Hiking and camping are great ways to enjoy the outdoors. A short hike requires nothing more than a sturdy pair of boots, but if you plan to be out in the wilderness for more than a few hours or want to camp overnight, there is some equipment you should not be without.
Safety First
Nothing ruins a camping or hiking trip faster than an injury. Carry a small first aid kit with you, and make sure you are familiar with basic first aid techniques. Hypothermia, sunstroke and dehydration are common problems on long hikes. Carry plenty of water for each person in your party. The National Park Service recommends a minimum of 2 quarts of water per person per day. A water filtration device will allow you to refill your water bottle or canteen from streams.
Consider Weight
On an extended hike, you need to carry all your supplies with you. The weight of a tent, sleeping bag, clothing, food, water and other supplies can add up quickly. Look for a tent and sleeping bag designed specifically for backpacking. These are significantly lighter than conventional models, and many have straps for attaching the tent or sleeping bag to a backpack.
Electronics
Although you can bring your digital camera, music player or other electronic device on your trip, keep in mind that you will need to carry extra batteries. Batteries can add a lot of weight to your pack, and you need to carry the spent batteries out of the wilderness with you
Food And Water
Nonperishable foods work best for long hiking and camping trips because you do not need to keep them cold. Backpack coolers and ice add a lot of bulk and weight to your total load. Freeze-dried foods designed for hiking are lightweight and easy to pack. A water filtration system is essential for any extended hiking and camping trip. A filtration system ensures that water from streams, rivers and other sources is clean and safe for drinking.
Communication
One electronic device that you should carry with you on any hike is a cell phone. If you become lost or injured, a cell phone will let you call for help and allow rescuers to pinpoint your location. If you will be hiking in an area without cell service, carry flares with you. Never hike alone, and always let someone know where you plan to hike and how long you will be gone. This way, if you are gone longer than planned, this person can alert the authorities that you might need help.
Directions
Always carry a map of the location, and mark your intended trail. If you have one, a global positioning device, or GPS, device will help you pinpoint your location in case you become disoriented.
Proper Clothing
Be sure to wear sturdy boots when you hike. If you buy new boots, wear them for several hours a day for a few days to break them in. Break them in a week or two before your hiking trip to give any blisters you develop time to heal. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring rain gear and a lightweight jacket even in the summer to avoid hypothermia. Long pants will protect your legs from insects, poison ivy, rocks and other environmental dangers.
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