What to take on a hike?

When hiking, it's always important to have the right equipment. This affects how successful your hike might be and how comfortable you feel while hiking. Of course, equipment can sometimes vary among hikers depending on the individual, their preferences, and hiking habits, but there are some definite things every hiker should keep in mind regarding gear. Below, young hiking enthusiast Valter has compiled a list of equipment that would definitely be good to bring on a hike. 

Clothing  

Long trousers – wear them even in summer, they protect against ticks  

Dress in layers – if it's hot, you take one layer off, and if it gets cold, you put it back on.  

Rain poncho – should cover your bag as well as yourself, so that your belongings don't get wet  

Comfortable waterproof hiking boots – test the boots before hiking to prevent blisters from friction.  

Headwear – wear a baseball cap under your warm hat; if it starts to rain, you'll want to keep your face dry, and you'll generally feel drier.  

Other  

Backpack – could have a back support to make it more comfortable and reduce strain on the back  

Water bottle 0.5 l – stay hydrated, feel more energetic  

Charged phone – you never know what might happen during a hike, keep it with you just in case.  

Personal first aid and hygiene – definitely bring antiseptic spray and clean bandages. It is also advisable to bring various plasters. Also, be sure to bring mosquito and tick repellent. 

Eating utensils with handles (light and durable, e.g., plastic) – a handle is attached so it can be held like a mug. Usually, one cannot eat at a table, and hot food makes the utensil hot, which is uncomfortable to hold.  

A kettle would be a very good option; you can boil water in it, and it has a handle. 

Headlamp or flashlight – a headlamp is the best choice. It always gets dark at night, and you will need light to operate. 

Magamiskott – isegi kui on suvi, ära võta nõrgemat magamiskotti, mis on mõeldud 5< kraadideks, öösel on mul alati sellistega külm.  

Mattress – light and thin, easy to carry. If you want a softer mattress, just put branches and leaves under it. 

Waterproof bag – keep your fire-starting materials and things that must not get wet here. For example, a zip-lock plastic bag is a good option. 

Mattress pump – for when you're making a fire and want to blow oxygen into it to make it grow faster. It is light and small, and can be hung on a bag.  

The article was written by young Valter Puija 

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