Ah, the great outdoors. A refreshing place for people who spend most of their time in the urban jungles. It’s a great way to de-stress and remove all the clutter from one’s endeavors. The sound of the wind rustling through the shrubs, the crickets chirping, and the frogs croaking all beat the sound of cars honking and the everyday bustle of the city.

People often do this to release all the stress they have from working in the major metropolis. These cities become filled with smog, and the noise is sometimes unbearable. When going out to hike, people leave all of these problems behind. Of course, for them to have a real good time, individuals or hikers, bring out the best outdoor gear.

When packing, the main principle to remember is OBITE which stands for “Only Bring In The Essentials”. Just a few gadgets and pieces of clothing are enough for a fun, safe, and enjoyable walk. Here is the list of those essentials along with a brief description of them.

Footwear

Before picking out something to wear, here are some essential questions when choosing your footwear.

  • Is it raining or wet where I am going?
  • What is the condition of the terrain?
  • Can any existing ankle injuries hamper my hike?

Boots provide a lot of support and comfort to the hiker. Traditional sneakers, sandals, or slippers won’t cut it when it comes to traversing long trails and uneven terrain. Having made an assessment out of the three questions mentioned above, choose a boot that will be of great help to you when you go out on a trail.

Clothing

When planning a trail, clothes doesn’t have to be brand new. When choosing clothes for hiking, the rule of thumb is always to avoid cotton. Cotton is a poor insulator. When it gets wet, it only contributes to the risk of hypothermia. People should choose synthetic or wool type clothing and know the basics of layering.

  • Base Layer: For warm and humid trails, people should wear synthetics and wool. For cold weather, always remember to wear thermal underwear to keep heat from dissipating all over.
  • Insulating Layer: Jackets and coats are good insulating layers. They are excellent insulators when cold weather hits. For those in warm and tropical hikes, it's always a good option to strip down jackets to prevent overheating. Just remember to wear long sleeves so as to avoid any mosquito or insect bites.
  • Waterproofing/Windproofing Layers: Clothes used in these layers are rain jackets, hiking pants, and tear resistant clothing. These are all essential items to keep people warm or cold, depending on the area they intend to walk.
  • Socks don’t have to be too tight. However, they must be very secure to prevent water from pooling in the boots. Too much water can damage the soles of the foot, placing the owner in much more severe trouble.

Rucksack

A Backpack is the most important component when going out on a trip. These bags are where the hiker puts all of his or her equipment. Without it, trips would get canceled. As mentioned above, a hiker doesn’t have to pack every piece of equipment available. Only the essential items should be brought along. Here is a list of those things.

  • Maps
  • Compass
  • Water
  • Water purifying tablets
  • Food
  • Knife
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Matches
  • Extra clothing

In situational settings, some seasons may require hikers to pack extra stuff for safety. For example, hikers should always bring an orange vest during hunting season to prevent any untoward accidents with hunters.

Another example is that when rainy seasons become too much, floods and other disasters may happen. Because of this, a whistle can be an excellent tool to help rescuers find you. Also, extra pairs of socks, duct tape, insect repellants, and mirrors are survival items to keep in handy. You never know when you are going to need them!

Takeaway

A great hike outdoors is what most people need to get away from the pollution and noise of a city. Walks provide a way for them to de-stress, exercise, and experience nature first hand. To do this task safely and correctly, people should always remember to pack the right things.

The right gear should also become a priority. The best trails or hikes can be a pleasant experience without having to spend a fortune.