List of things to take on your hiking trip- The ABC's of top class gear!

Regardless of all the sophisticated high-tech devices, you've got, grab a paper map and route description or guide book, with a compass and a set of binoculars. There's always a chance of getting lost or delayed especially caused by climate changes like heavy fog, unexpected physical conditions, and injuries, and sometimes by wild animals that may divert your route. You could also opt for professional services like Aitken Spence Travels when trekking the unknown.

You definitely need plenty of water to get through the intense work. Escaping into the wilderness with friends or groups especially if you plan to camp out at night is all great, but make sure to avoid any kind of sodas and alcoholic beverages as they dehydrate the body. Unless you know for sure about a safe water source en route for a refill, it wouldn't hurt to pack in a lightweight water filter so you could drink water from a stream, waterfall or river.

When you hike through forests and hills, you carry your body weight plus you backpack all the way. So while you burn your energy fast, you also need to restore it to keep moving. Make sure to add some candy bars, snacks, granola, dried fruit and energy bars – they consume very little storage space and will be your ultimate source of strength.

You should always be prepared for unexpected injuries and tools to minimize further damages. Regardless of experience, skills and familiarity of a route do not be knuckleheaded! The basics include insect repellant, tweezers, aspirin, sanitized gauze, medical tape, bandage, antibiotic ointment, and glucose. If you are more experienced with medical knowledge you could carry a small suture kit as well, but don't carry an entire pharmacy.

Definitely take a whistle with you. If you are lost or hurt and in need of assistance, a whistle can surely help you be heard. But do not blow it for fun and get yourself into the 'Boy who cried Wolf!' situation where no one would take your call of emergency seriously. It is always useful to carry two-way radios to stay connected to your fellow trekkers, especially if it is a large group.

You never know how handy fuel can be if by any chance the hike is prolonged. You could use it to light a fire to keep you safe and warm at night, to boil some water and also cook some food. But be very mindful of the fuel you carry – you surely don't want to start a forest fire. Add some matches, dry paper that can be used for a fire if needed.

It's always best to take a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to prevent insect bites and sunburn. Don't be lazy to take one extra set of clothing and a hooded raincoat in a waterproof packing. Avoid cotton and any type of denim as they absorb moisture and do not dry fast enough.
Footwear is extremely important because your entire excursion is on foot. So take a comfortable pair of sportswear shoes or boots (highly recommended) to support your feet and ankles with long hours of walking and the weight you would carry. You certainly do not want cuts, bruises or blisters, so take the right fit paired up with quality socks.

You should take a flashlight and/or headlamp with extra batteries, and a tarp or tent to keep you safe and dry. Travel Sri Lanka anytime of the year and you would be amazed by the diverse climates such a little island could offer. Adding a blanket in a waterproof packing will be a treat as and when you camp out in the wilderness.

Who would want to come back home without a single picture of breathtaking views you see only when you go on a hike? Nowadays mobile phones almost by default have an in-built camera, but the lifetime of a single phone battery is too short to count on it for every need. So don't forget to take a camera to complete you foolproof hiking gear.