Zoey Adams
There is one golden rule you should follow before going on a hiking trip. You should be thoroughly prepared. Here are some of the things you should have with you before departing.
Any hiker is prone to lose all orientation. This would happen even when you hike as a team. So you need to ensure that you know where you are and where you are headed. For that, make sure you have a detailed and well illustrated map plus a proper working compass. When you have these two guides in hand, you have hardly anything to worry about your way around.
You cannot do anything without water. In fact it is the secret of life. In fact it is what keeps you going when you hike. Even when you hike during colder seasons, you will have to use up quite a bit of energy – that means you need plenty of water. When the weather gets hotter, you are more likely to be dehydrated and you will need hydration. So make sure you carry a good amount of water all the time.
Apart from water, you need other "fuel" for your body as it were such as fruits, granolas bars and peanut butter to keep your energy going. Simply said, you need a lot of calories as you burn them a lot when hiking. So make sure you carry these foods with you, though do not carry too much since it will add to your weight. If you happen to go hiking in destinations such as Bhutan make sure you have some substance with you since outdoor excursions do take a lot of time. Consider basing yourself at a Bhutan hotel such as Uma by COMO, Paro, Bhutan which makes an ideal starting point to your adventures.
Hiking outdoors can have its share of accidents or injuries. You are roaming in the wilderness. So anything can happen to you. Before setting out, you need to be familiar with what to do in case of a medical emergency. Then carry a first aid kit. This will make things easier and you will be able to deal with most emergencies without much difficulty. You will more likely experience small cuts and bruises while hiking. So remember to be equipped with plenty of disinfectant and band aids.
Weather is unpredictable and it can change at any moment. So it is better to be prepared when it pours down. Proper preparation will keep you from getting thoroughly drenched. This does not mean you have to carry a tent around. Just carry a rain suit that works absolutely well in keeping you dry during showers. Rain suits should be light and comfortable.
When the weather turns cooler it is always good to have something with you that can start a small fire. There is equipment such as waterproof matches or an emergency fire starter. Even tinder like fire sticks would serve the purpose. This is really necessary as you will never know when you may need it.
