If you like nature walks, in spring you will have daffodils and wild orchids for company, in summer the spiers will orbit the blue sky, in autumn you can go truffle hunting, and in winter the snow-covered hills and mountains are perfect for adventure. The surroundings, about 100 km from the village, are also rich in natural beauty and cultural attractions (fortified cities, popular museums, etc.).
Hiking is a fun and relaxing way to spend quality time outdoors with friends and family. On a hike you can explore places in nature that roadways can’t reach. Leave worries about time, work and other stressors far behind and awaken your sense of wonder.
A successful hike is simple when you have the right tools and a positive mindset. The first step is knowing what to pack so you can feel great all day and keep your energy levels high.
WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK FOR YOUR FIRST HIKE?
Packing for a short trip doesn’t take much. After all, you’ll be carrying everything with you on your hike, so the lighter you pack, the better. However, you’ll need a few essential items if you’re planning on day hiking.
Here’s a list of hiking gear you can use as a packing guide:
- Navigation Tools: Make sure you have a map, compass or GPS for your hiking trip. You’ll want to know where you are and where you’re going at all times, but you’ll also want to know where all the campsites, emergency exits, water sources and rest areas are located. The map and compass are great when your cell phone is out of signal.
- Adequate Water: Water is perhaps the most important item on your hiking gear list. Without enough water, your body cannot function at its best. Make sure you hydrate before your hike and drink water throughout the day. Whether it’s cold or hot outside, an adequate supply of water should always be a priority.
- Adequate food: You want the hiking experience to be as fun as possible, and everyone is happier when they aren’t haunted by hunger pangs. Pack extra snacks in your backpack so you and your hiking companions can enjoy long stretches by a mountain stream.
- Rain clothing and protection: Sometimes, no matter how much you plan, the weather proves the forecast wrong. You can’t always predict a sudden storm or rain, but you can prepare for surprises. To solve this problem, pack a lightweight poncho so you can easily adapt to temperature changes.
- Safety stuff: If you’re riding an easy, well-maintained trail, you may not be as concerned about safety. No matter what you anticipate your hike to be like, you’ll want to include a torch, flashlight, and whistle in your safety kit so you’re prepared for any eventuality.
- First Aid Kit: Build a custom first aid kit that might include blister treatment, bandages, duct tape, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, and any medicine you or your companions might need.
- Pocket knife or multi-purpose knife: Another hiking must-have is a pocket knife or multi-purpose knife. You never know when you might need to cut fabric to make bandages or even open a stubborn can. A knife can also be handy if you need to make a fire.
- Sun protection: Pack sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).
- Trash Bag: Pack a trash bag to keep your trails nice, clean, and litter-free. A ziplock plastic bag is perfect for storing packaging and other rubbish until you return.
Most importantly, put your worries aside and plan to have fun, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.
Remember, you can take your time and explore at your own pace – when you’re in nature, don’t rush. Instead, it’s a time to reconnect with friends, family and the beauty of nature.
