A hiking or mountain climbing trip can make for an exciting vacation, and spending time in nature away from work can alleviate stress, especially if you’re an overloaded manager or business owner. This kind of active, outdoor trip will challenge you and leave you wanting more, but you do need to have the proper equipment to ensure your trip goes smoothly, hence our guide to hiking and mountain climbing packing essentials.
Be smart about what you pack and how you prepare beforehand so you won’t end up missing something essential out on the trail.
Hiking And Mountain Climbing Packing Essentials:
1. Cover your bases at home first
Of course, you need to take precautions with your home before leaving. Notify key people in your life that you’ll be on a trip, but don’t broadcast your departure on social media. If you don’t have one already, now is a good time to invest in a home security system or at least a home surveillance camera, which only takes a few minutes to set up and will allow you to check in on a video feed of your home from your smartphone.
Try to make your home look lived in while you’re gone, setting a timer to keep lights on at night, putting holds on your mail and newspaper, and having someone maintain the lawn if you will be away for a while.
2. Focus on packing the essentials and packing smartly
REI explains there are 10 essential categories you need to pack for this type of vacation. For starters, you need to bring a navigational system, like a map in a protective case, a GPS unit, or a compass. You’ll need a tent or some type of shelter, and a reflective blanket is a wise addition. A first-aid kit with basic supplies, a knife or multi-tool, and repair items like duct tape are must-haves too.
Check out some of the essential tools you’ll need here: Sports and recreation.
Focus on packing lightweight options, and only take what you absolutely need. Aim for multipurpose items whenever possible, like duct tape, a bandana, and even baking soda that can help clean, act as toothpaste, relieve itching from insect bites, and remove odors from shoes.
You’ll also need sunglasses for eye protection! Bloomingdale’s carries the best selection, especially if you want something lasting, and sunglasses are a hiking and mountain climbing packing essential must.
3. Be deliberate in your food and hydration choices
Nutrition and hydration are vital while you are hiking or climbing, and Wise Backpacker details that it is essential to optimize your food choices. Focus on options that will fuel your body and amp up your energy, incorporating foods you can snack on along the way.
Nuts and dehydrated or freeze-dried foods are ideal foods to pack, but avoid water-dense foods. Oatmeal, pretzels, and pasta made with ground legumes or whole grains are always good additions.
Amazon has a great variety of snacks.
Never assume that a water source will be available on the trail. Bring water bottles or a hydration system like a CamelBak, and pack iodine pills or a filtration system to replenish your supply on the go. Pack a lighter or matches in a waterproof container along with a fire starter, and don’t forget a headlamp or flashlight and some extra batteries.
4. Invest in the proper clothing and footwear
Your clothing and footwear choices will have a significant impact on how well your trip goes. Avoid cotton clothing, and focus on versatile choices you can layer, mix, and match. Incorporate items that provide protection against rain, wind, and cold, and you may want to pack a waterproof bag for items that get wet.
We recommend KEEN.
Quality shoes are vital, especially when it comes to hiking or mountain climbing packing essentials. Buy shoes geared toward the type of vacation you are taking, as Backcountry points out that what you need for a backpacking trip will be different from what works best for mountain climbing. A good fit is key, so make sure your boots are snug with no slip or heel lift as you walk, but with some space in the toe box.
The key to having a good experience while hiking or mountain climbing is preparation. Secure the homefront before you head out, and pack only what you need, focusing on essentials related to clothing, footwear, nutrition, hydration, and supplies for navigation, shelter, and fire. This type of vacation can be an exciting challenge, but you don’t want to sabotage your efforts by bringing the wrong gear or hitting the trail unprepared.
Guest post: Claire Wentz
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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.