All those who have hiked, know how great it is with the correct equipment. The need for equipment varies depending on how much you hike. As I write this, I understand the need for Gore-Tex equipment, as we in the area of Banff in the Canadian Rocky Mountains have received about 75mm of rain in two days. Below we will look at some items which form the basis of the equipment.

Rucksack

Everyone who has hiked understand the importance of a good rucksack. Even if you’re just on a short day trip, it will be made easier when you can carry your essential items in a bag that sits comfortably on the shoulders.

Flannel Shirt

Synthetic and technical garments are very sought after, but a classic flannel shirt deserves its place in the list of hiking clothes. One moment you may need to keep warm or cover your arms from the sun, rain, wind or mosquitoes, when you all of a sudden you may need to roll-up your sleeves and open the flannel shirt because it’s too warm.

Water Bottle

A durable, lightweight water bottle is a clear choice for your hiking equipment. Even in cooler weather, hiking requires you to drink a lot of water. If you’re lucky you may be able drink from crystal clear mountain water, if you are in the right place in the world.

Hat

A quality hat protects against the sun, rain and wind at the same time as it keeps you warm in cold weather. The hat becomes a central part of your equipment, and is that cherished item that it hurts to lose after many exciting adventures together. A high quality bucket hat is both stylish and functional, as you can easily roll it up and store in your pockets.

Lightweight Cutlery

On longer hikes, you will feel every gram packed in your rucksack. With titanium cutlery, you can enjoy your meals, at the same time as the lightweight cutlery doesn’t cause your shoulders any pain.

Speaker

Just like how lightweight cutlery saves weight, a speaker is a nice companion which brightens the day during a short day trip. Some thoughts we send along the way: in nature it is wonderful to enjoy the moment, the surroundings and the sounds and atmospheres that are already there. Don’t be the person who plays their favourite music at maximum volume in front of many other people. It may also be worth thinking extra about packing before starting a long trip, as each extra gram becomes a very unwanted burden during long trips.

Deck of Cards

For those who have experienced being rained in inside a tent around the Arctic Circle during days of constant snow even though it is the month of July, realises the life-saving value of a good deck of cards. Win your hiking companions over with this deck of cards.

Cargo Shorts

Warm days are best accompanied with a pair of comfortable, stylish shorts with functional pockets, perfect for hiking. These shorts from the hiking legend Columbia are a welcome companion for a hike.

Watch

Should you become lost, then your watch can be a life saver, as it can act as a compass and help you to navigate. Turn yourself around so that the hour hand is pointing towards the sun. Then find the point between the hour hand and 12 O’clock on the watch face. This point shows the latitude south direction. With a shock resistant, waterproof watch on your wrist, you’re not only safe when it comes to navigation, you also look stylish.

Hiking Shoes

The shoes you wear whilst on a hike is the most important thing to get right. Comfortable shoes which take the weight of the things you are carrying, and fit your feet without discomfort, is important. Choose your hiking shoes with care.