Out for
an Excursion: Hiking
There are many different places to go hiking, whether it is
up in the mountains for a camping trip or down rugged
seashores, and can be done in every season of the year.
Depending on the type of hiking a person does, there is
different equipment that is needed, from clothing to camping
gear.
Types
of Gear
When planning for a hiking trip, there are different types
of clothing to think about, especially if the trip is
overnight. If the camping is done in warmer weather and around
water, then flip flogs or other sandals that can be used in the
water are important in addition to a bathing suit (although
shorts and t-shirts work as well.) If the weather is colder,
there is more gear required, such as long underwear, extra
socks, fleece jackets, rain gear, hats and gloves or mittens.
In addition to these wearable items, clotheslines for drying
things and a dirty clothes bag to keep them separate from the
clean ones in the pack are also helpful hiking gear items.
Hiking boots are essential gear since everything is done by
walking, including carrying packs that can be cumbersome if not
done in a lightweight manner. There are different types of
boots or even hiking shoes that can be worn depending on the
hiking that will be done. Day trips in easy terrain usually
only require hiking shoes that do not have as much protection
or support as boots. Overnight trips in more rugged terrain
require a boot in most situations, but it does not have to be
as supportive or tough as mountaineering boots which have to be
able to support crampons.
In addition to clothing and boots, hiking gear for overnight
trips also includes cooking materials, such as camp stoves,
eating utensils, pots, plates and fuel. All of these materials
should be as lightweight and stackable as possible, so that
they fit securely in the pack without wasting space or much
weight. In addition, food and water must be packed in, which
can add a lot of weight to the pack, although the weight
diminishes as the trip progresses. Water weight can be reduced
by bringing a water purifier rather than packing in the water
itself.
Overnight hiking trips also require tents and sleeping gear,
which should be lightweight and very compact so that they
easily fit into the pack or can be strapped onto the back of
the pack. There are many lightweight tents on the market which
are easy to assemble and sleep anywhere from two to ten people,
depending on the trip. Sleeping pads and sleeping bags are also
lightweight and made for the weather conditions that the person
thinks they will encounter on the hiking trip.
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