For the outdoor lover, hiking would have to be one of the best things you can do. Not only does lacing up the ol’ hiking boots make for a great way to connect with nature, but it does a decent job of clearing the mind and keeping you fit at the same time.
Although there’s plenty of BCFing Fun to be had on the trails, hiking does come with some risks, and if you’re not prepared, you could be walking your way right into the emergency ward. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or new to the trails, there’s a few essentials that every hiker needs to put in their pack to ensure the next adventure is a safe and enjoyable one.
Before you even set out, there’s plenty of things you should do at home to ensure you’re ready to go:
- Choose a trail that matches your fitness and experience level.
- Put some time into researching the trail, looking at weather, terrain, and if there’s a water source nearby.
- Ensure you know where you plan on sleeping the night and how long it will take to get there. This way you can allow enough time to arrive and set up camp before sundown (GPS maps will be your best bud).
- Although it can be great flying solo, be sure to tell someone else your plans.
- Pack the appropriate gear:
- Water – this one is probably the most obvious inclusion to the pack, but there’s no such thing as too much water. We recommend taking at least 3 litres with you per day, and this should increase with added distance, elevation, or heat.
- Food – the next you’ll want to bring with you is some form of snack food. We aren’t just talking lollies or chocolate bars here, it’s proper food that will keep you going in an emergency. Make sure to choose something that’s packed with protein, throw in some carbs and ensure it will sustain you – as you don’t know how long you could be out there for.
- First aid kit – here’s another no-brainer! If you love your hiking, a good first aid kit is something you shouldn’t leave home without. This should include a snake bite kit, which might save your life if one slithers a little too close.
- Maps or a GPS device – it’s very important to know exactly where you’re going and a map or GPS is perfect for ensuring you’re going in the right direction. When you’re deep in the bush it doesn’t take much to get lost. Make sure to have the trail downloaded on your phone, with a copy saved offline just in case. If you can get your hands on a paper copy, that is the best option.
- Power bank – For the tech lovers out there, a power bank is something you won’t want to go without. If you plan on using the mapping system in your phone, you’ll need a way to keep it full of juice – and this is your answer!
- Head torch – A head torch is the ultimate in hands-free lighting. If you do get caught out after dark (or even if it’s just for a late-night loo run), this is a lifesaver. If you get a rechargeable headtorch, you can also use your power bank to keep it charged.
- Lighter – It’s crucial to have fire in a survival situation, not only for light and cooking, but it also does a decent job of boosting morale too. If you don’t have a lighter, be sure to grab a backup set of matches.
- Rain jacket – Hopefully you’ve picked a bright sunny day to go on your hike, but unfortunately the weather doesn’t always play the game. When the wet stuff from above starts coming down on you, having a rain jacket that’ll keep you warm and dry is super beneficial.
- Puffer Jacket – Once you’ve got the wet stuff covered it’s time to think about those winter winds. A lightweight puffer jacket that packs down small and weighs next to nothing is going to be crucial, especially if you're stuck out in the bush longer than anticipated.
- Whistle – Not an absolute necessity but handy to have nonetheless. If you’re lost in the bush and have a search party out looking for you, they have next to no chance of finding you without some form of audio. Losing your voice from shouting for help is certainly not out of the question – and that’s where this little ripper steps in.
- PLB – Last but definitely not least is a Personal Locating Beacon. Carrying a PLB is an absolute necessity on any hike you set out on, and leaving home without one is simply irresponsible. If you’ve fallen over and broken a leg or a snake has decided to see what you taste like, this may well be the difference between making it home to your family or not.
Hiking safely isn’t about fearing the wild, it’s about respecting it! With the right gear and a solid game plan, you’ll have no dramas out there. No matter where you’re headed, we hope you stay safe and have plenty of BCFing fun!