Expectations versus reality!
You expect trekking to be a fun and beautiful experience.
Reality? Like most activities, you need to have a suitable preparation. Without one – you or your family could get involved in a potentially risky outing.
Cheer up! All you need to know is to find the middle ground between having a bulky backpack and unpreparedness.
First, you have to determine the following:
- Will it be an easy walk that will take a few hours?
- Or will it be a demanding trek that can take days to complete?
- Is the weather predicted to have intermittent showers?
Generally, if you will be covering a great distance then you need to pack extra.
Things to Bring for a Safe and Fun Trek
Here are the things you should prepare to make your trek safer and enjoyable:
A GOOD-SIZED BACKPACK
A backpack can make or break your trekking.
After you have chosen a lightweight pack – lay all you need in front of you.
You only need to take the things that are essential for the trip. Pack and repack until you will reach satisfaction with the bulk.
GO FOR WATER SHOES
You can’t go wrong with water shoes. They are essential footwear for every outdoor enthusiast. If you are in good shape and don’t have a past history of pesky injuries then water shoes are right for you. They have increased traction. You will also notice that it drains away moisture that gathers inside the shoe.
Unless you expect winter conditions, then these types of shoes fit your needs the best!
A WATER BOTTLE
Always carry enough amount of water. Yes, about one liter is heavy.
You can always replenish, right?
But there will be times when the filter installed from the water source has not been well-maintained. You could get bacteria and other unwanted organisms!
That is why you need to bring at least one bottle that will allow you to filter water from a source and make it safe to drink.
Choose a hard container from a water bottles manufacturer that has a wide-mouth. You can easily refill it and it is most durable.
TREKKING POLES
Trekking poles are advantageous to trekkers because it gives you stability and balance.
Imagine yourself taking on a series of slippery rocks without trekking poles. That is surely something you don’t want to do.
If you have a heavier daypack on, trekking poles can help you get the strain of the weight off your knees. They also help in improving blood circulation. Every time you use them your hands and your heart are of the same level.
They are quite multi-purpose. You can use a trekking pole to brush off any bushes out of your way. Similarly, you can test the depth of a body of water by using a trekking pole.
A GPS, A COMPASS, AND A MAP
Which is better in navigating the wilderness? A GPS or compass?
So what are the benefits of each tool?
First, GPS.
The GPS is a user-friendly hand-held device. A device meant for U.S. military usage. It will not only tell you the direction you are going but it will also plot out the route for you.
Second, the compass.
Yes, GPS comes in handy. But the compass only relies on the earth’s magnetism. You can use them anywhere. Sometimes, with technology things that might go wrong. That is why you don’t bring a compass only. You must also bring a map.
Before you set yourself on your trail. Be sure to understand and practice how to figure out the direction you need to go.
The bottom line here is that you should know how to use a compass and map especially in the event of an emergency.
GPS is an awesome gadget which can provide a lot of vital information. But you need to have a strong signal for it to work accurately. Plus, there are times when the displays on the screen are too small to give you a good sense of where you actually are.
How about just bringing them both?
Be sure you have what you need before enjoying the weather and hitting the trails. Importantly, before you leave, let someone know where you are going and when you’re planning to return. Leave your itinerary to a trusted friend or relative, so if anything goes haywire, they will know how to find you or where to contact you. Make sure you have your emergency contact information in your bag or wallet, too.
That’s it! Hope this article has helped you a lot. Try following these tips before embarking on your trekking adventure to minimize risk and maximize fun.
Got more ideas to keep yourself safe during a trek? Share them in the comments below!
