4 Things to Take With You on Your Next Hike 

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4 Things to Take With You on Your Next Hike 

Hiking is one of the best forms of exercise for improving your fitness levels and burning calories. It provides the opportunity to go outside, spend more time in nature, and get fresh air and sunlight, all of which have been shown to support great mental health.   

If you plan to take long hikes, you must prepare yourself appropriately. You can stay safe, comfortable, and content during your hike with the right equipment.   

Here are some essentials to keep in your hiking bag. 

Water Bottle 

Staying hydrated is essential when you’re exercising. Your body loses water through sweat, and you’ll need to replace this lost water to prevent dehydration and its associated symptoms.  

Fill up your water bottle before each hike so you can take sips regularly during your walk. You’ll need to drink more water on hot and humid days when you’re sweating more than usual.   

Energy Bars 

Those of you who plan on taking day-long hikes will need to consider your energy levels. Hiking is a physically exerting and demanding form of exercise. If you’re hiking for several hours, it’s important to consume snacks at regular intervals to maintain your energy levels and prevent hypoglycemia.   

The ideal snacks for hiking are energy bars, as they’re small, lightweight, and packed full of energy. If you can find an energy bar with a high protein content, that’s even better!  

Dietary protein can support muscle growth during and after a tough hiking session. It also satiates you more than carbohydrates and fats, keeping you fuller for longer.  

A Knife 

You should only carry a knife in your hiking bag if it’s legal to do so in your area. If you are legally able to carry a knife, it’s a handy tool to have when you’re walking along forest trails or up mountains. 

Survival knives or bush craft knives are great choices, as they’re highly versatile and durable. You can use a bush craft knife for building fires, preparing food, building shelters, and self-defense. Make sure to cover the blade appropriately when carrying the knife in your hiking bag to prevent accidents and injuries. 

Sun and Rain Protection Items 

Even if the weather doesn’t appear particularly hot and sunny, your skin is still exposed to the potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Taking long hikes outside can increase your exposure to UV radiation, increasing the risk of skin damage and skin cancers. 

Consider wearing a hat during your hikes to cover your head and face from the sun and a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes. You should also use suncream on any areas of your skin that will be exposed to the sun while you’re outside. Ideally, choose factor 30 sun cream for maximum protection. 

On the other side of things, you’ll also need to stay protected in torrential downpours. If the weather looks suspicious of rain, pack a rain mac and an umbrella in your hiking bag. You can get foldable rain macs that take up minimal space in your bag and weigh just a few pounds.