Hiking is a very satisfying pastime but, unfortunately, not always the safest one. After all, what you’re doing is essentially braving the trail far away from the amenities of modern civilization. Such an environment means that you should be as prepared as possible for anything nature might throw at you.
The experience here is worth its weight in gold, but so is the essential equipment trekking enthusiasts might need to avoid unpleasant situations. A trip into the mountains can do wonders for your mental health, no matter whether you are struggling with work-related stress, coping with divorce, or feeling slightly apathetic, but if you fail to prepare adequately, you’ll risk having additional problems to worry about.
It is not nearly enough to simply bring with you warm clothing and good-quality hiking boots. Because of the unpredictable nature of trails, you should always get a number of essential items, including a GPS map, a sturdy flashlight, a flare gun with extra rounds, a first aid kit, and even a satellite phone. So before you buy a trip to The Manaslu Circuit, read the info below and understand why these items can make such a difference!
A GPS Map
A map can be incredibly helpful when hiking and trying to go somewhere new. However, carrying around a paper map requires you to constantly stop to see where you are and then adjust your route accordingly. It’s a bit of a bother, to say the least. But not if you have a GPS map with you. Unlike phone-based solutions, this device has much better signal reception capabilities, allowing you to keep track of your location, all no matter where you are. This means that you’ll be able to adjust your route as necessary without worrying about getting lost or having to toss away an extra paper map in case they need it.
A Good-Quality Flashlight
It can be really dark out there on the trail, especially at night. If you’re used to seeing street lights and the other lights of civilization, you might be surprised by just how dark it can get when you’re off the beaten path. A flashlight can be a lifesaver in such environments, as it will allow you to see a path that would otherwise be invisible to your eyes. It will also allow you to see around you while you hike or camp and keep your campsite well-lit when you need it. A good flashlight will also ensure you don’t trip over anything in the dark.
A Flare Gun and Extra Rounds
Hiking is an advantageous activity, but it can also be potentially dangerous if you don’t prepare for any possible danger. This is where a flare gun comes in handy. A flare gun is not one of those things that hikers usually bring with them on a regular basis, but they are handy in case of an emergency. You might have to shoot a flare out of the sky in order to alert potential rescue helicopters to your presence if something happens on the trail and you’re being searched for. Flares can also prove useful in case of an avalanche or flood. Most likely, you won’t have any use of it, but as the old adage goes, “better safe than sorry.” For maximum effectiveness, consider coupling it with a survival signal mirror that you can use in the event all of your flares weren’t enough to get the attention of the emergency choppers.
Hiking essentials in every backpack
A First Aid Kit
Getting injured on a hike is always a possibility, and you should do everything possible to prevent this from happening. However, accidents happen sometimes, and you should be ready for them. This is where a first aid kit comes into play. You should always make sure that your first aid kit includes bandages, gauze, disinfectants, pain relievers, and other items like this so that you can treat minor cuts and scrapes. You should also include some pain and anti-diarrhea medication in case things go wrong while you’re on the trail.
A Satellite Phone
A satellite phone is a device that aims to help hikers who find themselves in trouble on the trail. This device allows users to call for help no matter where they are, no matter how isolated they might be from civilization. It works in much the same way as a normal cell phone does but uses satellite technology instead of cellular towers to make calls. This is why it’s so powerful and why it makes such a difference for hikers who find themselves in trouble on the trail – you’ll most likely have good reception even in the middle of nowhere, dozens of miles away from the civilization.
Conclusion
Hiking is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, although it can also be potentially dangerous. This is why you should always come prepared and make sure your hiking gear is as good as possible. Take the information above and use it to purchase a number of useful hiking essentials that will greatly enhance your survival chances during an emergency on a trail! Good luck!
