What To Take Hiking

Are you an avid hiker? Or are you new to the outdoors? It was only in 2011 I really was introduced to hiking the outdoors. As a beginner, I wasn’t always prepared for a hike. I didn’t have the right shoes, outfit, hiking essentials, and the works.

But in order to prepare I would Google “what to take hiking” and now after hiking for many years I want to share what you should make sure you have when you hike, no matter how long or small your hikes are. It’s better to be over prepared than unprepared. Here are the items I always take on a local hike such as Blackstar, Peter’s Canyon, or Santiago Canyon Hikes.

1. Hydration Pack- I recently bought a cool pressurized hydration pack called Geigerrig .
2. Granola Bars and Nuts with salt- I’m a fan of Nature Valley Granola Bars, Pro Bars, and Simple Truth Extreme Peanut Butter Protein Bar.
3. Flashlight
4. Batteries
5. Navigation- Garmin
6. Map
7. Tissue
8. Chapstick- I always use mt Burts Bee’s
9. Rope
10. Pocket Knife
11. Binoculars
12. First Aid Kit- I take the mini kits with band aid, Neosporin, and tweezers.
13. Hat- I bought a purple hat from Columbia
14. Hiking boots- I take the Bear Claw boots since it has good ankle support and also I wear the Champions walking shows from Target.
15. Glasses- Be sure to always bring polarized sunglasses!

For a more intense hike like a National Park, check out the list below:
1. Hydration Pack plus water filter straw
2. Granola Bars and Nuts with salt
3. Flashlight
4. Batteries
5. Navigation
6. Map
7. Tissue
8. Chapstick
9. Rope
10. Pocket Knife
11. Binoculars
12. First Aid Kit
13. Hat
14. Hiking boots-I love the Bear Claw brand and Columbia.
15. Gloves
16. Deet Bug Spray

What items do you take with you when you’re hiking? Let me know of other items you take that I might have forgotten on my list.