Though not many know this, camping and hiking are among the most popular outdoor activities in the US. In 2020 alone, nearly 50 million people participated in camping. At the same time, the number of participants in hiking during the same year was 57.81 million.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of hiking and camping fans are students. Young people find such activities to be a perfect kind of getaway, a chance to strengthen their friendship bonds, and a great way to distract from their academic matters and unwind.
If you are also a student interested in trying hiking or camping, the first thing you should do is find a reliable assistant who can take care of your assignments while you are setting off on your next adventure. Luckily, you can always use the chance to pay for essay by EssayService and get all your academic matters covered by real pros. But, what’s next?
After you ensure that all your homework is in the right hands, the next thing to do is to pack the essentials. In a nutshell, the “essentials” is a term used to describe a kit of things that are vital for your survival during such outdoor activities as hiking or camping. The original list of the Ten Essentials was introduced in the 1930s by an organization of outdoor adventurers. This list has evolved through time, and now, we are going to tell you what these ten essentials are in the 21st century.
- Navigation
- First Aid
- Shelter
- Extra Clothes
- Extra Water
- Extra Food
- Headlamp
- Knife
- Sun Protection
- Fire
Let’s look at each of these essentials in detail!
Navigation
The first essential that every camper or hiker needs is some sort of navigation to ensure that you’ll never get lost. In the original list assembled in the 1930s, there was a map for this purpose. But, now, you have more options.
These days, people who go for an outdoor adventure can grab any of the following for the purpose of navigation:
- GPS device;
- Compass;
- Personal locator beacon;
- Altimeter watch;
- Map.
All these items can make your getaway much safer and less stressful. But, be sure you learn to use them right before you set off.
First Aid
Anything can happen when you go on a trip outdoors. So, another essential you should pack is a first aid kit.
The kit should be packed based on every hiker’s/camper’s individual needs, as well as on the duration of the stay. Typically, it should include adhesive tape, bandages, disinfecting medications, painkillers, and other basics. Also, be sure to grab some instructions for the use of drugs that you have in your kit. This way, you will ensure that you use all medications right. This way, you will ensure that you use all medications right. It is also essential to get trained in first aid and CPR Training Brampton to learn life-saving skills that can help you respond effectively in emergency situations.
Shelter
An emergency shelter is another basic item you should always have in your backpack when going camping or hiking. The options include an emergency space blanket, a bivy sack, and similar. Such items are used to protect you from rain and wind in case you have to stay in one spot for a long time.
Extra Clothes
Needless to say, when going for an outdoor adventure, you can face a variety of different weather conditions. Depending on your destination and the climate typical for it, when you are out there, it can get cold, hot, windy, wet, or even snowy. And you must be prepared for any scenario. This brings us to the next essential that has to be packed in every hiker’s or camper’s backpack – extra clothes for unplanned situations.
The items you want to pack will depend on the season and location you pick for your activities. Be sure to study what weather conditions are typical for that area and grab some clothing to be prepared for it. Typically, some extra items you will need can include:
- Gloves;
- Extra socks;
- Base layer;
- Vest or jacket,
- Hat;
- Sun protection clothes, etc.
Extra Water
Everyone knows that staying hydrated is extremely important for one’s health and overall well-being. And, it is especially important when you are out in the wild and wasting lots of energy. So, the next one of the ten essentials for hiking and camping is bringing along some extra water.
Apart from grabbing extra bottles of water, it is also good to have something for treating water. For example, it is wise to grab a water purifier or a stove for melting snow for the scenario if you run out of water too soon.
Extra Food
Obviously, when you are going on such an active adventure as hiking or camping, you will need to have some food with you. Typically, the amount of food you take with you will depend on the number of people that will be there and the duration of your stay. But, it is never a bad idea to grab some extra food too.
Opt for options that don’t take much space, have a long shelf life, and don’t require time to cook. For example, you can pack various snacks, such as dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, etc. The extra food you pack will come in handy in case your trip lasts longer than expected. So, don’t forget about this essential.
Headlamp
If your trip is going to be longer than a few hours, bringing along a headlamp is a must. In fact, even if you plan it to be short, it still won’t hurt to have this item in case something goes wrong.
A good headlamp can come in handy in a variety of situations. Most importantly, it will help you light up your way in the dark time of the day and, at the same time, it will keep your hands free, so you will be able to use it while performing different tasks, such as setting up a tent or cooking meals.
Also, besides a headlamp, be sure to back extra batteries. It never feels good to have your headlamp die in the most unexpected moment.
Knife
There are plenty of ways to use a knife when you are outdoors. It might be needed for providing first aid, cooking meals, repairing your gear, and many other purposes. Thus, it is always good to pack a knife before going on your trip.
A simple knife may work just fine. However, an even better option to have with you is a multitool that includes not only a knife but also other tools like scissors, can openers, etc. When you get out there, you can be surprised by how often you will need to use these tools during your hiking or camping getaway.
Sun Protection
When staying outdoors for a long time, regardless of the season, you will definitely need something to protect your skin from long exposure to the sun. Therefore, packing some sun protection items is also essential.
The basics you must have in your backpack include a pair of sunglasses and some good sunscreen. And, as was mentioned earlier, you may also grab some special clothing to protect your head and skin from UV rays.
Fire
When camping or hiking, you might need a fire to get warm at night or cook your meals. Thus, the last of the ten essentials that you should always carry along is some source of the fire. It can be a box of matches, a lighter, as well as other items for starting and maintaining a fire.
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