Heading out for a hike is a delightful way to connect with nature and to finally spend time with friends and family, or even by yourself. Whether you want to go deep into the mountains or stay closer to home, there are so many places to explore!
Get hiked up
Before you set out for your hike, there are a few things you need to plan:
- Think about how far you want to hike
- Search online or use a map to find the location of a hiking trail
- Check the weather forecast for that area
- Pack your bag using your hiking checklist
Your Top 10 Hiking Essentials
- Don’t leave home without these top 10 hiking necessities:
- Hiking backpack
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water
- Food
- First-aid kit
- Knife or multi-tool
- Sun protection (sunscreen & sunglasses)
- Navigation tools (map, compass or GPS)
- Torch or headlamp
Leave no Trace
Most of us think about hiking as a way to have a good time, get some exercise, be social, and enjoy the outdoors. However, responsible hikers are also concerned with protecting the outdoors. That’s where Leave No Trace comes in.
Essentially, Leave No Trace promote some simple rules that protect environments from hikers and outdoor users. These rules help people to ‘leave no trace’ and show no signs of having visited the area. So remember:
- Don’t litter or throw fruit peels.
- Don’t leave the official trail.
- Don’t disturb the environment around you (breaking branches, etc.).
- Be considerate of other hikers(no loud music, etc.)
Overall, we should all use trails responsibly, and respect the outdoors and other hikers. This will mean more funding for arks and trails, which means more hiking options for all of us! Win win!
Get this!
Many people think when fruits and vegetables are left outside, they will decompose and be absorbed by the earth. But that’s not true. In fact, an apple core can take two months to decompose, and a banana skin or orange peel can take two years!
Beware!
Hiking isn’t always fun and games. Watch out for dehydration, sunburn, falling, rough terrain and attacks from wild animals.
