Do Not Make the Same Mistakes While Hiking and Camping

 Well, it's summertime once more, which means that for most of us, it's time to go outside and have some fun in the sun. Now, while many of you may head to the beach for your yearly sunburn, the majority of us would rather enjoy the outdoors by hiking and camping. Whether awakening to the sounds of birds chirping on a crisp alpine morning or being soothed to sleep by crickets on a starry night, the sounds of nature are soothing. Hiking and camping can be among the best ways to truly appreciate the wilderness. You could choose to hike in the mountains or valleys, visit waterfalls and other notable locations, and camp in the woods, perhaps beside a river. In either case, be sure to adequately prepare for both and avoid making the same mistakes I have in the past.

Camping and Hiking Tips

Once you have decided on a certain location and time to begin your journey, you will need to plan what you need to bring, how much you will need, and maybe most importantly, what you do not need to bring. Listed below are a few easy recommendations that should prove extremely useful.

If you intend to go hiking, one of the first things you should consider is the appropriate footwear. Fit and comfort are essential for a good hiking excursion. Depending on the area of the hike, you must choose the weight, durability, and waterproofness of your footwear. Keep in mind that you will certainly face uneven and rugged terrain, so boot selection requires careful though; do your study. In addition to the boots, you should bring extra pairs of quality hiking socks. This will not only help you avoid blisters, but it will also provide you with dry alternatives should your socks become wet.

Next on the list of items to bring should be a sturdy backpack. The size and scope of the pack you require will be mostly determined by the number of days you want to hike. Camping along your hiking path will necessitate a larger pack that will carry not just your clothing, but also your tent and sleeping bag, food and cooking stove/utensils, water, and other necessities. If you are doing this during the cooler months, you will require additional winter clothing and equipment. If it is the rainy season, then appropriate rainwear is required.

Avoid The Same Hiking Mistakes I Made

Let's delve into the specifics of what we discussed previously:

If you intend to camp throughout your hike, choose a high-quality tent. Consider the size and quality of the item. You will want a good rainfly. Don't make the same mistake I previously did and purchase a tent because it looked "cool." You prefer utility over fashion every time. You will also need a small tarp to drape underneath the tent to help keep the ground dry. This can also serve as a raincoat if you are caught in a storm while hiking. A roll of duct tape and seam sealant is always useful in the event that your tent develops a leak or a seam splits. I discovered this the hard way.

A decent sleeping bag and a roll to lay it on are wonderful for sleeping at night. Make sure to choose the option that best meets your needs. Each bag is rated for a range of temperatures. The pad is to be rolled out beneath the sleeping bag to not only give comfort but also serve as an additional moisture barrier. During a hike, it will be nearly hard to dry a damp backpack.

You will need a small camp stove and something to start a fire in order to prepare food while camping. In general, you should avoid setting an open fire, as it is sometimes prohibited in national and state forests. Ensure you have a saucepan, a skillet, cooking utensils, plates, and a nice knife. Obviously, some zip-lock bags are excellent not just for keeping food but also for waterproofing essential objects.

For the food itself, meal planning is essential. Bringing morning foods such as cereal, powdered milk, granola, and heat-and-eat freeze-dried entrees for lunch and dinner. Remember that weight is a significant factor, therefore carrying a lot of canned meals may cause you to become overweight. Obviously, you will require an abundance of water and a refillable container to use along the journey. Also, don't forget the water purification tablets; I've learned this the hard way.

A compass, some light rope, a can/bottle opener, a signal mirror, and a first aid pack are essential as general miscellaneous equipment. Having extra batteries is also a good idea if you have equipment that requires them. Simply be mindful of the additional weight.

Finally, clothing must be taken into account. When you move height, the weather might also change rapidly. Especially when the sun sets, temperatures that began in the 70s and 80s can rapidly drop into the 40s and below. Avoid being caught without appropriate clothing or blankets. Similarly, in the heat of the day, a good hat and sunscreen can keep you from becoming overly sun-exposed or even dehydrated. I also recommend a quality set of sunglasses. Yes, you guessed correctly; I forgot them as well.

Now that you are equipped with these fundamental hiking and camping recommendations, I hope you will avoid making the same mistakes I have. If you adequately prepare and plan, you should have a safe and pleasurable experience. Therefore, there are no more excuses; come outside and enjoy the wonderful outdoors.