Regardless of what hiking tour package or hiking tour destination you choose, there are several general and specific details that you should be aware of. Among these are the gears and equipments you must bring with you. Here we have a checklist of the items you can never leave behind:
Clothing and additional emergency clothes for temperature changes
The choice of clothing is largely dependent on the kind of hiking trail, the elevation and the strict guidelines a certain park provides. However it is always important to pack several tee shirts and pants with you, enough to get you through a single day hike or a week of vacation. If you are hiking on higher elevations that are known for snow and lower temperature, it is best to pack clothes that could protect you from extremely harsh temperatures.
First-aid kit and survival kit
You will never know what to expect in your hiking tour. Though you do not want the idea of accidents, it is best to be prepared. Thus, it is advisable that you have a complete set of first aid kit.
Flashlight, matches, hiking stoves and other lighting paraphernalia
Wherever you went, especially when you have plans of camping for a night, you will need a flashlight with extra batteries, a lighter or two and water-proof matches. Hiking stoves, on the other hand, might take some room in your bag but you will need to carry with you something you can easily cook food with.
GPS device or any tracking device, a detailed map of the trail and a compass
Any of these three are not only great additions to your backpack items but are good at keeping you directed. A detailed map of the hiking tour could be retrieved from the headquarters of the national parks and reservations or through websites. A compass must never be left-out; it has always been used by all sorts of travelers. But you will have the option to exchange this with a modern alternative, the GPS devices. These make use of satellite images fed into the devices to give you a more accurate and recent footage of the place.
Hiking staff
Some people dont like the idea of having a stick to walk around with but many find it a useful addition among their supplies during the hiking tour. Hiking staffs are more like an extra leg that will help with your leverage, balance and protection. It is also useful to test the grounds without having to expose your own legs towards the dangers. It would also help you set aside vegetations in case you are passing an unmainated trail.
Tent and sleeping bags
Hiking tours normally last for two days or more. Thus a camping tent is very indispensable since you will need a secured place to stay during the nights. Sleeping bags will also be good for short hiking tours, it might be less comfortable though.
Night vision, binoculars and ocular devices
You will need a good vision when hiking. Long distances are of course less detailed when seen through naked eyes. You would have to rely on ocular devices specially when hiking long distances.
Camping foods
Pre-packaged foods are better brought with you than fresh ones. These would provide you quick meals. The disadvantage though is that pre-packaged foods are not your gourmet type of meals.