Friday, December 18, 2009

Hiking Equipment

By Karen Dreyer

Hiking can either be the most calming or the most exciting experience, depending on the location and the duration of your hike. You can hike to a serene waterfall and stay there for some much needed rest and relaxation. Or, you can go up to the very peak of a mountain and conquer the tall peaks. Basing on the type of trip you prefer, there are particular hiking equipments that you will need to take with you.

Clothes

Many people wonder about what kind of apparel they should use for a hiking trip. When, actually, the answer is pretty simple. Those things that you have on your closet should be more than sufficient. Make sure, however, that you choose practical clothes. When people think of hiking, they instantly assume that it's better to wear shorts and tank tops. Actually, it is much more practical to use pants and long-sleeved shirts as they will serve you better through different kinds of weather. Do not forget that the sun gets hotter as the day comes closer to noon. You might grossly underestimate the heat, especially if you start out early on in the morning where the weather is cool and breezy. In these cases, long-sleeved shirts will certainly provide more protection from the sun. Also, if you have some cash to spare, you could buy those vests with several pockets. The more pockets you have, the more equipment you can bring; like matches, a compass, a telescope, a small first aid kit, your canteen, etc. You should keep the vital items close to your person at all times if you ever lose your bag somewhere along the way.

Footwear

You will also require specialized shoes. Your feet are probably going to be the ones that will take a beating from the long hikes, so you need them to be as comfortable and as strong as possible. Shoes will also help you move through different kinds of terrain. A good advice is to find water-proof shoes, as you might have to wade through brooks when hiking.

Backpack

Backpacks are extremely important for hiking. This is where you'll store your sleeping bag, your extra clothes, and also your tent. It is important, therefore, that you choose the best bag. Find one with many pockets where you can place your things. Another very important factor that you have to consider when it comes to choosing a backpack is durability. You wouldn't want your bag to tear while you're hiking. So, when it comes to the bag, don't hesitate to spend a bit of extra cash.

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