Exploring the outdoors is one of the trendiest activities. More and more Australians are hitting the trails and setting up camps to connect to nature and enjoy every benefit. Yes, hiking and camping have many physical and mental benefits like increased muscle and bone strength, reduced stress and anxiety, improved cardiovascular health and much more.
Although these activities have many advantages, they also come with a set of risks. So, to enjoy a safe hiking and camping trip, you can’t just grab your phone and go. Here are the essentials you should bring on every outdoor adventure.
Tent
It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking or camping, having a tent with you will greatly help. But choosing one is not a simple task. There are some things to consider. Do you have a lot of luggage and equipment? Will you sleep alone or with company? Answering these questions will help you choose the size. An average person needs around 2 square meters of space. If you have company, look for more space.
Then, there’s also weight to consider. When you’re walking for a long time, you don’t want to drag around a heavy tent. That’s why manufacturers made them as lightweight as possible, 1.8–2 kg on average. Spring, summer and autumn tents are lighter and the winter ones are heavier.
Additionally, take a look at the tent’s construction. Double-wall models are a better choice because they have a main and a rain-fly section. Single-wall ones can make you feel damp due to the increased condensation.
Tents often feature some mesh panels as well. They provide cross-ventilation. Cabin-style models will give you more space and additional height. If you want something strong and wind-resistant buy a dome tent.
No matter which style and size you choose, remember that the tent is part of the essential hiking and camping equipment for your adventures.
Bivy Bag
Alternatively, you can use a bivvy bag instead of a tent. It’s a one-person shelter that will provide you with a higher level of protection than a sleeping bag would. Compared to a one-person tent, they are more lightweight, compact, and comfortable. In severe weather conditions, it’ll keep you warm and provide a safe place to stay.
These bags are lightweight, waterproof and breathable. They’re also simple to use and require a minute to set up. With a pole that lifts up the area around your head, you won’t feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable. A lot of the more lightweight bivvy bags have a metallised foil. It’s very similar to a rescue blanket and provides additional insulation.
The bottom layer is normally made of urethane-coated nylon, which makes it waterproof. The top layer is covered with breathable laminate and it’s crafted from ripstop nylon, a lighter variety of nylon. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of gear that will come in handy no matter if you’re hiking for a day or camping for a week.
Navigation
Hiking and camping are usually risk-free outdoor activities, as long as you’re prepared and know how to navigate the Australian bush. By knowing where you’re going, where you’ve been and how to get back safely, you’ll have a great and carefree outdoor experience. Be mindful of potential emergencies and escape routes if things don’t work out as planned.
Learn to read a topographic map and bring one with you. To make things easier, also get a compass. It requires no batteries to function and doesn’t weigh a lot. A GPS device will also be valuable. With it, you can keep track of your location wherever you are.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated outdoors is very important, especially on a demanding hike. One of the best ways to do so is to have your own water bottle. This simple piece of hiking and camping equipment should have insulating properties. This way the liquid inside will remain hot or cold for at least 12 hours.
Look for a bottle with an easy-to-open lid so you don’t have to struggle during the walk. One with an ergonomic design will also be more comfortable to use. High-quality, durable materials such as aluminium and stainless steel should be your first choice. They’re sturdy and won’t damage easily.
Food
Planning your meals ahead of the trip will make packing the backpack much easier. You can’t just bring a bag of potatoes and a big pot. Going camping or hiking will limit your food options. You’ll still get your 3 meals a day and some snacks, just in a different form.
Don’t worry though, camping food can still be delicious. There are plenty of tasty and nutrition-rich foods you can enjoy.
Pack a variety of snacks, such as fresh produce and foods with a number of textures, flavours, and salts and spices. Nutrient-dense nuts and seeds are lightweight, compact, and a delicious snack. Dried fruit is a longer-lasting choice than the fresh options. It’s also a fantastic source of antioxidants and carbohydrates.
Avoid bringing raw meat. You can substitute it with jerky. Jerky is protein-rich, dried beef that is convenient to pack and store. Campers and hikers often bring dehydrated meal packs that contain breakfast, lunch, and supper.
Lighting
Staying in the middle of the woods without a light source is never a smart idea. Bring a good flashlight. One with 160-200 lumens will do a good job of lighting your way. Make sure it’s made of durable materials that can withstand a lot of bumps, falls and splashes of water. These flashlights can be battery-operated or rechargeable.
A lot of outdoor enthusiasts prefer the rechargeable option because they don’t want to bring spare batteries with them. Extra features like an SOS light, strobe light, magnet, clips, or infrared are always welcomed. This piece of equipment for hiking can be a lifesaver in some situations, so don’t forget to put it in the backpack.
Multitool
A multitool can be very practical to have. It has plenty of tools, such as a can opener, screwdriver, knife, pliers, tweezers, scissors, corkscrew and much more. You can use it to prepare a meal, start a fire, fix something or even defend yourself from animals.
Multitools can be made of 3 materials. Stainless steel, titanium and aluminium. All of them have their pros and cons, but they’re all durable, strong and stand up to a lot of wear and tear.