Bigfoot's Friend

Hiking in the great outdoors and having the chance to see all of the beautiful National Parks that we have at our disposal can create some of the most incredible, memorable experiences of a lifetime. When you decide to go, make sure you are well-packed and prepared with everything you need in order to have the great outdoor adventure that you planned for! Here are the top 5 things to take with you on your next hike!

The number one most important thing to bring with you on a hike is water. I highly suggest investing in some good water containers such as Hydro Flask’s that will keep your beverage hot or cold for 12+ hours, or a Water Buffalo hydration pack that you wear like a backpack and it has a nifty water hose so you have constant access to hydration! You can also use chlorine dioxide pills, or a water filter if you want to rely on the earth for hydration! It can get difficult packing a sufficient amount of water up a hill, so I suggest as a great rule to follow: when you’re halfway out of water, it’s time to turn around. The last thing you want is to get halfway back from your hike and run out of water. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous for your health on hot days or long hikes.

No matter where you’re headed out into the wilderness, there will always be a risk factor for extreme weather. Make sure to dress according to the local weather reports and the general climate in the area. For some areas, that means light clothing, head cover, shade, and any way to keep yourself cool. For other areas, it means long, thick pants, a raincoat, and an option for cover/shelter in case a storm rolls through. Either way, dressing appropriately and bringing emergency weather preparations is a must. Don’t forget the hiking boots, no matter where you go! Having boots with ample ankle support and a thick tread will help make sure you don’t come out of the mountains with any serious injuries. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Bring snacks! Trail mix, granola bars, fruits, crackers, sandwiches, chips, jerky, anything light that you can bring, do it. Humans rely on sustenance to be able to exert energy, which means somewhere along your hike you’re bound to get a little hungry. Bringing something to eat is essential, especially on long hikes. When you start feeling hungry, definitely take the time to stop and eat, it will help boost your energy levels and mood and make for an all around better experience, for you and for your hiking partners!

Let me say it twice, BRING BUG SPRAY! The wilderness is filled with so many beautiful, breathtaking things and beings, however it’s also filled with all of the big, small, beautiful, annoying, and sometimes dangerous bugs that inhabit the areas. Having a good insect repellent in your bag can change your entire hiking experience. While you still should be careful and aware of any insects that do land on or bite you, having bug spray handy will greatly reduce the chances of you having to deal with mosquito’s and flies which are annoying, but also ticks and spiders which can be really dangerous. Don’t forget to check yourself for ticks when you get home!

One of the most sought after, but also highly avoided experiences in the wild is encountering the wildlife that inhabits the wilderness. While seeing animals like deer, fox, birds, chipmunks, and lizards are all part of why we go outside in the first place, you always need to watch out for the bigger and more dangerous animals. Bears, moose, wolves, bison, scorpions, and snakes are all very active in the wilderness so you must be prepared in case you happen to cross paths. The best way to keep yourself safe if you encounter wildlife of any kind, is to keep a significant distance from the animal and do not approach the area it is in. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple, so if you ever land in a situation where you can’t avoid the interaction, you’ll be thanking yourself for remembering to bring some form of self protection. If you’re the type of person to own and operate a firearm, this is absolutely going to be your best form of protection, especially against large aggressive animals. If you’re not a firearm owning individual, then the most effective way to protect yourself in the wilderness without a firearm, is definitely bear spray. It’s light to carry, and whether you need to get away from an animal or a human, it’s a great way to give yourself time to retreat to safety before they gather their senses.