Whether it’s a day hike or a multi-day hike, you want your experience on the trails to be FUN! And in order to make sure it stays that way, the best thing to do is to be prepared.
So, what are some items that can enhance your hiking experience?
Some of the items on the list below can work for year-round hiking, and they can work out for winter hiking (and camping) too. There are a couple items on this list that can make great hiking gifts as wearable technology.
This is a guest post by the creators of Torch, the world’s first portable winter jacket heater. This winter wearable gadget makes a great hiking gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. It made the Amazon launchpad gift guide for outdoor adventurers which is a list consisting of what Amazon deems to be the brightest startups!
Here’s the quick list of some of what to wear hiking in winter:
- Sturdy hiking boots: To wear for supportive and comfortable shoes on varied terrain
- Winter jacket heater: To wear in your jacket to stay warm and comfortable
- Multi-day hiking backpack: To wear that’s versatile and comfortable
- Hydration system on your back: To wear so it’s easy to stay hydrated on the trails
- Earmuff headphones: To wear so you can stay entertained while keeping your ears warm
And then another item that deserves a spot on your packing list for winter hiking:
Now, onward from the creators of the Torch jacket heater about why you just might want these items when hiking…
Items to enhance your hiking experience
Hiking is an uplifting and invigorating exercise that engages the mind as well as the body. A good hike can take several hours, and sometimes even days, for a little camping fun, so comfort and safety are key to an enjoyable experience. I’ve compiled a list of innovative and useful gear that will make any hike a breeze:
1. Tower Trek Boots
Arguably, one of the most important pieces of gear a hiker needs are sturdy, comfortable, and weather-resistant footwear. Garmont’s Tower Trek GTX’s are exactly that. The soles feature deep lugs made to conquer any terrain and provide good grip and support. It boasts of rubber arcs that provide protection from sharp rocks and protruding objects and a 2.5mm microporous layer for cushioning and comfort.
2. Torch 2.0 Coat Heater
Friction Gear Co., the makers of the Torch coat heater, have created a new and improved version, aptly named the Torch 2.0. Compared to it’s predecessor, the 2.0 is 30% more efficient, and has three high-powered heat settings that keep you toasty warm despite frigid temperatures. Both heaters are portable, battery-operated and rechargeable, specifically designed to fit easily into any of your favorite jackets. With a single charge, the 2.0 can last for up to four hours and with a nifty USB port, you can charge any device while staying warm. Outside for longer than a few hours? Just pack a power bank and you’ll never run out of reliable heat.
3. Osprey Aether AG 70 Backpack
This sleek but versatile backpack from Osprey is the ultimate way to transport all your needs with you as you hike. Winner of the Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year Award for 2017, the Osprey Aether AG backpack is a wonder for outdoor activities. It uses their Anti-Gravity tech, allowing you entire back to stay cool as you move and has amazing space at a 60-liter capacity. It includes various compartments, dual front compression straps, and straightjacket compression. Its size makes it perfect for long trips and comfort, makes it easy to carry.
4. Aquakara Hydration Pack
One of the most important parts of hiking is staying hydrated, but carrying bottles of water takes up space, and can be an inconvenience. The simplest part of hiking is the ability to backpack. The Aquakara is a wearable hydration system that fits comfortably on your back. Elastic panels located on each side allow it to move with its wearer, providing a lightweight and comfortable feel. At the bladder’s 1 litre capacity, it remains sleek and discreet without hindering its wearer’s movements.
5. Sound Huggle Earmuff Headphones
Keep your ears warm while staying entertained on your hike with earmuff headphones! The Sound Huggle earmuff headphones are stylish, warm, and operate cordlessly via Bluetooth. You can listen to music, a motivational podcast or even take a call, all with ease and with your ears warm. If you no longer need to use them, put them in your jacket pocket thanks to their collapsible feature.
6. Mountain Backpacker First Aid Medical Kit
This first-aid kit in the mountain series by Adventure Medical Kits was put together for hardcore backpackers, hikers and overall outdoor enthusiasts. This remedies all common outdoor woes like cuts, scrapes, burns, allergies, dehydration, and more. Built to last two people for a four-day trip, and comes with a copy of “A Condensed Guide to Wilderness Medicine” by Eric A. Weiss. It also features an external kit map, so you can find supplies quicker and semi-transparent pockets for easy location. Want to upgrade the kit with your own safety supplies?
Be sure to check the portable winter jacket heater to keep you warm when you’re out and about in cold weather!
Remember, it can make a great gift for outdoor enthusiasts! 😉
And watch the video below to learn more too.
HAPPY HIKING IN WINTER!
more clothes to wear hiking in cold weather
what to pack in your first aid kit for developing countries
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling