Camping and hiking are the two most adventurous activities for any traveller. For many travellers, it’s more than an endeavour, as it allows them to learn more about nature and wildlife. Travellers who avoid staying at expensive guest houses and hotels can save a lot of money by staying at economical campsites. However, there could be multiple reasons for such outdoor activities.
Camping and hiking should be considered before planning a trip. Some of the recommendations for a safe and enjoyable trip are mentioned below. You must consider the below-mentioned points when you plan your trip next time.
For campers
Tents:
This is one of the most useful things to carry while camping. Tents come in different shapes, sizes, and prices; however, you can carry a swag or bedroll sack, if you want to travel hassle-free. Such canvas rolls can be easily foldable and are often waterproof. If you are going to camp in a jungle or wet area, it’s better to take a waterproof travel hammock, especially one equipped with a mosquito net.
Sleeping Bag:
 Sleeping bags must be selected according to the weather. Compactness is another factor that must be considered; however, it is costly. To get a peaceful sleep, consider taking a sleeping mat. A good sleeping mat can prevent the cold from reaching the surface, especially during the winter.
Packing:
You must not pack too many clothes. However, the ones you keep must be dry, especially your socks and underwear. Keep your bag loose to avoid any wear and tear while traveling. It’s better to leave the Frisbee and other space-occupying gadgets or instruments at home.
Clothing:
 Keep the best and the ones that comfort you. You can keep light and dry pants along with shorts made up of breathable fabrics. To handle extreme weather, it’s better to keep a wind jacket. You must also keep a compact towel that is capable of absorbing moisture.
Coffee:
 You don’t have to give away your love for coffee, even when you are in the wild. There are various options for preparing coffee in such conditions. There are several portable insulated cups available for this purpose. They are easy to carry and clean. You just need to add coffee, hot water, and other ingredients to it. However, if you are a coffee snob, you can take freshly roasted beans and a grinder along with you.
Cooking and drinking:
Camp stoves are the most ideal piece of equipment for cooking while camping. However, there are plenty of other efficient options available these days. The Woodgas camp stove is another low-smoke and economical option to consider. For drinking, it’s better to avoid heavy glass bottles and go for a wineskin, where you can transfer your wine.
Water purifying:
If you are not used to drinking water from a flowing stream or any kind of water hole, you better pack some purifying water pouches. However, various gadgetry microfilter-enabled water cans can be easily carried along. The microfilter technology helps kill bacteria with UV treatment.
Solar charger:
Solar chargers are quite helpful in keeping your gadgets powered up all the time. They can be easily used along with mobile phones, so you won’t miss any email or Facebook posts even when you are camping. There are many such chargers available on the market, especially the ones made by Joos.
Salves and cosmetics:
These are the things that are often missed by most of the campers. Since camping involves moving from one place to another, sometimes in unfavourable conditions, it’s better to keep insect repellant and cosmetics like sun cream, itching cream, etc. You must keep a prickly heat powder if you are camping in tropical terrain. This would help in providing relief in extremely hot and humid conditions. In addition, if doused at night it can help you to sleep calmly.
First-aid kit:
A basic first-aid kit must include bandages, dressings, adhesive tape, antiseptics, painkillers, etc.
For hikers
Hiking is a kind of activity that must be planned. You must inform your family members, friends, or even the local ranger.
Binoculars:
Hiking is known to bring unexpected surprises. It’s better to keep binoculars for viewing birds, animals, and other wildlife. A digital binocular will give a better view with the ability to record; however, it would be costly. If you are not too tight on budget, you can go for DEV digital recording binoculars from Sony. The binoculars possess the ability to record video in full HD resolution, giving a realistic view of animals like crocodiles down below.
Hydration pack:
Wineskin is the best option to carry water while hiking. However, you can also use a hydration pack. Some of the best hydration packs are made by Camelback, which helps keep your hands free. A hydration pack can be easily stuck in a backpack, as it is a water sac with a threaded tube. However, it is not advised to drink water from the pack while climbing a rock.
GPS:
Any smartphone with enabled GPS can act as a perfect GPS device. However, you should not depend upon other applications, like the inbuilt map application. These apps work only when there is connectivity on the mobile phone, hence are not reliable. In addition, poor battery life is another issue faced in most smartphones. Hence, it’s better to take a dedicated GPS unit, like from Garmin or Magellan. Most of the professional GPS devices are tough in their built and include topographic maps.
Stop leeches:
While hiking on leech terrain, you might experience blood-sucking leeches that might cause injury. Since there is no fail-proof method, it’s better to take precautions. There are various methods adopted by hikers to get away with such creatures. It includes using a strong insect repellent or wearing leech-proof socks. Even waterproof boots or leg gaiters would do. Alternatively, you can stick with a salt-soaked cloth at one end. This would help in getting away with leeches.
Trekking poles:
Hiking requires a good rhythm and support, especially if you are hiking on steep terrain. You can make use of hiking sticks or walking poles to make things easy. However, you should not carry them unless you need them. For example, if you have issues with your knees or if you are hiking through difficult terrain, you can probably carry them.
Essentials kit:
A first aid kit is the last thing you must carry while hiking. You must also include some lightning material like matches or heat packs to avoid getting cold at night. In addition, keep some extra set of woolen clothes, if you are hiking in winter. Other essential items include a knife and torch.
