You need more than
Essential Gear
There are a few necessary camping accessories that can’t be skipped or missed.
The basic camping essentials include:
1 – Tent
If you are going to overnight hike, you need a tent. The most basic one is a traditional inverted V-shaped tent that is usually for two-persons. Larger versions allow adults and children to walk around inside with relative comfort. If you are camping with children, and you need more room, look for the hexagonal tents.
When buying a tent, consider these
- how many people you will be housing
- the weight if you have to pack it into your camping spot
- how easy or difficult it is to put up and down.
2 – Sleeping bags
Sleeping bags come in different sizes, from children’s bags to extra-long, from lightweight, ultra-warm to very durable.
Usually, we look for the lightweight, easy-to-care-for fabric.
3 – First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit is a must for every hiker and camper. Most sporting goods stores sell compact and reasonably priced first aid kits. First aid kit should contain bandages of all different sizes, antibacterial cream, pain medication, disinfectants, tweezers, gauze, scissors, and a tensor wrap. Some lotions or creams for insect bites and sunburn prevention are also a great idea.
4 – Cooking surface
A fire might not always be possible, depending on fire restrictions, or the weather. A small, portable propane stove can be a lifesaver for heating food and water.
5 – Food
Take some extra food, just as a safety precaution if the trip lasts longer than intended. There are pre-packaged and freeze-dried foods that are simple to carry.
Many garage sales will have used camping gear, an excellent way to get camping equipment at a small cost.
Essential Skills
For a safer and more enjoyable hiking trip, learn a few necessary skills first:
- Learn basic first aid. Do you know how to treat blisters? Can you recognize the symptoms of hypothermia? Good things to know.
- Learn to pitch a tent. You should learn to set your tent up quickly and pitch it tightly. Do it wrong and the wind will tear the seams, or the rain will come in.
- Learn how to stay warm. Try camping in the yard, to see how blocking the wind and staying dry can keep you warmer.
- Learn fire-making. Try to start a fire even if it’s raining. Try to start a fire with one match.
- Learn to cook over a fire. It’s not as easy as it seems. Cover the pan, block the wind, keep the fire concentrated – practice, and time yourself.
- Learn about plants. Knowing how to identify wild edible berries can make a trip more enjoyable.
- Learn navigation. Maps don’t help if you don’t know where you are. The same is true for compasses
- Learn to watch the sky. Learn the basics of predicting the weather, like is a lightning storm coming or not.
- Learn how to pace your hike. Learning how to move smoothly over rocky territory means you’ll be less likely to twist your ankle and be less tired.
You don’t need to be an expert, but it can help to know a little more though.
How to get the most value from your gear
Get the best value from the gear you have to ensure maximum backcountry enjoyment. Here are ways to get the most out of your outdoor gear and your backcountry adventure.
1 – Purchase the best gear you can afford
A great backpack will make all the difference for your trip. This applies to all of your gear whether it’s rain gear, a sleeping bag, or stove. Try to get the most value for your money. Don’t buy too cheap!
2 – Learn to use your gear
Take time to study all of the features of your equipment before the trip. Learn the proper weight distribution for your backpack. Take time to practice around your home before your trip.
3 – Take care of your gear
Clean and properly store all of your equipment upon your return. Check your straps, fuel, waterproofing, and batteries?
Tips for Landscape Photography Opportunities on Your Hike
When you’re hiking, look for these landscape photography opportunities:
- The warm glow of the sun at the end of
day - Mists and changing patterns of clouds
- Sunlight filtering through trees and playing on the landscape
- Snow on the mountain tops, or a stream in full flow
- Cliffs with the glistening sea lapping onto the shore
To produce a great landscape photo, you need to understand how light affects the scenery.
On your next hike look for:
- Shapes and texture that create round and angular patterns
- Colors that show harmony and discord
- Dark and light tones
- Shadows and highlights
So the next time you’re out on a hiking trip, also observe the details in the landscape. Maybe photograph a small section of the bigger picture.
Try to capture the essence of the landscape in front of you. But don’t forget to enjoy the hike.
