More and more people decide to practice hiking or at least do it once for fun. In fact, in the United States alone, this is the 4th most popular outdoor activity since you do not need a lot of preparation to do it, and there are a lot of national parks and trails where you can go hiking.
If you plan to do it, here you will find a list of implements and accessories that would be super useful for your walk and that you can buy online at arcteryx.com.
But First, How Hiking Can Improve Your Lifestyle?
If you are new to this term, you must know that hiking consists of outdoor walks on delimited trails and generally does not take more than a couple of hours a day. Hiking is more relaxed than trekking and is more friendly for people who are just beginning to exercise and are looking for a more active life. Also, in case you are looking for more motivation to start hiking, it is known that this activity can help to low cortisol levels by 13.4% if you do it for 20 minutes.
Since hiking consists of going for a walk and getting fresh air, your body will experience greater oxygenation and strengthening of the muscles, and it is supposed to produce more endorphins that reduce anxiety and stress and positively affect mood. If you are used to a sedentary life, hiking can be the beginning of an active lifestyle.
And speaking about exposing yourself to the sun, while it is true that you can go hiking with your usual sports shoes and clothes, it is better if you prepare yourself by wearing the right clothes and accessories so you can be more comfortable and safer while you walk.
Must-Have Hiking Gear: What You Should Bring With You
Hiking Shoes
Protecting your feet from sores and blisters is a priority. Your feet are the ones that carry you from one place to another when you go hiking, so you must choose the appropriate footwear. Before choosing your new pair of shoes, you should evaluate the type of ground you will be walking on.
Some walkers take into consideration the weight they will carry in their backpacks. If you plan to start by walking across a valley or meadow, it is recommended to wear flexible footwear. Wearing light footwear will also help you to feel comfortable during your walk and also to reduce the feeling of fatigue.
Hiking Backpack
The factors when selecting the perfect hiking backpack are varied, such as size, quality of materials, design, number of pockets, and price. Something that will help you know what type of backpack you need is the use that you will give to it.
You should pay attention to the materials that make up the backpack and the system that this backpack has to distribute the weight. A great suspension system will distribute the weight evenly, falling on the shoulders in a balanced way. Nowadays, there are many different backpacks that are useful and also fashionable. It is likely that you will find one that goes with your style.
Weather-Adapted Clothing
Wearing the right clothing is something that will allow you to have a successful hike. Walking a trail is an activity that can take hours, so it is best to be as comfortable as possible to complete the journey without issues. Besides that, when walking outdoors, you may have to deal with different types of weather, trails, and soils.
Dress in such a way that you can stay dry, warm, or cool no matter what the circumstance. Get to know the weather of the place where you will be hiking so you will know what type of clothing you should buy.
Accessories to Protect You From the Sun
This consists of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and long clothes. Some men underestimate the effect the sun can cause on the skin and how it can cause damage. The best thing you can do is to be cautious and include sun protection in your hiking backpack.
There are hiking clothes that, despite being long, are also fresh. So the heat is not an excuse to leave your arms uncovered. Do not forget to apply sunscreen to your face, neck, and hands. Also, in any other area of skin that may be exposed. You should reapply sunscreen after a few hours.
First Aid Supplies
Even though hiking can be a very calm and peaceful practice, it is always possible to suffer some mishap that could affect your well-being. When hiking you can suffer falls, scrapes, and even hypoglycemia. So the best thing you can do is bring band-aids, alcohol, pain medicine, and a high-sugar drink.
Apart from these emergency supplies, it would be helpful to bring nuts, a snack, and of course, water. Staying hydrated during your walk will help you resist all the physical effort you are making.
Other Useful Accessories
To get the most out of your walk and avoid inconveniences, it is also suggested to bring some accessories such as a compass and a pocketknife. Both are elements that will help you orient yourself while you are out in the open and that could also save you from a bind. As you continue going hiking, you will likely find other accessories that you would like to bring with you.
Let the Adventure Begin!
Hiking, like all activities that involve walking, provides great benefits for the cardiovascular system and is also a physical activity that will benefit you in many different ways. You will be able to be in contact with nature, get to know the natural wonders of your city, it will turn you into an active and healthy person, and you will even be able to meet other people since nowadays hiking groups are very popular. Be sure to bring everything mentioned on this list with you so that your experience is pleasant and safe.
