The Ultimate Packing List for Your Next Adventure and Hiking Trip

Woman Hiking in Forest

To feel the air on your face, the thrill of adrenaline, and be a witness to nature’s greatest sights is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy your next vacation. But the success of such a trip largely depends on all the things you pack to take along.

A Reusable Water Bottle

Most hiking sites and trails are near water bodies, eliminating the need to carry countless plastic water bottles and then worry about recycling them in a clean sustainable way. Instead, carry a reusable water bottle and a handy water purifier to clean fresh water from rivers, streams, or lakes and constantly keep your bottle filled with drinkable water. Carry two bottles to ensure you have enough water between marked water spots to stay hydrated, as dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatality during hikes.

For more intense or strenuous hiking sessions, also carry electrolytes to add to your drinks to keep you hydrated and energetic throughout the hike.

Waterproof Hiking Boots

As the weather is usually unpredictable, it is always better to carry sturdy waterproof boots that are meant for hiking instead of simple running shoes. It lowers your chances of blisters, sprains, and aches throughout the journey and in turn allowing you to cover more ground.

Snacks

Pack healthy snacks that provide energy, such as protein bars, chocolates, and biscuits that you can munch on along the way as a quick means of regaining lost energy and staving off the hunger pangs. Include food items that do not go bad for a long time on your list of items to carry in case you run into any emergencies. If you intend to have a picnic, carry sufficient but light food for the same and pack them in airtight boxes to keep them safe from rotting.

All-weather Clothing

It is always safer to have extra layers of clothing than to go cold on a hiking trip.  With the view of preparing for all kinds of weather, pack warm as well as light airy clothes. Outside of normal weather fluctuations, if you are looking at climbing up a high mountain, the temperature differences between the summit and the ground level will make you glad you brought both kinds of clothes along. Carry waterproof jackets as well in case of sudden rainfall. Make sure to also pack an extra set of sleeping clothes as you will need them after a tiring and perhaps sweaty day of climbing and running.

First Aid Kit

As any good adventurer will tell you, a first aid kit is an absolute must on a hiking trip. Regardless of the difficulty level, accidents can always occur and it is safer to carry all the required first aid than to have to deal without it. The kit should contain enough bandages, medicines for infection, antibiotics, anti-flu powder, and sprays for sprain and painkillers

Waterproof Backpack

It is time to pack the listed essentials securely and efficiently. Choose a backpack or duffel that is just big enough to carry all the essentials you need and yet not causes you any significant problems due to the weight or design. Depending on the number of days you have planned the trip for, choose an appropriate size for the backpack. Attempting to repurpose a college or laptop bag is not advisable as you can not use such bags for long durations comfortably due to their design and capacity. If you plan on combining the use of vehicles on this adventure, the roof racks in brisbane is the perfect tool to carry all your belongings securely.

 

Apart from these commonly used essentials on adventure or hiking trips, the following are a few more additions to the packing checklist,

  • Sunscreen
  • A camera with a waterproof bag
  • If you are planning for a biking adventure trip – commonly used tools for repair and a spare tire
  • Batteries, power banks, and spare memory cards
  • Physical maps on the area or offline maps
  • Always carry your ID, emergency contacts, and any other required personal information for emergencies
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Carry flashlights, tents, pillows, and insect repellents if your trip includes an overnight stay

Pack well, have fun, and stay safe!

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