If you are going hiking for the very first time in a new place, then you will know what an exciting experience this can be. You may feel as though you have so many destinations to explore and this is great, but staying safe should always be one of your first priorities. A little preparation can go a long way!
Carrying Gear
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It’s so important that you get used to carrying a loaded backpack when you are out walking. The size and the weight of it will really depend on the trip you are taking, and for this reason, it helps to ask your tour operator for some input. If you are taking some hiking boots with you then you need to try and wear them around the house as much as possible. This will help you to break them in and it will also help you to prevent blisters and rubbing. Hiking boots should always give you a degree of ankle support. It’s also a good idea for you to take a good amount of high-quality hiking socks. These are very different to normal socks because the synthetic material helps to wick away moisture, and this is far better when compared to cotton.
Clothing
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Your tour operator should really give you a list of specific clothing that you need to take with you. This will probably include some breathable clothing and some waterproof gear. When buying your clothing, you need to make sure that it gives you a good level of sun protection too. Pants that come with zip-off bottoms are fantastic here because they let you cool down at any stage and it will also really help you to make the most out of your journey.
Bag
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Your bag should always fit your body comfortably. It doesn’t matter whether you have a day pack or a fully-fledged rucksack, because you always need something that can hold your water bottle, snacks, jacket, sunscreen and more. This will really help you to be more comfortable and it will also help you to avoid zips that don’t close.
Emergency Gear
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Being conservative is always a good idea when you are out traveling. It does help to have some emergency snacks, binoculars, a knife, and even some bug repellent. It’s also a good idea for you to look into Air Evac International as well, as they can help you if you experience any difficulty. First-aid kits are also ideal because if you get a blister or you get an injury when you are out, then you need to be able to treat this properly and you also need to be able to make yourself as comfortable as possible as you make your way back to camp as well. If you want to take things to that next level, then always inform your friends and your family of the trip you are taking and the route as well. This is especially important if you are traveling alone, as they can then send help if you need it.
*This is a collaborative post
Oh to be young and have another chance to hike and climb. Nice to read about it though.