Its been awhile since I posted and since there isn’t much traveling happening, I thought I should change things up! Now is the perfect time to get outside and go for a hike whether its a mountain or just a small trail near your house. Just make sure where you go isn’t heavily trafficked or a very popular spot! Many popular mountains where I live are PACKED on a nice day – meaning its impossible to stay 6 feet from someone! Here are some things to pack with you on your trip:
An extra pair of socks
You never know if your feet might get sweaty or wet during the hike. It’s always nice to have an extra pair to change into after the hike. I would also recommend bringing extra shoes to change into after the hike. You don’t necessarily need to bring them in your backpack, you can leave them in the car.
Speaking of shoes…make sure your shoes are GOOD QUALITY!
That means your old Nike Free’s are a no go. Having traction on your shoes can prevent a bad fall! I would recommend good quality running shoes or hiking boots.
I personally like to switch it up, sometimes I’ll wear sneakers. If I’m hiking during springtime or after a big rainstorm when it’s muddy, I’ll wear hiking boots. During summer and hotter hikes, I like to wear sneakers because they are more breathable on your feet.
A lot of water
However much water you think you need…bring double. The one thing you don’t want to ever run out of is water!
A first aid kit
You don’t need to pack a whole first aid kit in your bag…but make sure you pack some bandaids and moleskin for an occasional blister or cut.
My favorite hiking app to use is Alltrails. It has numerous hiking trails to choose from, so this is an excellent app if you’re looking for a hike to do! It also gives you directions through Apple Maps or Google Maps to the trailhead. Make sure you either have the trail map ready to go on your phone or printed out (if you won’t have service or prefer a printed out version).
*Another thing is to make sure you tell someone where you are going on your hike. That includes the trail, and if you are hiking the mountain, what specific trail you are hiking on.
Tissues/Toilet Paper
Especially when going on a longer hike, you’ll need to use the bathroom…enough said.
Rain Jacket and/or Sweatshirt
Even if there is a 10% its going to rain, BRING A RAIN JACKET! There is nothing more miserable then getting soaked on a hike.
I would also recommend bringing a sweatshirt regardless of the weather. Even in May, there is a good chance if you are hiking a mountain, there will be snow on top. It can get chilly at the top of a mountain or if you are below the tree-line.
Snacks and Hand Sanitizer
Even if its a short hike and you don’t want to pack a lunch, throw a few snacks in there! The quality of your snacks is also important. Granola bars or protein bar fill you up much longer than crackers! I always like to sit down and have a snack when I reach the peak!
- If you are doing a more extensive hike, eating a huge lunch might not sit well either!
- Chances are you are touching a lot of things on your hike, so make sure you sanitize your hands before you eat
You are now ready to hike!! Enjoy 🙂
Em's Blog 