How to be Prepared for a Long Hiking Vacation

Guest Post by Rebecca Crawford.

So you decided to go on a long hiking vacation? Well, congrats! We hope you’ll have lots of fun, but to spend a carefree and stress-free vacation, you need to prepare before you go. Here are some essential tips on how to be prepared for a long hiking vacation.

Check the Weather

Before you even start packing, you’ll want to know what kind of weather you can expect during your vacation trip. This way you can pack and prepare everything accordingly. Check the internet and local forecast reports. If you expect big storms, play it safe and do a rain check on all the fragile or non-waterproof things you plan on carrying.

Pack Essentials

You can’t have a stress-free hiking vacation without some essentials, right? Here’s a list of what you NEED to pack in your bag for a hiking trip:

• Insulation – No matter the weather, pack an extra layer of clothing in case the weather changes.
• Navigation – Use a compass, GPS or a good map to stay on the right trail.
• Camping knife – Hiking without a knife is like kayaking without a paddle. If you don’t have one yet, take a look at this comprehensive article on the best camping knife one could have.
• Sun protection – Even when the forecast says it’s going to be cold, hikers get plenty of UV exposure. Take care of your skin with plenty of sunscreen, a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Fire-making supplies – Lighter or waterproof matches are a must-have item in your bag when going on a hiking trip.
• Light – Make sure you bring a lightweight flashlight or a headlamp. Check batteries before leaving.
• First-aid – Many camping/hiking stores sell pre-packed kits of first-aid supplies, you can even find one in the nearest supermarket.
• Food – Pack enough nutritious food for all of the days of your vacation.
• Hydration – Pack multiple water bottles, just in case.
• Shelter – Pack a lightweight tent and a sleeping bag for carefree and cozy nights.

Use the “Buddy System”

It’s a smart idea to always notify your family and friends about your trip and place/wood before you go. Also, it’s good that you have companionship, so consider travelling with at least one close friend or a family member.

Dress for Success

Dressing with more light layers of synthetic materials that are waterproof, will give you a chance to stay comfortable and change according to the weather. If you plan a hiking vacation in winter, then wear a hat to retain the warmth and a puffy synthetic jacket. Avoid cotton socks no matter what the weather will be. They often cause blisters and often get wet.

Rebeccalives in the USA but loves hiking all over the world. Her favourite is the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy the mountains, the company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passions is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She writes for hikingmastery.com.

Do you follow these steps when you go for hikes? What are your methods for preparing for a long hiking vacation? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.