Wazzup Pilipinas!
Even though most people don’t have enough free
time to enjoy their favorite hobbies, that doesn’t mean that they can’t have
some fun and do something extraordinary every once in a while. And if you’re
one of those who love being in the open as often as possible instead of doing
nothing but watching TV - you’re lucky, because those outdoorsy people always
have tons of options to explore! From swimming and camping to hiking and
trekking, you can do quite a lot even if you don’t have that much free time.
All you need to do to maximize your time in the open is to get organized
adequately and pack all your essentials. In case you’re a fan of hiking and
trekking, but don’t know how to do that, here are a few essential items you
need to carry with you whenever you’re about to start a new hiking/trekking
trip.
The backpack
This might not sound like the most important
thing at first, but you can’t even start packing your essentials if you don’t have the
right backpack. And if you’re serious about hiking and trekking, you can’t pick
just any model - you have to ensure that it’s strong, durable, large, full of
various compartments, and, most importantly, waterproof. To make the selection process easier, you can find local trekking companies and use their expertise. They have in-depth knowledge of the terrain, weather conditions, and the type of gear best suited for the region you plan to explore.
This is why finding a new backpack is a process that might take a while. Lots of hiking and trekking fans have several
different models at home and they choose which one they’ll use depending on
where they’re going and how long they’ll be staying on their trip. So, don’t be
afraid to choose whichever you like first and then get a new backpack if you
notice that the first one isn’t working for you. Alternatively, you can talk to
your hiking and trekking buddies and buy the same backpack they’re using - if
it’s working for them, it’s probably going to work for you as well.
Handy tools
Many things will be beneficial for your trip
and you should have them by your side during your hiking adventure. One of the
most common items is a flashlight which can be found in a very small and
practical size and can be of great help if your trip turns into an overnight
adventure or you stay up too late and you end up watching the sunset. In
addition to that, you’ll need hand sanitizer because during your walk you’ll
probably want to explore nature and will end up with potential germs on your
hand. It is better to be safe and clean your hands before making a break to eat
or drink water.
Also, Sunscreen, sunblock, and lip balms will
be a great thing to keep in mind because people tend to forget that they need
to protect themselves from the sunlight and UV rays which is crucial especially
if you are hiking on a mountain. Make sure to use high SPF ratings to protect
your skin and avoid any potential problems. Thi sis something you need to carry
close to reach in order to always be able to use it.
Safety features
Though lots of us believe that hiking and
trekking are among the safest hobbies in the world, things are quite different
in reality. You can do this for ages and still run into situations that can
escalate quickly and become potentially dangerous without you even noticing it.
Whether we’re talking about a weather disaster or an encounter with dangerous
animals, you need to be safe, protected, and always alert.
That’s why it’s important to have lots of
protection by your side at all times. Navigation, headlamps, protective boots,
fire matches, and sun-protective clothes are among the most important pieces
you need to have whenever you go. Also, don’t forget a practical OTF knife that’s going to come in handy in different situations, from
building shelter to preparing food. Speaking of which, make sure you always
have enough food and water with you, as well as some extra clothes in case you
get wet or muddy.
Sleeping options
If you want to enjoy hiking and trekking to
the fullest, you must try doing it overnight and sleeping under the open sky.
This might not look like the best way to spend your free time and enjoy your
hobby, but you’re going to end up having a blast, especially if you’re
surrounded by people you know and love.
But, if you want this to turn into an
adventure you’ll never forget, you have to think about where you’re going to
sleep and how you’re going to spend your night. Luckily, sleeping bags and
tents are now easy to find and they’re more advanced than they’ve ever been,
which means you shouldn’t have a problem finding models that are going to work
for you. Still, when buying them, ask the salesperson to show you how to set up
your tent in no time at all, and pay some extra money for a waterproof and
windproof model that’s going to keep you warm and dry all night long.
Clothes, clothes, clothes
When getting ready for a hiking and trekking
trip, thinking about your appearance is probably not your main priority.
However, there’s nothing to do with the way you look, but with the fact that
you need adequate clothes that will help you enjoy your time in the open even
more and you can browse through a travel magazine to see what type of clothes
you’ll need.
First, keep in mind that you need to dress in
lots of different layers regardless of the weather. Most hiking and trekking
trips end up being wet, cold, and windy, which is why you need protective
jackets, warm socks, and quick-dry shirts. Also, don’t forget protective shoes
that will keep you dry and safe whenever
you go, so take some time to choose the right pair you’ll be able to use for
ages.
Of course, these are just some of the things
you’re going to need when you go hiking or trekking, so learn how to pack them
properly, without wasting too much time or energy. And after you do, you can
hit the road and enjoy your time in the open to the fullest!
Contributor:
Emma Joyce is an avid traveler who likes to explore new places and takes on new adventures. When she's not exploring new grounds, she's reading or writing about them.
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Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
