5 Must-Haves When Hiking | SHL

Hiking will do a lot for your physical and mental health.

On the physical side, it helps lower your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Hiking can also improve your mental health simply by spending time outdoors.

A study by researchers at Stanford University found that being outdoors helps reduce stress and anxiety, and even lower the risk of depression.

It's not hard to see why it's easy to fall in love with day hiking, especially when you can go with friends or family and have a great time seeing the sights together.

If this is your first time hiking, be sure to bring some of the following items with you.

1. Hiking backpack

A hiking backpack is specially designed to be comfortable while you hike through hiking trails.

You should make sure you wrap it up with your essentials. The perfect size will depend on the length of your trip and the things you need to take with you.

If you're going on a longer, more difficult hike, consider bringing a larger bag. Since you're just starting out, a smaller backpack will work just fine.

If you're consistent, you'll be able to take longer hikes and know when to upgrade your backpack.

2. Clothing

When dressing for your hike, dress appropriately for weather conditions. On a hot, sunny day, wear moisture-wicking or quick-drying tops and bottoms.

If you prefer cargo-style hiking shorts, you want to be sure that they are comfortable and have plenty of freedom of movement. The minimalist belt for outdoor men is a favorite because it allows optimal freedom of movement while ensuring that your cargo shorts or trousers stay in place no matter how rough the path.

As weather conditions change often, you should also pack a light jacket. You may encounter some large puddles along the way that you cannot avoid. So be sure to bring some extra socks in case they get wet, as well as extra clothes to wear in case something unexpected happens, such as a baby shower. B. pouring rain or going for an unexpected swim in the lake at the end of the path. You never know what kind of adventure you will find in nature.

3. Snacks

Even if you are going on an easy hike, always have enough snacks with you. You will be surprised how many calories you burn on these trails. Snacks like energy bars, beef jerky, and trail mix are healthy snacks to enjoy.

If you want to have lunch during your hike, a sandwich is perfect as it is easy to wrap and will fill you up. You should also bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, especially on a warmer day.

4. First aid kit

You never know what you will encounter on a trail, so it is best to stay prepared. A first aid kit with the basics should be sufficient.

Whether you stumble upon yourself or get an allergic reaction to a plant or an insect bite along the way, you will want the right medicines and supplies to help you.

There are ready-made first aid kits specially designed for hiking. So always pack them in your backpack before you take off.

5. Protection

Other things to bring with you is sunscreen, whether the sun is shining or a cloudy day. The sun's UV rays are always there, so you should always protect your skin.

Insect repellent is another item that you might want to use to protect your skin. Sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes as well as a hat. If you plan to eat along the way, be sure to bring hand sanitizer or alcohol swabs.

This is a basic list for the beginner. As you get more involved with it, you will find that your walks get longer so you want to add more items to your list.

For now, enjoy this beginner phase and be proud of yourself that you are doing something new and healthy.

About the author:

Angie is a WAHM native of California who is now raising her 2 year old son in a town between the mountains of Utah. In her free time, she writes articles about her new role as a mother, wife and her flight to her home state, which you can find on her blog at http://lavidam.com/.