The Essentials Every Hiker Needs

If you are planning to hike, even if it is only for a day, it is a good habit to pack all the essentials. It’s true you might use only a few of them or none at all during a routine trip. But, if something goes wrong, you’ll really appreciate having them with you. Let’s take a look at all the things you should carry with you when going on a hike.

Food and Water

If your trip is going to belong, you should pack food for at least one extra day. If you’re figuring out how much water you’ll need to carry, consider that most people need about half a litre of water per hour while performing moderately strenuous activities. You should pack items that do not need to be cooked or that have a long shelf life like bars, and nuts.

First Aid Kit

It is extremely important to carry a first-aid kit and know how to use its contents. Buying pre-assembled first-aid kits saves you the time and hassle of assembling them yourself, but many people like to customize them to meet their particular needs. There should be treatments for blisters, bandages of various sizes, tape, disinfectants, pain medications, and pens and papers in any kit.

Navigation Devices

In order to navigate the backcountry these days, you will need a compass, a map, or a GPS device and a personal locator beacon. Even if you are going on a really short hike in a familiar area these are some of the navigation equipment you should always have with you.

Fire and Firestarter

The supplies you need to start and maintain a fire during an emergency need to be readily available to you. Most people use a disposable butane lighter for this purpose, but matches can also be used if they are waterproof or stored in an airtight container. In wet conditions, firestarters are crucial to jump-start a fire. Firestarters should ignite quickly and sustain heat for more than a few seconds.

Light Source

Having a light source with you during the night is essential to finding your way through the wilderness. Travellers prefer to use a headlamp because it keeps their hands free so they can cook dinner or hold trekking poles. Make sure you keep spare batteries on hand or charge your light source prior to your hike.

Sun Protection

You should always take sunglasses, sunscreen and sun-protective clothing with you. In the short term, it can cause sunburn and/or snow blindness and in the long run, premature skin ageing, skin cancer, and cataracts. Make sure to pack up some lotions with SPF, hats and long-sleeved clothes in your backpack even if you are hiking during a cloudy or rainy day.

Blade

Knives are important for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, kindling, and other emergency needs. Multitools and knives with multiple functions have things like a can opener, a flathead screwdriver, and/or scissors that fold up. More options in your knife or tool are necessary if your needs are complex.

Shelter for Emergencies

If you become stranded along the trail or become injured, carry an emergency shelter to keep you dry and protected from wind and rain. An ultralight tarp, an emergency space blanket, a large plastic bag or a bivy sack are all possible options. Tents are only an efficient emergency shelter if they’re always carried.

Hiking vs Trekking: What’s the Difference?

Are you planning to start hiking, but you see people mentioning trekking? These two might sound similar, but there are a couple of crucial differences to consider. While both activities are walking in the wilderness, some core differences make hiking more beginner-friendly. Let’s dive into more details and pay closer attention to distinctions.

Hiking

Hiking is a leisurely activity that often follows a path. In most cases, the trail is man-made and easy to follow. That automatically means that you don’t have to get professional equipment. You can use your everyday clothes and shoes for short trails in summertime.

However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t need any equipment at all. There are hiking trails that’ll require specific shoewear for better stability and ankle injury prevention. That specifically applies to winter months when the terrain is slippery.

Additionally, hiking is, in the majority of cases, a single-day activity. There are times when people attend multi-day hiking adventures, but they usually take a couple of hours. If you’re planning a multi-day hike, you’ll need to plan your food supplies and clothing for several days. While it will be a relaxing activity, you should prepare better as it takes more time.

Hiking is more of a relaxing walk in nature, and paths usually take you through beautiful scenery that put a smile on your face. It’s a great starting point for anyone who enjoys exploring nature, but as you make progress and visit all the more accessible trails, you’ll slowly step into the trekking territory.

Trekking

Trekking is a more challenging walk in nature. After spending some time hiking with your friends, you can move on to trekking if you have enough equipment. Trekking adventures usually last for multiple days and don’t follow a man-made path. There’s much more liberty with trekking as the participants get to go off the beaten path and explore untouched nature.

During the multi-day journey, trekking adventurers change their bases. Their route takes them to a particular destination, and they take rest in different places. Hikers return to the base or go back home once they finish the hike. That’s a big difference, especially when you consider that some trekking journeys offer no accommodation. In those cases, the participants build a camp where they spend the night.

Therefore, you’ll need plenty of equipment to go through the whole journey without any hiccups.

Overall, trekking can be much more physically demanding. It’s not just about the movement speed but the sheer length of a trek and its environment. An excellent example of how demanding a trek can be is the Nort Pole one that takes over 40 days to complete.

Therefore, starting with hiking is the perfect introduction to trekking.

Which One is Right for You?

As you can tell, the differences come down to the length of the journey, its difficulty and equipment requirements. If you’re thinking about which way to go, hiking is a better option that’ll ease you in the trekking world. After exploring various hiking trails for a couple of months, or even a year, you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect on your first trek.

The difficulty doesn’t stop with trekking. As you start exploring more challenging terrains, you can always move to mountaineering—the most demanding type of nature exploration.

Smart Gadgets for Hikers and Campers

In this day and age, there’s an extensive selection of valuable products for any hobby that you can imagine. Hiking and camping are not an exception. In fact, given the range of activities it offers, you can find plenty of smart gadgets that are extremely useful in the wild.

Here’s a list of a couple of gadgets that will help you have an enjoyable, safe, and fun adventure on your hike.

Backpack With LED Lights

A good thing about LED lights is that they spend low energy. Plus, their flexibility makes it easier to implement them in all sorts of products. One of them is a LED-lit backpack. It’s the perfect addition to the equipment you’re already using. Whether you’re planning to hike during the night or not, you always have lights with you.

If you get carried away on your walk throughout the wilderness, you can always turn on your soft backpack lights and light the way for you and your friends.

Aside from hiking, this product is also helpful for camping as a light source. Don’t forget to pack several batteries so you can recharge lights if necessary.

Smart Water Bottle

Every hiking adventure is exciting, and you can easily get carried away and forget to drink water. That can quickly lead to more tiredness as your body gets dehydrated. However, you can find smart water bottles in the market that are connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It measures your water consumption throughout the day and reminds you to drink it.

You can count on your little partner to remind you to drink water as you have fun on your adventures.

A USB Speaker

Are you looking for a way to bring more joy on your hiking trip? Get a USB speaker for more fun. You’ll find plenty of them specifically designed for hiking conditions. Look for those who are splash-proof, shock resistant, and have plenty of battery life. You’ll have more fun while you’re walking through beautiful landscapes with memorable scenery. If you’re camping with friends, a USB speaker is a must-have. It will create a relaxed atmosphere no matter where you are.

GPS Tracker

Hiking is fun, but always remember to be cautious. To remain visible to your family and friends back at home, but to those with you, get a couple of GPS trackers. All you have to do is spread them out among friends and keep them in the backpack. If you’re going by car, place one in it. With these at hand, it’s practically impossible to get lost.

Even if you split up with your friends, you can easily track them down and continue the adventure.

Portable Burning CampStove

Are you all out of batteries? No worries, this gadget is the perfect thing to keep all your devices powered up. The BioLite’s CampStove uses fire not only to help you cook or boil water but to charge your battery. The device comes with a removable battery that you can charge.

Whenever you need to top up your phone, you can count on this little gadget. Given that it weighs 2 lbs, it’s more suitable for camping than hiking.

However, if you have a big team, one of the friends can carry it while others carry other supplies.

Best Hiking Trails in Britain

The greats of history have long championed the benefits of walking, and walking might just be the best way to discover Britain. Many of the country’s finest attractions are best discovered by hiking, which makes the UK a treasure trove of natural beauty and history. 

The weather in the country might not always seem ideal, but walking to an incredible view amidst the wind never fails to amaze tourists. Plan accordingly, and you’ll enjoy an incredible experience regardless of the weather.

It is hard to find a bad hiking route in the UK, but there is something about this collection that is so inviting. Could these be the best hikes in the UK? Possibly. Let’s find out more about them!

West Highland Way

Discover one of the many Scottish mega-landscapes between Glasgow and Fort William. In addition to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, the West Highland Way leads through lowlands covered with heather and glassy lochs, as well as steep mountain trails. It’s certainly not easy to complete the entire route; however, if you’re not fazed, you finish right at the foot of Ben Nevis.

Coast to Coast Walk

Long-distance hikers can follow this route from the Irish Sea at St Bee’s in Cumbria through the North Sea as it rolls into Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire. It’s not one of the UK’s official trails, but it’s a popular one. It follows footpaths in three National Parks: the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors. Originally published in the 1970s, it was created by writer Alfred Wainwright. 

Cotswold Way

What to do with all that gear? Hiking The Cotswold Way will keep you from steep peaks and keep you from missing out on picturesque stops. The route features a number of historic sites and rolling valleys before connecting with Chipping Campden, a bougie town in Wiltshire. The route can be done in 11 days, but it’s a great one for a slow stroll in the afternoon if that’s more your thing.

Pennine Way

There is only one wild and remote path that connects northern England with the Scottish borders – the Pennine Way. Though it might not be easy on your calves, your eyeballs will certainly appreciate the hilly route. It offers breathtaking vistas along the way, crossing the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, and Hadrian’s Wall.

The Ridgeway

British travellers and traders have used this trail over high ground, known as Britain’s ‘oldest road’, since prehistoric times. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful walk, offering panoramic views of the North Wessex Downs and Chiltern Hills. In Goring, you can kick off your shoes at Avebury’s Neolithic stone circle and relax a few days later beside the Thames.

Top 10 Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

Enjoying the fresh air, the sunlight on one’s skin and bare feet in the sand can bring us so many small pleasures, invigorating us and restoring our energy. There are lots of benefits to spending time outdoors, some of which you might find surprising. Whether you’re relaxing in your backyard garden with a refreshing iced tea or going on an exciting white water rafting trip, being outside has lots of benefits.

It Affects Mood Positively

There is a range of outdoor activities suited to all fitness levels and preferences. Whether it’s going swimming in the sea, walking the dog, or mountain biking, finding outdoor activities that you enjoy boosts your mood and makes you feel better. Time in nature also helps you to relax and think clearly.

Relieves Stress

Stress can be reduced by disconnecting from screens and spending some time outdoors. The simple act of going outside for five minutes each day can have a calming effect on our brains. A walk, hike, or other outdoor activity will get your blood flowing. It is yet another way to reduce stress.

It Improves Short Term Memory

How could you have ever thought that spending a little time in nature would improve your memory? Researchers from the University of Michigan found that students who went on regular nature walks retained information much better. So, if you want to boost your short term memory, go hiking or stroll in the nearest park.

Defends Against Inflammation

The body can become inflamed for a variety of reasons, such as depression, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Research has demonstrated that walking in the woods a little each week reduced inflammation in the body. Thus, if you want to help your body fight the inflammations, spend a little more time in nature.

Boosts Vitamin D

Certainly, too much sun can damage the skin and contribute to the creation of cancer cells. According to studies, being exposed to sunshine for between 15 and 20 minutes a day will allow the body to absorb vitamin D, which strengthens bones and reduces the risk of cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

Improves Sleep Quality

Our bodies can better regulate sleep patterns when we spend time in natural light. After the sun sets, our brains release the appropriate amount of melatonin to enable us to sleep well. Researchers have discovered that a week spent camping in winter resets the body’s “clock” to be in harmony with nature’s light and dark cycles.

Boosts the Immune System

Outdoor activities and exposure to sunlight can boost the immune system, according to research. Stay healthy by taking a short walk outside or enjoying a bit of time outdoors. Maintaining a moderate to brisk activity level for at least 30 minutes can help your immune system fight viruses and bacteria.

It Is Good for Your Vision

Eyesight can be damaged by staring at screens for long periods of time. We benefit from taking a break from staring at computers, televisions, or smartphones when we are outside. A study by Australian scientists even found that children who spend time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia in old age.

Creativity is Encouraged

A rainbow of colours can be seen in nature, from orange sunsets to seafoam green waters and rose-coloured gardens. Spending time outdoors offers the opportunity to be inspired by the amazing sights, sounds, and smells of nature.

Increases Spiritual Awareness

Walking in a park on your own provides an opportunity to clear your mind and can even be regarded as a form of meditation. When we spend time in nature, we are able to breathe in the fresh air, listen, feel, and live in the moment. Often, nature reveals meaningful metaphors that can assist us in connecting with our spirituality.

4 Best Books on Mushroom Foraging

Mushrooms are not too demanding when it comes to growing conditions, and there are thousands of different mushroom species out there. Meaning, it’s not too difficult to find mushrooms in the wilderness, but it’s difficult to know which mushrooms are edible. Knowing this information can come in handy in multiple scenarios. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself in the wilderness foraging for food, or you might want to know what some delicious mushrooms look like in order to prepare a better meal. So, let’s see some of the best books that you can use to gather edible mushrooms. 

Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Guide to Mushroom Identification

This is a guide written by Roger Phillips and it basically serves as an encyclopedia for fungi identification. The images that are featured in this book are amazing and you will learn a lot simply by looking at them. It’s not a book for beginners though, as it seems to be aimed at intermediate or advanced mushroom foragers. The style is academic and there is a lot of technical data included. 

Edible Mushrooms: A Forager’s Guide to the Wild Fungi of Britain and Europe

This guide is a better fit for someone who is looking to become a mushroom forager. It is written by Geoff Dann and it is a big book with over 500 pages, filled with useful information on different fungi. You will learn how to identify them based on appearance, smell, taste, and the places they grow. You will also learn about the type of equipment that you will need to get started, but as the title suggests it only covers specifics that can be found in Europe. 

Collins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstools

This is a pocket guide, so it will be more convenient for you to carry it around. It is written by Paul Sterry and Barry Hughes, and it focuses on fungi you can find in Ireland and the UK. It’s a perfect fit for both intermediary mycologists and casual or amateur mushroom lovers. So, if you are looking for a neat and useful field guide you cannot go wrong with this one, so long as you are in the UK.  

Complete Mushroom Book, The Quiet Hunt

An ideal pick for those who are foraging because they love to cook. This guide is written by Antonio Carluccio and the first part of the book contains illustrations and explanations on how to identify mushrooms in the field. The second part of the book contains recipes or cookery ideas that can inspire you to create lots of different meals, using the mushrooms that you can find. You can see just how passionate the author is when it comes to mushrooms, and you will likely be inspired to become a forager yourself. 

These were some of our top suggestions for books on mushroom foraging. Hopefully, you found these descriptions useful, and we helped you decide which book to get. 

Winter Hiking Tips

When someone mentions hiking, we all think of those captivating sun-lit landscapes with vivid colours before our eyes. However, there are many times when the weather is challenging. While many would think that staying home is the only option, hikers with a true passion for their hobby would beg to differ. Winter hiking is a popular option that true adventurers enjoy taking. 

It’s necessary to follow a couple of rules, though, so you can truly enjoy the experience.

Follow Weather Forecast

It might sound like obvious advice, but it’s not.

The winter weather can be very unforeseeable. You’ll likely check the weather day before your adventure begins, but do so a couple of times right before you head out. A good idea is to check multiple sources and compare what they say. You can make a better decision on what needs to be added to your backpack.

If you want to make sure you’re 100% ready, research the current path conditions on forums. You’ll know how much ice there is and whether the trail is safe.

Wear Backup Clothes

Even though you’re walking in freezing temperatures, you’ll sweat like crazy. Once you change, the wet clothes will quickly freeze and become unwearable. Pack enough clothing so you can rest assured that you can change several times on the trail.

To prevent sweating too much, move slowly to keep your heart rate steady. Take extra time when climbing hills. Usually, people get sweaty during a steep ascent. Pace yourself and move steadily.

Don’t forget to cover every inch of your skin to keep it safe from the cold. Prolonged exposure to cold and harsh air can lead to injuries. That applies to your nose, ears, and mouth!

Dress in Layers, but Strategically

You need to wear clothes in layers. It will keep you warm in the cold weather. Yet, it’s necessary to approach dressing clothing strategically.

Wearing too many layers will keep you too warm and will lead to sweating. On the other hand, you’ll quickly get cold with only a few layers. 

The goal is to dress more lightly while you’re on the move. Your body can keep breathing while your heart rate goes up but won’t sweat. Once you stop, though, getting more layers on your body is a must. You can stay warm despite being in one place.

Keep Your Food and Water Thawed

The cold weather is challenging in one more aspect. The food and water can quickly freeze, leaving you with no way to quench your thirst while resting. Luckily, you can take steps to prevent that from happening. The most important rule is to keep everything in your backpack but closer to your body. That way, the food will remain thawed as well as water. 

Furthermore, when preparing your supplies, take them hot from your home. Prepare hot water, turn the bottle upside down, as the top part gets frozen first. You’ll be able to drink the water even if it’s freezing. Just make sure that every container has a tight seal.

How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes

There’s a thin line between enjoying a hike and turning it into a hellish experience. A simple mistake of picking the wrong pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots can quickly lead to a painful memory. Luckily, a little bit of research goes a long way. Here’s how to find the best hiking shoes for your next adventure.

Understand Essential Differences

Before making any decisions, understand the fundamental differences between various hiking shoes and boots. It all starts with the types of boots that are available on the market. Each of them has a specific use.

  • Light hiking shoes – If you need lightweight footwear, these should be your pick. They are great for soft terrain and dry weather. They are equally comfortable for short and long tracks. But if you’re planning to go on different terrain, you’ll need something more durable.
  • Mountaineering boots – Rocky trails are typical in the hiking world. As you might imagine, you’ll need more robust shoes to help you endure rocky surfaces. Besides being more durable, these boots are warmer too, which is helpful for snow-covered paths.
  • Backpacking boots – These are the perfect pick for professionals, as they are incredibly durable and will get you through any type of terrain. Backpacking boots are for advanced hikers who enjoy being on the road for several days.

Before you head out to your first hike, learn more about the terrain. You can do it easily with one of the popular hiking apps containing details of thousands of paths.

Figure Out What Material You Need

When you’re looking for the best hiking shoes, pick a material that suits your needs.

  • Synthetics – If you’re looking for a water-resistant material, you should steer away from synthetics. However, shoes with polyester or nylon dry faster and are light to wear. They’re suitable for shorter day treks under clear weather.
  • Split-grain leather – These shoes are a mix of synthetics and leather. They’re more durable than synthetics. However, they’re still not the best pick for rainy weather.
  • Full-grain leather – Are you planning to go on demanding hikes, and do you want outstanding protection and durability? Full-grain leather is the way to go. Do some conditioning though, you’ll need it because the material is heavy.

It all comes down to the type of trail and weather conditions. If you’re planning to become an advanced hiker, it’s best to equip yourself with different shoes with these materials.

Pick a Cut That Works For You

Deciding which cut to use is an individual choice. For example, if the wearer experienced any kind of ankle injury in the past, they’ll find high cut the best option. Other options are low and mid-cut. Low-cut is the lightest, whereas mid-cut provides better ankle support.

The Most Useful Apps for Hikers

Hiking is a fun hobby for millions of enthusiasts around the world. It’s a perfect group activity, but many hikers go on their exploration journeys on their own. The experience of walking through nature with lungs full of oxygen is as close to liberty and peace as one can imagine.

Naturally, as time passes, hikers need more challenging trails that provide them with more exploration opportunities. Installing a hiking app can help passionate hikers find their next trail. With a vast database, there are a plethora of options available on the map.

Given how popular the hobby is, there’s a big selection of hiking apps for Android and iOS operating systems. Here are a couple of apps you’ll find helpful as a hiker.

AllTrails

AllTrails has a massive selection of trails maps. It’s the perfect partner for both novice and expert hikers as it allows its users to access maps with a couple of taps. More importantly, each trail map provides additional details, such as the trail length and difficulty. The social aspect also makes the app appealing, as you can add friends and follow each other’s hiking activities. The included trail reviews are the perfect depictions of the trails, helping hikers experience the trail before they venture it.

The app is available on iOS and Android, and there’s a free and paid version. If you want to access all the features, it’ll set you back $29.99 per year.

Spyglass

Spyglass offers unique features that ease the hiker’s navigation. While it’s available on Android and iOS, unlike many other apps, it’s not free. You’ll have to spend $5.99 to install it. However, it’s a one-time fee, and you’ll get lifetime access to the app. It’s more than worth it, as the app includes useful features that turn your phone into binoculars, star finder, altimeter, GPS receiver, and speedometer, among other things.

Having access to all this data is beneficial for active hikers, and this app should be on their phones.

The Hiking Project

The Hiking Project is the biggest community of people centered around hiking. The app is entirely free, and all of the information in the app is added by hikers. Furthermore, they also add relevant details about the trail, including reviews and things such as how much food and water supplies you’ll need.

If you want to join a global community of passionate hikers, installing this app is a must. Aside from offering plenty of features, the best part is that the app is free and that you can add your content for other hikers to enjoy.

PeakFinder

If you’re looking for a way to explore the trail in a completely different way, PeakFinder will allow you to do so. The app comes with a rich database exceeding 650,000 peaks. No matter where you are, all you have to do is point your camera towards the landscape you’re looking at, and you’ll see the labels of peaks in focus. The app is available on iOS and Android and is only $4.99.