10 Essentials for Hiking Experts Never Trek without

I was shuffled through Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park when my foot hit something hard in the desert sand. I saw something shiny, and bent over to discover it. Grivory knife. My guide said “That is a great brand” before saying “You should buy that.” always hike with something like this“It can be of great help in the most bizarre scenarios.” 

I went on a camping vacation with EXP JourneysThe company offers private guided tours. I was learning a lot as a young city girl. Since I was with EXP Journeys’ professional guides, I did not have to worry. outdoor essentials You can also find out more about the following: didn’t They were already prepared for this long-term trip (it was only fortunate that the few hiking days I did as a child inspired the appropriate layers and garments for this trip). 

After my adventures with EXP Journeys, I was inspired to spend more time in nature. However, when I got home, I realized that I needed a list of things I could do. professional hiker-approved essentials It doesn’t matter if I am going for a short hike or an extended trip, I always pack the same way. Kevin Jackson and Maxie Jackson are my expert guides. key itemsThe obvious like a water purifierTo the wonderful bizarre, such as duct tape. 

The Top Hiking Essentials Recommended by Experts

Black Diamond Pursuit 30 Litre Backpack

You need a bag to store your gear. Jackson, who is the founder of EXP Journeys,  recommends the Black Diamond Pursuit Pack It is “large enough to fit my personal gear, with a hip belt and side pocket.” Johnson’s backpack is a good choice for a long journey. Osprey Aether pack For its airscape back panel, floating lids and signature Fit on the Fly adjustment. Osprey also deserves his appreciation for its customer loyalty.

He explained: “I used the Osprey Aether on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Trails, and many miles between them before the seams finally failed and the hipbelt broke apart.” “Osprey repaired my 12-year old backpack, but told me that it couldn’t be fixed. They sent me a brand new Aether and a letter thanking me for always being a loyal consumer.”

Benchmade Bugout Grivory knife 

A rope can be used for many things. Cutting rope, making a fire and repairing equipment are just some of them. Grivory knifeThe knife can be folded up and stored in your pocket to allow you to use it at any time. This is the type of knife I found at the sand dunes—a similar style to the knife my guide proudly presented to me only moments after I found it, to showcase how he doesn’t lead a trip without it. 

Although $200 might seem expensive, some hikers also give the Gerber StrongArm Serrated Fixed Blade KnifeThen, you can get the Civivi Mini Praxis Folding Pocket KnifeTheir stamps of approval are available for $35. 

Black Diamond Headlamp

“Even though I may be heading out for a hike early in the morning, I still have to pack my bag. I always have a headlamp Jackson, a guide who has spent over 600 days alone in the Southwest, including its National Parks, without counting solo hikes, said, “I always have a headlamp in my backpack.” He says his headlamp came in handy more than he can recall, such as when he planned to go on a day hike that he would return from by 4 pm. He recalled that they took the wrong path and ended up having to walk another five miles to get back to their vehicle. “It was very dark and the headlamp enabled me to safely return to the trailhead.”

Arc’teryx Gamma Waterproof Jacket

In the Southwest, my car was unexpectedly used. rain jacket If not for the passing shower of rain, you should wear it every day to protect yourself from the winds. Jackson said that she always carries a waterproof lightweight jacket, even if forecasts call for clear and sunny skies. Anyone who has been hiking in the backcountry is aware that weather conditions can change at any time. This waterproof windproof layer allows you to stay warm and dry.

Arc’Teryx’s Gamma Rain Jacket, a favorite of hikers, is weather- and tear-resistant, with four-way stretching and air flow to provide long-lasting comfort. But you can get the same durable design, lightweight and thoughtful features in Outdoor Ventures’ top-rated Packable Rain Jacket, $63, Marmot’s Men’s Precip Eco Rain JacketSale on. Columbia’s Arcadia Ii Jacket, $75, for less. 

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle

Even day hikers should pack a backpack, says Jackson. water purification system. He stressed that having clean water available in case of a problem with your supply could save your life. Day hikers have been known to get lost in the Southwest when they set off without enough water. They thought it was just 4 miles. The sun can be very intense and water is a necessity.

The Katadyn BeFree Water bottle has a built in filtration system to clean on the go. Go Series Water Bottle from LifeStraw, the brand that stands behind best-selling water-filtering straw. The portable has also been given by hikers. Sawyer Mini Water Filtration SystemAmazon has more than 35,000 5-star reviews.  

Buff CoolNet UV+ Multifunctional Neck Gaiter

When I think of neck garters, I immediately think of snowboarding. But after EXP gave me a gaiter to use on our hike, I realized its versatility as a lightweight, insect and sun protection. “When hiking in deserts, I use my neck gaiter Jackson said that the neck gaiter is a must-have in any climate. (On cold weather trips, it can keep you warm underneath your beanie.) 

Jackson, who was leading a family in the Southwest on a hike, had some bottles of ice packed in his backpack. It was an incredibly hot day. He recalled that when it got really hot, he asked his group to dip their neck gaiters in ice water and put them on their head. The water immediately cooled everyone down. As soon as they dried off with the dry air, we continued to do it. It made the hike more enjoyable. 

Duct Tape

I always wrap duct tape Jackson described this unusual essential for hikers. “I carry it with me on all my trips, whether I’m carrying a water bottle or a trekking pole.” I have used it to repair tents, close rips on down jackets and to fix blisters. It has even been used to attach sticks to create a pan handle. Although he admits that the pan handle is not the best way to use duct tape, the tool can be used in a variety of ways.

Levi’s Cotton Bandana

Johnson, the EXP Journeys lead guide, said: “This simple square is my most useful item.” “I rarely leave home without a bandana. I would never go backpacking without at least one. He lists the bandana’s multiple uses as a camp towel, pot grabber, makeshift sling, water filter, trail marker, or—on one dramatic occasion in the Rocky Mountains—a tourniquet: “It is the cheapest and most versatile item in my packout, and every season, I discover at least one novel way to put it to use.”

Dr. Bronner’s Camp Soap

You’re going get dirty while hiking, so pack some supplies. If you’re planning to hike for several days, there’s no way to refresh yourself at a luxury campsite each night.Dr. Bronner’s Camp Soap [is famous] Johnson stated that the soap is useful for more than just washing hands. When I was hiking the Appalachian Trail this small bottle of concentrated soap did more than just clean my dishes. It also cleaned off trail dust, and served as my toothpaste. (I used the Peppermint version, to be precise !).”

Johnson gives an example of a recent application, when a customer hugged a Ponderosa Pine and needed to scrub off the sap. He says that a little bit goes a very long way.

iMongol Cashmere Crew Socks

Why do contestants on Survivor The “luxury item”, which is a luxury item, can be brought to remote places like a dessert island. Johnson explains that “having something special to look forward every day is magical and uplifting, and helps me weather less-than-ideal situations.” Johnson suggests something “useful yet indulgent,” such as a pair of merino cashmere socksOnly to be worn in camp after a day of walking (save the cushioned, sweat-wicking, and odor-resistant wool socks The trail). Johnson stressed the importance of choosing an item that doesn’t take too much space. This allows you to: “Carry only the essentials, but also reward yourself with a small treat.”

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