canned |
| sound decisions while hiking. Maps are especially | | | | heat could help you avoid hypothermia and signal |
| helpful in trails that do not have sufficient signs, | | | | for help. A fire can also increase your will to |
| markings, or guides. A compass is enough for a | | | | survive if you find yourself lost in the woods. |
| hiker to maintain a single direction until he or she | | | | 8. Water filter or Water Treatment. This device |
| reaches the desired destination. | | | | makes water from streams or lakes drinkable. It |
| 2. Flashlights and headlamps. If you're planning on | | | | rids the water from bacteria and other viruses |
| travelling in the dark, flashlights and headlamps are | | | | for safe drinking. This protects you from |
| important. You can also use the flashlight for | | | | gastrointestinal diseases. |
| signalling and finding things inside your pack. Bring | | | | 9. Whistle. This is a lightweight and compact way |
| extra batteries and bulbs for extra precaution. | | | | to ask for help should you get lost while hiking. |
| Headlamps using LED lights are more efficient in | | | | You may not be able to shout for long periods of |
| using power. | | | | time, but you can blow a whistle for extended |
| 3. Extra food and water. Food and water protects | | | | periods. A whistle's sound also travels farther than |
| you from dehydration or hypothermia especially | | | | human voice. |
| when medical assistance is far off. Bringing extra | | | | 10. Outdoor clothes. You should also wear and |
| provisions also prevent panic from setting in. | | | | bring extra clothing designed to protect you from |
| However, refrain from eating food when there is | | | | the elements. Outdoor clothing are designed to be |
| no water as the body utilises water to metabolise | | | | warmer, but this does not cause overheating. |
| food. | | | | They also protect you from the sun, insects, |
| 4. Sunglasses. If you're planning to hike through | | | | wind, thorns, and cold. |
| snowy mountains, using sunglasses can prevent | | | | These 10 essential items should always be inside |
| snow blindness. Without sunglasses, you might | | | | your backpack when you plan to hike. Having |
| have reduced visibility and even expose your | | | | these 10 items within reach will keep you safe |
| eyes to injuries caused by flying debris, tree | | | | and release you from worries so that you can |
| branches, and other hazards. | | | | better enjoy the outdoors. |