What to take on a hike: the minimum required

Spring reminds of its presence not only by the numbers on the calendar, but also by the blue sky outside the window, the foliage on the trees, and the temperature. This means that now is the time to check your readiness for the new travel season, prepare your equipment and think over your travel plans.

Of course, adherents of different types of outdoor activities have their own specific requirements for equipment, and personal preferences leave an imprint. I have seen people who, even on the most difficult ascents, carry a guitar and a whole set of dishes with them, and there are extreme people who can literally do without everything. But there are still objects, the presence of which is necessary, and without which you simply cannot survive in the wild.

So what is the minimum set of things you absolutely must take care of before traveling?

Real backpack

The choice of a backpack must be approached with the utmost care. The success and safety of your hike largely depends on the backpack. A bad model can ruin your rest with an uncomfortable fit and rubbing, or even fail at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, preference should be given to special models of well-known companies that are sold in tourist shops. In no case should you buy a backpack on the market just because it looks like a real one and is cheap.

Compass

You ask, why else is this ancient compass, if you have a modern smartphone with Google Maps or even a real tourist GPS in your pocket?

Exclusively for safety reasons, as an emergency means of orientation in difficult situations. And these situations arise, as you know, exactly when they are not expected at all. Your smartphone may fall and break, and the gps-navigator may run out of batteries. And it is at such moments that a compass is taken out of your pocket and all the knowledge of orienteering that is in your head begins to be remembered.

Container with water

If you happen to be on hiking trips, then you know that the most important value is water. When planning the route, attention must be paid to the location of the springs, and the day's crossing takes place in such a way that there are several places on the way to replenish the water supply. Therefore, a water tank is another vital item that you will need on the go.

Comfortable shoes

If you are going on a hike, make sure you have sturdy, comfortable boots. They should keep water out, protect you from sharp stones, and prevent you from falling on slippery slopes. But most importantly, the shoes should be comfortable. There is nothing worse when new, specially bought for outings in nature, boots rub your calluses and do not allow you to step a step. Therefore, it is imperative to carry and check the quality of the shoes before leaving the house.

First aid kit

We are all healthy, cheerful and happy, we hope for the best and do not even want to hear about any accidents and health problems. After all, trouble can happen to anyone, but not to us, right?

The modern city dweller is too lulled by the environmental safety and does not have much idea that it could be quite different. However, when on a trip you realize that qualified medical assistance, and indeed any help, is just a few days away, then you start to relate to your safety in a completely different way. Moreover, in the field, even a slight abrasion or food poisoning can cause serious problems. So the presence of a first-aid kit on the way is mandatory, although, of course, it usually lies without use. By the way, who is interested in the approximate filling of the first-aid kit, you can see.