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Eight Essentials to bring on a hiking trip It does not matter if you are planning to stay on the mountain over night or even if you are planning to come back down in a couple of hours; realizing that you have forgot to bring something up there can put you in much trouble. Hence, it is best if you g o up there prepared and with all the necessary supplies. Hence, following are eight essentials to carry when you are going for a hiking trip:
1. Hydration Do you ever remember going on a picnic and realizing that you have forgot to bring sufficient water with yourself? Consider the same condition when you are two or three hours through the hike. You will be dehydrated like anything and you would not have much choice other than coming back down and then planning the hike on another day. Hence, unless you have a water source (e.g. springs of water) up there, it is best to carry sufficient water.
2. Nutrition Hiking sucks out a lot of energy from your body. You will burn calories like anything. In addition, if the sun is up, consider yourself in for a very stressful cardio routine. Hence, pack nourishing food i.e. granola bars, energy packed fruit (bananas), dried fruit, etc. Have a vitamin pill before you start the trip.
3. First Aid It is very easy to get injured on a hike. Scratching your knees and elbows is going to be very common; however, you can even suffer other minor injuries. Take antiseptic tape, bandages, painkillers and aspirin, etc.
4. Sunscreen The higher the altitude, greater will be the intensity of the sunlight. Moreover, having to travel over hours in sunlight will give you some nasty sunburn. Unless you are travelling in the night, apply good sunscreen.
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5. Insulation Dress according to the weather. Protect yourself from warmth, cold, rain or whatever you might think nature has to offer. Note: Check the weather forecast before starting your trip. That should give you a good heads-up.
6. Illumination It will get dark on the mountains. Carry a flashlight as you can never be sure if you will be able to come back by sundown. Even if you are sure, carry one anyways, you might just want to go in a cave or two on the way to relax.
7. Pocket-knife A pocketknife, preferably a swiss-knife will be an amazing tool to cut bandages or repair other gear. You never know when you might need a tool or two.
8. Backpack You never want to carry all these supplies on hand. You will need your hands to carry yourself and support you for a dip or a pull up. You never know when you might need to hold a rock for support. Hence, it is best if you keep your supplies in a backpack and keep your hands free.
Related Article: http://www.researchomatic.com/New-Research/Mountains-106230.html
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