Day Hike Checklist
Posted
by
WinterWomen
on Tuesday, June 3, 2014
 Hiking is an adventurous way to get out of the house and enjoy nature at its finest. By going on a hiking trip, you are able to get to remote or hard-to-reach destinations with breathtaking scenery that will make for an unforgettable experience. Hiking trips are not only fun, but also beneficial to your health. As well as the physical benefits, hiking reduces stress and is great for your overall mental health. Make sure you do your research in advance to find out the best time of the year to visit each new hiking spot, as weather conditions can be variable and dangerous animals can be more abundant at certain times of the year. Don’t forget you will need to dress appropriately in clothing that will provide warmth and protection from the elements, and be sure to bring along other necessities such as food and water. We have put together a quick checklist of our suggestions for the finest day hiking essentials so you can have the best possible experience on your hike.
Pack – A pack is necessary to hold everything you need on your hike. You will want one that is lightweight and durable and will have enough room for your accessories. We recommend the Patagonia Lightweight Travel Pack.
Sunglasses – Sunglasses are needed to protect the eyes from damaging radiation and ultra violet rays. They help reduce glare and keep your eyes safe from debris, so you’ll be less likely to misstep on your hike. Here are some great sunglass choices by Suncloud.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm – Your body and lips needs shielding from the sun’s harmful rays. Always make sure to apply sunscreen and lip balm before your hike. Don’t forget to pack extra so you can reapply later in the day.
Sports Bra – A good low-medium impact sports bra is important for hiking so you can be active and stay comfortable all day long. Here are some great supportive women's sports bras.
Top – You will definitely want to wear a good moisture-wicking first layer t-shirt or long sleeve shirt so that you can stay dry, warm, and protected.
Bottom – For pants, you want something that is comfortable, easy to move around in, and that will keep you dry. Our top choice is these Strech Capris by Under Armour.
Socks – If your feet are not happy while you are hiking, you will not be happy. Be sure to keep your feet happy with these lightweight hiking socks.
Boots – Good traction and ankle support are extremely important to look for in your hiking boots. Whether you are climbing a 14er that has variable weather conditions or even just a local trail, make sure you choose sturdy boots that can offer great traction and support--because you never know what type of terrain you might run into, even on your neighborhood trail!
Jacket/Vest – A packable, insulated jacket or vest is great to bring along so you can stay warm and protected in cold conditions, and can stow away in your pack when it warms up.
Hat – Make sure to bring along a baseball cap for warm-weather hikes to protect from the sun, or a cozy winter hat to keep your dome warm in climates with varying temperatures.
Food and Water – Make sure to bring plenty of bottled water and snacks to keep energy high, like trail mix with chocolate chips or a fruit and nut granola bar. We also recommend easy-to-eat fruit, like apples or bananas (we LOVE using our "Banana Saver"- we can put our bananas in the plastic "saver" and they don't get squished or mushy in our bags!).
Now that you’ve got all your essentials, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start hiking!
Categories:
Health & Fitness
Tagged: health, hiking, fitness
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