5 Must-Have Items to Take with You when Hiking by K Gordon Schultz April 6, 2016 written by K Gordon Schultz April 6, 2016 0 comment 0FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail 773 When going on a vacation many people want five-star service, amazing amenities, wonderful entertainment and permanent room service. Not me, though – for me, the perfect vacation is to put on a backpack with three days worth of food and water and get lost in the wilderness – on foot. Hiking is a wonderful way to rediscover your place in nature, and to run away from the madness of everyday life. But hiking is not a walk in the park – you have to prepare for your first venture into the wilderness. Here is a list of five must-haves you should not leave home – or the hotel – without. Table of Contents 1. A first-aid kit2. A phone3. A sleeping bag4. Trekking poles5. Good hiking boots 1. A first-aid kit Cuts, bruises happen – so you’d better be prepared for them. A first-aid kit has to contain disinfectant, bandages, some generic drugs for headaches and their likes, scissors and all the essentials for treating minor injuries you suffer while on the road. 2. A phone Ideally a satellite phone for emergencies – but in most areas an average smartphone will do. It will make it easier to kill time by the fire, to check out casino reviews here or to help you keep in touch with your friends and family. In an emergency situation it can be a lifesaver, too. Make sure to take a battery pack with you – power outlets are rarely found in the forest. 3. A sleeping bag When you go to the mountains, you’d better be prepared for chilling nights. Sleeping under the stars, by the fire, sounds great – but only if you have something to keep you warm. Sleeping bags are usually lightweight and take up just a little space, but make all the difference when night falls. 4. Trekking poles Trekking poles can be very useful when hiking. For one, they can help you cover more ground in a day – you can use them to push yourself forward while walking, for less effort and a better speed. But their importance shows best when you are going uphill. But they are extremely helpful when you go downhill, too. A 1999 study in The Journal of Sports Medicine has shown that using these poles takes a lot of pressure off your knees – literally – when going downhill. They can reduce the compressive force that pushes on your knees by up to 25%. 5. Good hiking boots If you plan to hike, make sure your boots are up to the task. Avoid cheap variants – they are usually not worth their price. It’s not just about comfort (although that’s important, too). But your feet being soaking wet and hurting halfway around your trip can be a downer for everyone. 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail K Gordon Schultz K Gordon Schultz is a well-known figure in the golf community and currently serves as the President of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having spent many years working in the golf industry. Schultz has been a member of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club for over 40 years and has been actively involved in the clubโs operations since he joined. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2001, becoming Club President in 2005. In 2019, he was acclaimed as Club Vice-President, assuming the role of Club President again in 2022. In addition to his work at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Schultz is also an avid traveler. He has visited over 30 countries around the world, on all continents. But his most enjoyable travel experiences have come from within Canada, visiting many of Canada's National Parks including Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Grasslands National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park and Pacific Rim National Park. Along with golf, he enjoys scuba diving, biking, hiking and relaxing with a fine Pinot Noir. previous post Water Purification in the Banff National Park Backcountry next post 3 Reasons for Buying Handspun Yarn in Banff You may also like Why Itโs Important to Take Breaks While Hiking... September 7, 2023 Mist Mountain Hot Springs: Where Nature Meets Relaxation March 24, 2023 Hiking the Columbia Icefields: Full Day Trips Proving... January 26, 2023 Hiking Lake Agnes and the Plain of the... December 12, 2022 Hiking the Incredible Iceline Trail in Yoho National... November 16, 2022 Pigeon Mountain Hike – How To Do It... October 15, 2022 The 11 Best Canmore Hiking & Walking Trails May 13, 2022 Four Easy Walks and Hikes That Make Banff... April 27, 2022 Tunnel Mountain – A Canadian Rockies Starter Hike April 18, 2022 The Best and Easiest Walk in Banff April 18, 2022