If you're going on a hike and want to know if you're prepared for it, then we have a list of items you'll need and tips that will prepare you mentally and physically.
Food to bring:
If you haven't done much hiking it's best to be conservative and overestimate the amount of food that will be needed. The day before the trip, you want to be able to go shopping and plan what you will take with you food wise. Sometimes, all you need is a handful of nuts or fruit and something to drink.
Hiking food that is already prepared or can be made in a single pot or bowl, with no mess to clean up when you get home makes the perfect hiking food. When you’re day hiking and pause for a rest, it’s all about munching on snacks that can be quickly consumed while relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
- Nut mix pack
- Energy bar
- Boiled egg will keep you full and light also give you lots of energy
Plan your Hiking:
- To know how long it will take you to hike a certain trail, use the Naismith Law which says that if you're fit, you can hike 5 km in one hour, and add one hour for every 600 meters of uphill hiking.
- Your hiking trip should end two hours before sunset.
- If you plan to end your hike two hours before the sun sets, then you'll be able to avoid many dangers associated with hiking in the dark or returning to your car.
- When planning a hike, avoid challenging yourself with a very steep or treacherous route right at the beginning.
- If you're hiking, don't eat or drink while moving.
- Plan to take a break to eat, drink, and take a breather. Don't rush yourself too much or your trip will not be as enjoyable as it could be.
- Always research the area you're entering. If you're hiking in an unfamiliar area, plan for the unexpected. Make sure that your trip will be safe and that you can get help if you need it.
Choose the right backpack:
Choosing the right backpack is crucial for most hikers as it will mean how comfortable you are while hiking, how much weight you can carry with ease and how durable is your backpack.
Choose a backpack by thinking about which type appeals to you most, and how it might affect your trip. There is no perfect style of backpack, each type has its own benefits that might better suit your specific needs.
Get fit for Trekking: If you're planning on trekking, it's important to be physically fit. A day before your trek goes for a run, do some pushups, and check your body's flexibility.
Know the Grade of your hiking: If you are going trekking its a good idea know what grade is the track.
Grade 1: This is a great hike for beginners and those with disabilities, and children of all ages and abilities, and it's great for those who want to make new friends.
Grade 2: If you're not looking for a challenging hike and you don't have any specialized equipment, this is a great trail for families with small children.
Grade 3: Hikes of 20km or less are recommended for hikers with previous hiker experience. Hikes under 20km often require significant amounts of rocky terrain and some natural steps.
Grade 4: Suitable for experienced hikers as navigation and technical skills will be required. Trails will be long, rough and very steep with limited signage or navigation aids. Rock scrambling and river crossings may be required. Hikes generally less than 25km.
Grade 5: Suitable for highly experienced self-reliant hikers with specialized skills, including map and compass navigation and emergency first aid. Trails will be unmarked, long, very rough, and very steep. Rock scrambling and river crossings may be required. Hikes generally greater than 25km.