HIKING ESSENTIALS
Half of the fun of camping is getting to go out and explore nature, oftentimes far away from home. Hiking can be a great way to get in touch with the world around you, but it can also be a little dangerous depending on the area you’re staying in. If you’re new to hiking and aren’t sure where to start, Lost Campers has you covered. We’ve put together a simple list of items to keep on you while you go Get Lost in nature.
First things first, you’ll want to look up the hiking trails you’re going on beforehand so you know what you’re getting into. There are a lot of useful websites to help you plan ahead so you know what to pack for your trip. A 3 mile round trip hike is going to be different from a 5 mile round trip hike, and things like inclines or exposure to sunlight can drastically change what you’ll want to bring along. This list is intended to be your starting point for packing!
- A backpack. You’ll want to get one big enough to carry all of your supplies. There are plenty of places to purchase hiking backpacks.
- Water. Consider the time of day and local environment. Is it sunny? How’s the humidity? Are you going to encounter steep inclines? Pack your water accordingly – one or two bottles of water probably won’t cut it.
- Snacks or extra food. Depending on where you’re going, you may want to pack an extra day’s worth of rations. If it’s a simple hike, a few snacks should suffice.
- Sunglasses/Hat/Sunscreen. We’re putting these together in one category as your ‘sun protection’ group. ; ) Even if you’re hiking in a forested area, if you’re at a high elevation you should still plan to encounter sunshine. Higher elevations make it easier to get burned.
- Insect repellant. This depends on the time of year, but it’s never a bad idea to keep a small bottle on hand.
- A map/compass. You should never, ever stray off of a hiking trail, but if you have to for whatever reason it’s always good to have a way to help navigate in case you get lost.
- First-aid kit. It’s always a good idea to keep one on hand when you’re in a remote area. They can really help in a pinch!
This list is primarily just the basics, it’s a good place to start when you’re planning on truly getting out into the world away from other people. There are a lot of other resources out there to check out as well! We recommend taking a look at R.E.I.’s expert advice post on the same subject if you’re planning on doing more in-depth hikes.
We hope this list has been helpful! A Lost Campers’ campervan makes an excellent vehicle both for getting to where you want to go, and having a place to lay your head down at night. Our comfortable beds will ease away any aches from long days hiking, leaving you refreshed for a new day of adventure. Be sure to get your quote today, our vans book out fast!