ESSENTIALS OF HIKING GEARS
Outdoor activities are very important for fitness, exposure, learning new things, and making new friends. As much as we are on a journey to fulfill our goals our safety comes first. Being well-prepared for a hike can not be underrated. Ignorance does not have a chance when it comes to hiking.
Being prepared means having the right gear, knowledge, and a plan on what to do in case of an emergency. Preparedness involves knowing your environment well, what to expect, and how prepared you are to make your adventure seamless.
There are easy and very challenging hikes. A hike can be easy for you but for someone else it is hard. We all have different levels of patience, stamina, and resilience.
Something to note is that you should never take a hike rightly no matter the level. Trails change with the change of weather. Soil erosion can turn a smooth road into a rough one. Weathering of rocks can make an easy to climb slopes into a slippery one. Trees fall across the trails and you are forced to pass on top of them or under the trees.
If you are a beginner in hiking I advise you to start with short and easy to hike trails for example, Arboretum and Karura Forest. This hike helps to build your stamina and fitness.
Related: 5 Best Hiking Trails Near Nairobi
THE HIKING GEARS CHECKLIST
- FOOTWEAR
Investing in the right hiking shoes is the most important thing in hiking. You need comfortable shoes to walk comfortably. Your hiking shoes should fit how and where you hike. There are different types of hiking shoes. Low-cut models with flexible midsoles that are excellent for day hiking. Some may consider running shoes when covering long distances.
There are mid to high-rise boots. You can choose these shoes for a day hike or a short trip. Before you choose a shoe for hiking you should consider the following:
- The weather. The shoe should be comfortable in hot weather and cold weather.
- The condition of the trail. Some trails are swampy and muddy, some are rocky, and other trails are just smooth. Your hiking shoes should be flexible such that if a trail turns rocky, muddy, or swampy you are comfortable.
- The flexibility of the shoe. Your shoe should not be too tight or too loose. No one can withstand the nightmare of an ill-fitting shoe. You cannot imagine hiking a long distance with blisters and bliss. You ought to take your time to get a great fit.
- Clothing
When it comes to hiking clothes you need to go for comfortable, flexible, and easy-to-dry garments. The key to hiking clothes is to dress in layers such that you can add or subtract clothing as the weather changes. Your outfit can determine whether you will have fun or be uncomfortable as you hike.
An example of dressing in layers for your top is, wearing a lightweight long-sleeved shirt closest to your skin. A light long-sleeved top helps to protect your arms from sunburn and scratches while navigating the forest or bushy area.
For the mid-layer, add a heavy-weight breathable layer. It can be a vest, a fleece, or a long sleeve.
Outer-layer: you can add weather-resistant layer over the mid-layer, for example, a windbreaker.
For the bottom
The bottom part does not need laying. Leggings are the way to go for flexibility and when the weather is cold, thermal tights and waterproof pants when it is raining.
Choose non-cotton material for your hiking clothes. Cotton material absorbs moisture which in turn pulls away body heat. When cotton material gets wet they stay wet making you cold. Choose wicking fabric, and synthetics like nylon, polyester, wool, and silk.
- Backpack
When you are choosing a backpack there are things to consider. The capacity it can hold, weight it can handle, and comfort while carrying it. You should note that while hiking it is advisable not to carry too much weight but what is essential.
Your backpack should also be easy on your back. For comfort and hydration without going through the struggle of removing your bag to get water, get a backpack that you can access water easily through a straw
- Navigation tools
It is easy to get lost while hiking in the forest or up a mountain. You may be thinking this cannot be a problem because you have a phone, GPS tracker, and other gadgets. Remember gadgets lose signal or run out of power. You need to have an alternative in such cases.
Maps and compasses are regarded to be outdated by many but they come in handy. Some attraction sites sell maps at the gate for navigation for example Karura Forest. On other sites, you hire a guide to help you navigate the area you are exploring.
Related: Mt. Longonot Activities: Hiking Trails, Bird Watching, Biking
- Other essentials while hiking
Headlamps come in handy when it gets dark while hiking or when you want to explore caves while hiking.
A trekking pole is important for mountain climbing or climbing up steep slopes.
You will need sunglasses and ultraviolet goggles. You will also need sunscreen, such as Dermatone, to protect you from sunburn. A hat is essential to protect you from the sun and your hair from getting stuck on trees while hiking.
Gloves come in handy while hiking in windy and cold areas. They protect your hands from numbness and being scratched while hiking.
SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKING
- First Aid Kit
Injuries happen while hiking. It is important to fix small problems before they become big. Do not take just any first aid kit, make sure you can use it and you know what is inside. For adventure, you need something that will cover bump scrapes, little bits of abrasion, and bite stings.
The basic first aid kit includes:
- Asprin prevents clotting and heart attacks
- Ibuprofen for anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling.
- Acetaminophen reduces pain and fever.
Others are bandages, feminine pads, antibiotic ointment, alcohol prep pads, and burn gel among others.
- Water and hydration
Water is the main medicine during hiking. Change of altitude causes headaches, and the chest filling up among other problems. With water, all things problems are easily solved. Make sure you carry enough water while hiking.
Sometimes your hike may take longer than you had planned. You should have an alternative. Always bring along chlorine tablets, such that you can fetch water on your way and make it safe for drinking. Two weeks before the day of hiking increase your water intake for proper hydration during the hike.
- Snacks and nutrition
Energy is very essential while hiking. A few days before going for your hike make sure you eat heavy balanced food. If you are on a diet or intermittent fasting you should ease it and eat well in preparation for the hike. On the day of fasting take a heavy breakfast at least 3 hours before the hike. This will allow enough time for food digestion.
Carry enough snacks like meat sticks, energy bars, and dehydrated fruits they can also be dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, cheese, and crackers.
- Emergency equipments
You may find yourselves spending the night there and you had not planned for it. You should carry space blankets, firestarters like waterproof matches, and a butane lighter to make fire for lighting and warmth. Whistles are also very essential especially when you get lost in the forest.
NAVIGATION AND PLANNING WHILE HIKING
- Trail Search
A beginner hiker should start with a beginner-friendly trail. This helps to build your stamina and fitness for harder hikes. For example, you can go hiking Mount Kenya as a beginner you need to train in simpler hikes like Ngong Hills, Elephant Hills, and Mount Satima.
Choosing a hard trail for your skill level can easily demotivate you and make you give up on hiking. As a beginner, you should take things slow and practice your legs, lungs, and stamina.
- Weather Check
it is important to check the weather conditions of an area before going hiking. This helps you determine how you can dress for the hike and what to bring along. There is nothing as bad as being surprised by the weather while hiking.
- Informing others
Before going for a hike or camping make sure your close friends and family know you are going for a hike. If possible pin your location. This is very important for safety and easier to access when you need help. Anything may happen while camping or hiking in the wilderness.
- Timing
It is important to know the time a hike takes. This helps to plan yourself well and know what time you will leave to start your hike so that you be back on time. Most dangerous animals like lions, leopards, hyenas, and elephants loiter in the forest at dusk. When you are late getting back from your hike you, will meet them which is very dangerous especially if you do not have a guide.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION AND FITNESS FOR A HIKE
Physical fitness is important during hiking. You should practice aerobics two weeks before the hike by swimming, cycling, running, and weight lifting. This helps to prepare your lungs for the hike ahead.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY DURING HIKING.
When you go hiking make sure you leave the places the way you found them. If you have carried snacks do not litter the area with the wraps put them somewhere and leave with them. If the park insists on not feeding the animals make sure you adhere to it.
When you go hiking or cycling where there are animals like Hell’s Gate National Park make sure you give animals their space. Invading wild animals’ space can lead to serious damage.
TIPS FOR GREAT HIKING EXPERIENCE
To have a wonderful time while hiking make sure you know your pace and stick to it. There are slow hikers, fast hikers, and medium hikers. Knowing your pace is important so that you do not struggle to fit where you do not belong.
The most important equipment you can equip yourself with is the hiking spirit. Hiking is the best way to enjoy nature and bond with nature. Remember once you start the hiking journey, there is no going back you will crave more and more hiking experiences.
Related: Top Things to do at Ngare Ndare Forest
Hiking is fun, informative, and a great way to make memories.
