What to Pack for a Hiking Tour
A hiking tour can give you opportunities to detox from your digital life, connect with nature, see beautiful places, and get plenty of exercise. There are hiking tours for beginners and experienced hikers alike, so you’re sure to find something that suits your needs. However, some attendees may not be sure what to pack.
If you go to an outdoor store, you will find a bevy of gadgets and gear. But how much of it do you really need? The answer depends on the trip you’re taking and how much you can carry. However, below are some of the basics you’ll need for many hiking tours.
Basic Hiking and Camping Gear
A great backpack is an important investment to make before you make your trek. Make sure it fits your body and can fit all the gear you need on your trip. A regular backpack that you might use for school is typically not enough for this sort of trip. Hiking backpacks often have straps that go around the waist for extra support, as well as compartments specially made for hiking gear.
Check the expected weather before you pack for your hiking tour, and be sure to pack comfortable clothing that is appropriate for that weather. Dressing in layers can give you the flexibility to take something off if you get too hot and bundle up when the sun goes down. Make sure you pack hiking boots and plenty of socks for your trip as well. If you’re buying hiking boots for the first time, we highly recommend breaking them in before your trip.
Other basic gear you may need includes:
- Trekking poles/hiking stick
- Canteen
- Hygiene products
- Compass
Food and Storage Containers
Many guided hiking tours come with trail meals included in the price. However, the cost generally does not include off-trail meals or trail meals for people with specific dietary needs. As such, attendees need to bring meals to cover those situations. You may also want to bring other snacks and meals if you have something you really like for hiking.
If you’re bringing any food on a hiking tour, be sure to pack it correctly. Many sites require hikers to pack food in animal-resistant containers. Even if this is not a requirement, you should consider bringing such containers for the safety of you, your trail mates, and the animals.
Sleeping Accommodations
There are many ways to sleep outside on a hiking tour. The most important things to consider are how much it will weigh you down on the hike and whether the gear is weather-appropriate. For example, if it may rain on your trip, pack a lightweight tent that can provide shelter. Consider tents that are easy to set up and break down.
If skies look clear for your trip, you may consider bringing just a sleeping bag and enough blankets to keep you warm. Even during summer months, sleeping outside can be chilly, so be sure to look at the average temperatures at night and pack accordingly. Some hikers prefer to sleep in hammocks, which can come with rain flies as well. Whatever you choose, make sure you can carry it in your backpack with relative ease.
Safety and Emergency Gear
Although hiking tour guides are experienced and make safety their top priority, problems can arise. Attendees can get separated from the group, for example. While it’s impossible to prepare for every possibility, a few pieces of safety equipment can help. Consider bringing:
- Basic first aid supplies
- A water purification system
- A fire starter
- A knife and rope
Hiking tours offer attendees amazing opportunities for connecting with nature and seeing amazing sights. When you pack well, you can be sure to enjoy your hike and the beauty that surrounds you. Check out available hiking tours on My Tripwell today.
