If you are planning to go backpacking hiking you need to make sure that you have the right equipment. A lot of this backpacking hiking equipment will depend on where you are planning to go. Hiking backpacking equipment is important because if you are uncomfortable or do not have what you need a fun and enjoyable hike can become miserable very quickly.

What You Need To Have The Most Fun Backpacking Hiking

The first thing you need to enjoy backpacking hiking is a good pair of boots. When you set out on natural trails you will be traveling across rough terrain with roots and tocks. A sturdy set of boots will protect your feet from the hocks while supporting your ankles to keep them from turning. Usually a solid pair of boots will have good sturdy soles so that you can grip the terrain well and not slip and fall. Lightweight boots are available and provide all of the sturdiness and grip of a much heavier thicker boot in a lighter configuration. Boots are probably the most important piece of equipment when you are planning to go backpacking hiking.

Whenever you go out into the woods you need to bring along the 10 essentials and something to carry them in. A backpack with wide padded straps and a waist belt is the best way to carry these. In the 1930’s mountaineers outlined the following items as being essentials: map, compass, water and a way to purify it, extra food, rain gear and extra clothing, fire starter and matches, first aid kit, Swiss Army knife or multi-purpose tool, flashlight, sunglasses and sunscreen. Regardless of how short a hike you are going on you are going to want to make sure that you have these items. There is always a chance you can get lost, and if so you want to be prepared. These items will make sure of this.

Next up for your backpacking hiking trip is your clothing. It is important that you wear layers of clothing when you go out on the trail. By layering you clothing you can ensure that not only are you keeping yourself warm, but that you can also take off layers if you get hot. Make sure that your outer layer is not only waterproof and windproof but breathable as well. In addition a good pair of hiking pants is a good investment. I would not go on a backpacking hiking trip in shorts as many times branches and plants can tear up your legs. Socks are also important, so make sure you get a nice thick padded pair of socks.