April 01, 2016

Be Prepared For The Hike With These Essentials

Whether you're an experienced hiker, or new to the outdoor hiking scene, it's important to make sure you're prepared for everything mother nature may throw your way.  Are you worried about overpacking or leaving something behind?  Not to worry!  

Active.com put together a comprehensive list of all your hiking essentials -- depending on the distance and conditions you may face, each list covers everything you'll need to pack to have fun and stay safe.

Starting with the "eight essentials" for your basic short hike in mild conditions, this list includes:

1. A 16-ounce water bottle: I like S'well bottles because they stay cold.
2. EnduroPacks electrolyte spray: A couple sprays of this sugar-free, portable concentrated electrolyte solution will help keep your fluid levels in check during any activity lasting more than an hour. 
3. 1 or 2 snack bars: If it's warm, it's best to bring bars that won't melt like Kind Bars, Larabars or CLIF Mojo bars. 
4. Cell Phone: Make sure it's fully charged and never head out alone without it.
5. Hat: Any hat that provides enough coverage for your face will do, but for sunny days we highly recommend a wider-brimmed hat that protects your neck and shoulders. 
6. Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses are best. Make sure the pair you purchase offers 100 percent UV protection. 
7. Sunscreen: Apply it to all exposed areas before you head out, and if your hike is longer than two hours or you sweat heavily, you'll need to reapply every hour. 
8. Map: Even if you know the area, it's always a good idea to have a map with you just in case you accidentally take a wrong turn.

You can find a complete list of all the recommended packing essentials from Active.coms's article What to Pack on Your Next Hike.  These lists are full of all the gear you'll need to make your next outdoor excursion fun and safe. But remember, be safe and stay hydrated during your hike.

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